Hobsons Bay · Nearby area · confirm availability
Electrical & air enquiries in Altona North3025 · Heating & cooling, too.
Planning work in Altona North? Tell us about the property and the job. Our Altona Meadows team will check availability and discuss the electrical, heating or cooling help you need.
REC 38187Scope explained before work
The local picture
Work that fits your property
Altona North, in the City of Hobsons Bay just north of Altona, is a suburb of contrasts. Established houses line the older residential streets, newer townhouse developments fill blocks that once held a single home, and commercial precincts are part of the mix. Each asks something different of the wiring and the heating and cooling. An older house is usually running far more appliances than its board was first set up for. A townhouse may share a driveway, a meter position or a cable route with the neighbours. Total Comfort is family-run and based in Altona Meadows, so one local team handles the electrical work and the air conditioning together.
Every installation is different. We start with the symptoms, existing equipment and access, then explain the work needed and the options available.
- Local council
- Hobsons Bay City Council
- Property settings
- Established houses, Townhouses, Business premises
- Booking
- Nearby enquiry area. Address, scope and availability are confirmed first.
- Hours
- Mon–Sat, 7am–5:30pm
Homes in Altona North
Established houses on the older streets
Many of these homes have been extended or updated in stages, and the switchboard often shows it: a row of newer breakers beside older fittings, or one safety switch that covers only some of the circuits. If your house was built more than 30 years ago, Energy Safe Victoria says the wiring should be checked. We trace what each circuit actually feeds before suggesting any upgrade, because the age of a house alone does not tell you the condition of its wiring.
Townhouses and subdivided blocks
Where one house has become two or three, the electrical layout gets more complicated. Meters may be grouped at the front of the block, cable runs can cross a shared driveway, and outdoor air-conditioning units often end up in a narrow side setback or on a balcony. Tell us early whether the switchboard and driveway are shared, since that decides the cable route and how we get access. It also matters when you add something heavy, like an EV charger or a second split system, to one dwelling.
Shops, offices and workshops
The commercial precincts bring a different kind of job: lighting that runs long hours, power for equipment, and split systems in offices and showrooms. A fault in a workplace costs trading time, so we ask about opening hours, the equipment affected and whether a shutdown needs to be planned. You get a fixed price for the agreed scope before anything is switched off.
Heating and cooling in Altona North
Comfort in Altona North depends heavily on the house type. An established home commonly has an older gas ducted heater, sometimes with a split system added to the living area years later, and the two rarely share controls. A townhouse is more likely to rely on reverse-cycle splits from the start. The Victorian Government says a reverse-cycle system more than 15 years old will typically use more than three times the energy of a modern one, so an ageing unit is worth assessing before it fails outright.
Common jobs in Altona North
Explore the work, what a visit involves and the questions to ask before booking.
Switchboard Upgrades
Old fuse boards replaced with modern breakers and safety switches.
Split System Air Conditioning
Split systems installed, repaired or replaced, circuit included.
Power Point Installation & Upgrades
New, extra and relocated power points, inside and out.
EV Charger Installation
Wall chargers for your electric car, on their own circuit at home.
Interconnected Smoke Alarms
Alarms that all sound together, wired or wireless.
Electrical Repairs & Fault Finding
Finding out why circuits trip, flicker or go dead, then fixing them.
Local notes
Hobsons Bay, and the certificate that follows the work
Altona North is part of Hobsons Bay City, the same council area as Altona, Newport and part of Brooklyn. The electrical paperwork follows statewide rules. Energy Safe Victoria lists air conditioning as non-prescribed work, and the electrician must give you a copy of the Certificate of Electrical Safety within 30 days. Work on the main switchboard, consumer mains or meter box is prescribed and needs an inspection by a licensed electrical inspector.
Hot days on the Laverton record
The Bureau of Meteorology's Laverton station, west of Altona North, averages 27.0 days a year at or above 30 °C and 9.4 days at or above 35 °C, most of them between December and February. The Victorian Department of Health suggests checking that your air conditioner works before extreme heat, having it serviced if needed, and keeping filters and vents clean. Late spring is a sensible time to book that check, before the first run of hot days.
Worth reading first
- Asbestos in old switchboards and meter boards: what owners should knowWhich old switchboards, meter panels and fuse parts may contain asbestos, why nobody should drill, cut or clean them, and how a suspect board is replaced.
- Buying a home: an electrical checklist for open inspectionsWhat buyers can safely check at an open inspection, from the switchboard and safety switches to smoke alarms, power points and sheds, and what to ask the agent.
- Buying a rental investment: electrical and heating checks before settlementWhat to check against the rental minimum standards and 2027 energy standards before settlement, and what to ask a seller with a renter in place.
From your enquiry to the finished job
Step 1: Tell us about the property
Share your Altona North address, what is happening and the work you have in mind. Equipment models and clear photos can help.
Step 2: Confirm access and scope
We discuss availability, the checks required and who can approve the work. Any visit or travel arrangements are explained.
Step 3: Understand the options
The existing installation is assessed and the proposed work and price are explained before you decide.
Step 4: Complete and hand over
Agreed work is completed and checked, the area is tidied, and the relevant operating advice and documentation are provided.
Electrical + heating + cooling
Explore the full service range
All services
Every electrical, heating and cooling service, by category
Repairs & faults
Power off, breakers tripping, sparks or a burning smell. Found and fixed properly.
- Electrical Repairs & Fault FindingFinding out why circuits trip, flicker or go dead, then fixing them.
- Power Outages & Loss of PowerWhole house or half the house out? What to check, and when to call.
- Safety Switch (RCD) Installation & TestingSafety switches fitted, tested and replaced to cover every circuit.
- Burning Smell from Power Points or SwitchboardA hot or burning smell from a fitting, point or switchboard.
- Sparking Power Points & SwitchesSparks, scorch marks or crackling at a point or switch.
- Flickering & Dimming LightsLights that flicker, dim or pulse after a new globe.
- Power Point Not WorkingOne outlet or a run of outlets that has gone dead.
- Circuit Breaker Keeps TrippingA breaker that trips again, or trips with one appliance.
- Power Out in Part of the HouseSome rooms dead while the rest of the home has power.
- Safety Switch (RCD) TestingTrip-time testing of every safety switch, with a record.
- Faulty Safety Switch ReplacementA safety switch that won’t reset, or fails its test.
Upgrades & safety
Switchboards, safety switches, smoke alarms, rewiring and EV chargers.
- Switchboard UpgradesOld fuse boards replaced with modern breakers and safety switches.
- Smoke Alarm InstallationHardwired, interconnected smoke alarms fitted, tested and replaced.
- Surge ProtectionSurge diverters fitted at the switchboard to protect your appliances.
- Home Rewiring & RenovationsRewiring older homes and wiring renovations, extensions and kitchens.
- EV Charger InstallationWall chargers for your electric car, on their own circuit at home.
- Dedicated Appliance CircuitsSuitable supplies for air conditioning, cooking and EV charging.
- Home & Rental Electrical Safety ChecksAn inspection of the installation, with findings explained.
- Fuse Box ReplacementOld ceramic fuses replaced with breakers and safety switches.
- Switchboard Upgrade for Air Conditioning, EV or InductionRoom on the board for a new system, charger or cooktop.
- Hardwired Smoke Alarm InstallationMains-powered alarms with battery backup, fitted properly.
- Interconnected Smoke AlarmsAlarms that all sound together, wired or wireless.
- Smoke Alarms for Rental PropertiesRental smoke alarm checks, replacements and records.
- Rental Electrical Safety CheckThe two-yearly Victorian rental check, with a report.
- Pre-Purchase Electrical InspectionKnow what the wiring and board need before you buy.
- Old Wiring ReplacementRubber, fabric and early TPS cabling found and replaced.
- Renovation & Extension ElectricalKitchens, bathrooms and extensions wired to plan.
- New Home Electrical Fit-OffElectrical for new builds, from rough-in to fit-off.
- Switchboard RepairsFaulty breakers, loose connections and damaged boards repaired.
- Circuit Breaker & RCBO InstallationRCBOs and breakers added or replaced, circuit by circuit.
- Electrical Mains UpgradesLarger consumer mains when the home needs more supply.
- Single Phase to Three Phase UpgradesThree-phase power for large ducted systems, EVs and workshops.
- Meter Panel UpgradesOld meter boards brought up to current standards.
- Smoke Alarm ReplacementExpired, faulty or chirping alarms swapped for new ones.
- Electrical Compliance CertificatesCertificates of Electrical Safety for every job we do.
- Electrical Defect RepairsDefects from an inspection or report fixed and signed off.
- Electrical MaintenancePlanned checks and small repairs that keep a home safe.
- Tesla Charger InstallationTesla Wall Connector installed on its own circuit.
Lighting & power
LEDs, garden lights, security cameras, power points, fans, ovens and cooktops.
- LED Lighting UpgradesOld halogens and fluoros swapped for LED downlights and fittings.
- Outdoor & Garden LightingGarden, path, deck and sensor lighting wired for outdoor conditions.
- Power Point Installation & UpgradesNew, extra and relocated power points, inside and out.
- Ceiling Fan InstallationCeiling fans fitted, braced and wired, with or without a light.
- Oven & Cooktop InstallationElectric ovens, cooktops and induction wired in on the right circuit.
- Security Lights & Floodlight CamerasSensor lighting and powered floodlight cameras for your entry.
- LED Downlight InstallationNew downlight layouts and replacement of tired halogen fittings.
- Pendant & Feature LightingPendants over benches, dining tables and feature spaces.
- Induction Cooktop InstallationCooktop upgrades with the circuit and switchboard checked first.
- LED Strip LightingStrip lighting for kitchens, stairs, shelves and ceilings.
- Dimmers & Smart Lighting SwitchesDimmers, timers and app-controlled switches and scenes.
- Sensor LightsMotion and dusk-to-dawn lights for paths, doors and drives.
- USB Power PointsDouble points with USB-A and USB-C charging built in.
- Outdoor Power PointsWeatherproof outlets for patios, garages and gardens.
- Bathroom Exhaust FansDucted exhaust fans that actually clear the steam.
- Rangehood InstallationRangehoods wired, fitted and ducted with the cooktop.
- LED Oyster Light InstallationSlimline LED ceiling lights for halls, laundries and bedrooms.
- Shed & Garage ElectricalPower and lighting for sheds, garages and workshops.
- Bathroom Heat Lamp & 3-in-1 InstallationHeat, light and exhaust in one bathroom ceiling unit.
- TV, Data & NBN CablingTV points, data cabling and NBN cabling.
- TV Point InstallationNew TV points wired where you want the screen.
- Data & Ethernet CablingWired network points for home offices, TVs and gaming.
- NBN Cabling & RelocationCabling and power so your NBN and router sit where you need them.
- CCTV Security Camera InstallationWired and Wi-Fi security cameras, planned and installed.
- Video Doorbell & Intercom InstallationHardwired video doorbells and intercoms, set up on your phone.
Air conditioning
Split, ducted, multi-head and evaporative systems, supplied and installed.
- Split System Air ConditioningSplit systems installed, repaired or replaced, circuit included.
- Ducted Reverse Cycle Air ConditioningWhole-home heating and cooling, with the electrical done too.
- Multi-Head, Bulkhead & Floor Standing SystemsFor rooms where a standard wall split won't fit or won't do the job.
- Evaporative CoolingEvaporative coolers installed, repaired, replaced and serviced.
- Split System ReplacementReplace an ageing unit and review the sizing, location and supply.
- Ducted Air Conditioning ReplacementReplacing a tired ducted system, reusing ducts where sound.
- Multi-Head Split SystemsOne outdoor unit running several indoor heads.
- Bulkhead Air ConditioningConcealed ducted units built into a bulkhead.
- Floor Standing Air ConditionersFloor consoles for rooms where a wall unit won't suit.
- Evaporative Cooler ReplacementReplacing an old roof-mounted evaporative cooler.
- Evaporative to Refrigerated ConversionSwapping evaporative cooling for reverse-cycle ducted.
- Heating & Cooling for New Homes & RenovationsSystems planned and installed with the build or renovation.
- Ducted Air Conditioning RepairsDucted reverse-cycle systems that won't heat, cool or start.
- Ducted Air Conditioning CleaningFilters, return grilles and outlets cleaned for better airflow.
- AirTouch 5 InstallationAirTouch 5 zone control for ducted systems, set up room by room.
- Smart Air Conditioning ControlsWi-Fi and app control for split and ducted systems.
- Air Conditioning Thermostat ReplacementOld or faulty wall controllers replaced and set up.
- Air Conditioning Duct ReplacementOld, crushed or leaking ducts replaced in the roof space.
- Air Conditioning Vent & Grille ReplacementTired, yellowed or noisy vents and grilles replaced.
- Multi-Head Split System ReplacementReplacing an old multi-head system, outdoor unit and heads.
- Multi-Head Split System ServicingEvery indoor head and the shared outdoor unit serviced.
- Multi-Head Split System RepairsOne head or the whole multi-head system not working right.
- Evaporative Cooler RepairsCoolers that leak, won't pump water or blow warm air.
- Evaporative Cooler Pad ReplacementClogged or smelly cooler pads replaced before summer.
Heating & hot water
Gas ducted heating, heat pumps, hot water, and bathroom and outdoor heaters.
- Gas Ducted HeatingGas ducted heaters installed, repaired, replaced and serviced.
- Heat Pump HeatingReverse cycle heat pump heating, sized, installed and wired.
- Gas Ducted Heater ReplacementReplacing an old gas ducted heater, like for like or better.
- Gas Ducted Heater RepairsHeaters that won't ignite, cut out or blow cold.
- Switching from Gas to Electric HeatingMoving from gas heating to reverse-cycle heat pumps.
- Heat Pump Hot WaterHeat pump hot water systems supplied and installed.
- Heat Pump Hot Water ReplacementSwapping an old or failed hot water unit for a heat pump.
- Heat Pump Hot Water RepairsHeat pump units that run cold, trip or make noise.
- Electric Hot Water ReplacementFailed electric storage units replaced like for like or upgraded.
- Bathroom Heater InstallationWall heaters, towel rails and ceiling heaters for bathrooms.
- Outdoor & Patio Heater InstallationElectric radiant heaters for alfresco, patio and pergola areas.
Service & repairs
Servicing, breakdowns, leaks, zoning and ductwork on any system.
- Heating & Cooling ServicingPreventative servicing for split, ducted, evaporative and gas systems.
- Breakdown Repairs & Fault FindingHeating and cooling faults found, explained and fixed properly.
- Refrigerant Leak Detection & Re-GassingLeaks found and repaired before the system is re-gassed.
- Smart Thermostats & Zone ControlHeat and cool only the rooms you use, and control it from your phone.
- Ductwork Repairs & AirflowDamaged, leaking or poorly laid ducts repaired, replaced or rerouted.
- Split System Cleaning & ServicingFilters, drainage, airflow and operation checked before peak use.
- Split System RepairsWater leaks, error codes, weak cooling and systems that will not start.
- Ducted Air Conditioning ServicingReturn air, outlets, zones and system performance checked together.
- Evaporative Cooler ServicingPads, water supply, pump, drainage and airflow checked.
- Gas Ducted Heater ServicingArrange gas heater maintenance with the correct licensed trade.
- Air Conditioner Not CoolingRunning but blowing warm air, or not keeping up in heat.
- Air Conditioner Leaking WaterWater dripping from the indoor unit or down the wall.
- Heater Not WorkingGas ducted or reverse-cycle heating that won't start or heat.
Sources for the rules and local facts on this page
9 sources, with the date each was checked
- 1..id (informed decisions), Hobsons Bay City Council community profile: Hobsons Bay City includes the suburbs of Altona, Altona Meadows, Altona North, Brooklyn (part), Laverton (part), Newport, Seabrook, Seaholme, Spotswood, South Kingsville, Williamstown and Williamstown North. Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 2.Energy Safe Victoria: 'Prescribed' certificates are for electrical installation work that requires inspection by a Licensed Electrical inspector. This includes (but is not limited to): Consumer mains cables, main switchboard, meter box and… Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 3.Bureau of Meteorology: Mean number of days ≥ 30 °C 6.9 6.0 4.5 0.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.9 2.8 5.1 27.0 82 1943 2026 Mean number of days ≥ 35 °C 3.6 2.4 0.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.5 1.9 9.4 Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 4.Better Health Channel (Department of Health, Victoria): Check that your fan and air-conditioner works well. Have your air-conditioner serviced if needed. Ensure the filters, pads and air vents are clean. Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 5.Energy Safe Victoria: Old switchboards, particularly those without a safety switch Old power switches or power points, particularly broken ones Flickering lights Sparks from switchboards, switches or power points. If your house is over 30… Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 6.Solar Victoria (updated 2 October 2025): A system that is more than 15 years old for example will typically use more than three times the amount of energy than a modern reverse-cycle air conditioner. Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 7.Energy Safe Victoria: If a switchboard is required to be replaced then as per clause 2.6.3.2.5 (Alterations to installations and replacement of switchboards) of AS/NZS 3000: RCD’s are required on all final sub-circuits. Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 8.Building and Plumbing Commission (formerly Victorian Building Authority): Homes constructed after 1st August 1997 must have smoke alarms connected to 240V mains power and have a backup battery. Homes constructed before 1st August 1997 may have smoke alarms powered by a battery. Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 9.Fire Rescue Victoria: Residential home constructed, largely renovated, or extended after 1 May 2014 Interconnected, hard wired smoke alarms that are connected to 240 volt mains power and have a back-up battery. Accessed 30 September 2026.
Your questions
Booking work
in Altona North
Local information and practical answers before you arrange a visit.
Often, yes, but the route matters more than the charger. We need to know where your meter and switchboard sit, where you park, and whether the cable would cross common property. If the driveway is shared, you may need agreement from the owners corporation or your neighbours before a cable is run across it. We also check that the board has capacity for a charger alongside your air conditioning and cooking.
Not necessarily. A mixed board usually means circuits were added in stages, so the first step is working out what each one feeds and which are protected by a safety switch. If the board is replaced, Energy Safe Victoria notes that the Wiring Rules require RCDs on all final sub-circuits, so every one of them ends up with safety-switch protection. You get the options and the price before anything changes.
It depends on when the home was built or last largely renovated. The Building and Plumbing Commission says homes built after 1 August 1997 must have smoke alarms connected to 240V mains power with a backup battery, while older homes may have battery alarms. Fire Rescue Victoria's summary says homes built, largely renovated or extended after 1 May 2014 need interconnected, hard-wired alarms. Alarms are generally replaced after ten years, and new units carry an expiry date under the battery.
Both. Along with homes, we handle lighting, power, fault-finding and air conditioning for shops, offices and small workshops. For a business enquiry, include your operating hours, the equipment affected and whether a shutdown needs to be arranged, so the work can be planned around trading.
It depends on the ducts, the layout and how you use the house. If the ductwork is sound, a ducted reverse-cycle system may be able to reuse some of it and adds cooling in the same system. Splits or a multi-head system can suit if only a few rooms are used most of the time. We explain the running and installation trade-offs honestly.
Altona North is open for service enquiries. Send the full address and a description of the job, and we will confirm whether we can help before arranging a booking. Inclusion in this directory does not guarantee an appointment or a particular response time.
For a townhouse or subdivided block, tell us whether the switchboard and driveway are shared. This helps plan cable routes and access.
Yes. Tell us about all the work you are considering, including new appliances, lighting, a charger or changes to heating and cooling. The quote can take account of the electrical supply, available space and installation sequence. The final scope is explained before work goes ahead.
Include the owner or property manager's contact details and who can authorise the job. Tell us whether access needs to be coordinated with a tenant, an owners corporation or building management. These arrangements are confirmed before a visit.
The price depends on the fault or installation, equipment, access and any changes needed to the existing system. Describe the job and share useful photos or model numbers. We explain the proposed scope and price before work begins; availability and any travel arrangements are confirmed when booking.
Our team works Monday to Saturday, 7am to 5:30pm, and appointments are booked within those hours.
What people say after we've been
5.0Google rating from 21 reviewsCouldn't be happier with Total Comfort Electrical & Air. I had a few quotes for the same job, but found some were extremely overpriced and others were quite pushy without really explaining why the work needed to be done. Aaron was completely different. He took his time, explained the job in detail, gave me more than one option and made sure I actually understood what I was paying for. He was extremely easy to deal with, did a great job and left everything clean and tidy. His price was competitive and the quality of the work was fantastic. It's honestly great to find a reliable tradesman who you can trust. Would definitely recommend Aaron and Total Comfort Electrical & Air!
James WalshGoogle review · Aaron was knowledgeable and gave his time and expertise / which was spot on. Also recommended another tradie who was needed for the job and was also excellent. Would highly recommend.
Louise FoleyGoogle review · 10/10 experience with these guys. Aaron did a fantastic job with the electrical work at my property and even gave me some spare light bulbs. He's a true gentleman and absolutely fantastic with kids. My daughter was so impressed she now wants to be an electrician! 😂 Highly recommend Aaron and the team!
Sven GoldringGoogle review · Aaron was exceptional, I couldn't recommend him highly enough! He recently did some work at our house and was knowledgeable, tidy and genuinely lovely to have around. Our three year old followed him around for practically the entire day, and he was so patient and kind, happily chatting with her while he worked. We're so happy with everything he did and wouldn't hesitate to use him again.
Elli GoldringGoogle review · Fantastic job today. Aaron arrived on time (was accurate in how long it would take), very professional, explaining everything as he went. Gave me extra tips on what to do in the future with my appliances. Best of all, he did a really good job (and really nice bloke). Would highly recommend.
Cath TullyGoogle review · Really experienced electrician who did a good quality job, would definitely use again
Ross WilsonGoogle review · Aaron did a great job of replacing a faultilt installed aircon on a 3 story townhouse. This wasn't a straightforward install given the property & there were suspected old leaks and further tests had to be done. He has many years of experience and talks you through it, manages the process and manages the expectations, timing delivery etc of more complex issues. He's really knowledgeable at what he does, and I got a free consult generally on my home and what would increase efficiencies in my home across the board. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, for the attention to detail and care you put into the work.
DeeGoogle review · Would absolutely recommend Aaron/Total Comfort- he helped me choose which was the best option for our needs, was really friendly, professional, punctual and left the bathroom spotless!
Georgina HughesGoogle review · Aaron simply came to my rental to quote an exhaust fan. I was impressed by his explanations and honesty. He took the time to explain all facets of the task. I ended up asking him to install/service more than just an exhaust fan!
David HenricusBathroom Exhaust Fans · Aaron assisted us to upgrade our mains and conduct some other electrical work in our 70's build house. He was very communicative, informing and provided us with different cost options before going ahead. Great service and professionalism!
Dan BElectrical Mains Upgrades · Aaron was super professional, did a fantastic job fixing my switchboard which was left in a complete mess by the solar / battery installers. Also installed an EV Charger, ceiling fans and replaced a split system. He didn't rush any part of the electrical works and was completely thorough and asked where and how I wanted everything installed.
Garrick WilsonEV Charger Installation · Super efficient service. Aaron explained everything and was able to carry out the work straightaway. Very happy with my new oven. Highly recommended.
PatriciaOven & Cooktop Installation ·