Hobsons Bay · In our service area
Electrician & air conditioning in Newport3015 · Electrical, heating and cooling
Electrical repairs, safer power and year-round comfort for homes and properties in Newport. Talk to one team about the fault you need fixed or the upgrade you are planning.

The local picture
Work that fits your property
Newport grew in the Federation and interwar years with the railways and related industries, and its streets still show it: single-storey weatherboards with verandahs, a scattering of older Victorian cottages, post-war houses in West Newport and townhouses on blocks that have been split. For electrical and heating work, that mix means no two houses start from the same place. One has a new kitchen running off an original lighting circuit; the next has a well-wired rear extension and the old fuse board still by the front door. Total Comfort plans the switchboard, circuits, heating and cooling together, so one job doesn't box in the next.
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
- Period cottages, Weatherboard houses, Townhouses
- Booking
- Published service area. Contact us for available appointments.
- Hours
- Mon–Sat, 7am–5:30pm
Homes in Newport
Period weatherboards and cottages
Many of Newport's older houses have been altered more than once, so a single house can hold cable from three or four eras. A board with circuits added over the years, power points that never kept up with the appliances, and joins hidden in the roof from earlier jobs are all common. Age alone doesn't condemn the wiring. We test each circuit on its actual condition, then tell you what can stay, what should be replaced now and what can wait for the next stage of the renovation.
Post-war houses
Houses built after the war were wired for a lighter load: a few lighting and power circuits, a stove and not much spare room on the board. Since then many have gained a bigger kitchen, a heater or two and far more electronics than anyone planned for. It's common to find the kitchen, laundry and a heater sharing one power circuit, which is why the breaker goes when the kettle and heater run together. Before air conditioning, an induction cooktop or a car charger goes in, the switchboard needs checking.
Townhouses on split blocks
Where one older house has made way for two or three townhouses, the wiring is newer and the board usually has safety switches, but everything is tighter. Meters may share one enclosure, driveways and walls can be common property, and there are few spots for an outdoor unit that suit both the airflow and the neighbour's bedroom window. If there's an owners corporation or a shared-services arrangement, mention it when you enquire, because it affects where equipment can go and who needs to approve it.
Heating and cooling in Newport
Weatherboard houses warm up fast and lose heat just as quickly, especially where walls and floors were never insulated. At the Bureau's Laverton weather station, July averages a minimum of 5.2 °C, and Victorians typically use more energy for heating than cooling. A reverse-cycle split with a strong heating rating in the living area is the usual starting point. Many period homes still run a gas wall heater or floor-ducted gas; if you're weather-sealing and keeping an open-flued heater, ask a gasfitter to check its ventilation.
Common jobs in Newport
Explore the work, what a visit involves and the questions to ask before booking.

Renovation & Extension Electrical
Kitchens, bathrooms and extensions wired to plan.

Fuse Box Replacement
Old ceramic fuses replaced with breakers and safety switches.

Old Wiring Replacement
Rubber, fabric and early TPS cabling found and replaced.

Split System Air Conditioning
Split systems installed, repaired or replaced, circuit included.

Switching from Gas to Electric Heating
Moving from gas heating to reverse-cycle heat pumps.

Interconnected Smoke Alarms
Alarms that all sound together, wired or wireless.
Local notes
Newport's weatherboard heritage precinct
The Newport Estate Residential Precinct is significant for its intact Victorian, Federation and interwar houses: mostly single-storey weatherboards with a front verandah or porch, hip or gable roofs in terracotta tile or corrugated iron, and low timber-framed front fences. Newport is part of Hobsons Bay City. If your street is in a heritage precinct, ask the council what applies before anything new goes on the front of the house. We plan the outdoor unit, conduit and external lights for the side or rear wherever the house allows.
West Newport's Housing Commission estate
The West Newport Estate heritage precinct, generally bounded by Challis, Croker, Market and Melrose streets, was designed and built by the Housing Commission of Victoria between 1945 and 1960. Its heritage statement notes it was the first Commission estate to use Fowler prefabricated concrete products from the Holmesglen factory. For any job there, we check how the walls and ceilings are built before promising a cable route or an air-conditioning pipe run, rather than assuming the timber frame of a typical weatherboard.
Worth reading first
- Choosing and placing a rangehood: extraction, ducting and powerHood styles, extraction in plain terms, getting the duct outside, when recirculating makes sense and where the power point goes, before the kitchen is built.
- Planning LED strip lighting: drivers, channels and placementWhere LED strip works, how drivers and aluminium channels fit in, and why the wiring, driver spot and dimming need deciding before the joinery is built.
- Planning the electrical for a bathroom renovationBathroom electrical choices: exhaust, heat lamps or 3-in-1 units, heated towel rails, mirror and shaver points, lighting and how wet-area rules shape it all.
From your enquiry to the finished job
Step 1: Tell us about the property
Share your Newport 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
13 sources, with the date each was checked
- 1.Victorian Heritage Database (Heritage Council Victoria); entry maintained by Hobsons Bay City Council from the Hobsons Bay Heritage Study 2006: Aesthetically, it is significant for the groups of relatively intact examples of representative housing, from the Victorian, Federation and Interwar periods. They are notable for their consistent character, which is… Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 2..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.
- 3.Victorian Heritage Database (Heritage Council Victoria); entry maintained by Hobsons Bay City Council: The Housing Commission of Victoria (HCV) West Newport Estate Residential Heritage Precinct, designed and constructed by the HCV between 1945 and 1960 ... is notable as the first HCV estate to use the Fowler… Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 4.Victorian Government, Hobsons Bay Planning Scheme (PDF snapshot, last updated by VC292 on 11/09/2025): The heritage places of Hobsons Bay reflect the key themes that have shaped the development of the city since the establishment of Williamstown in the 1840s as the first port of Melbourne, through the development of… Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 5.Bureau of Meteorology: Mean minimum temperature (°C) 14.0 14.4 12.7 10.0 7.8 5.9 5.2 5.7 6.8 8.4 10.3 12.2 9.5 81 1943 2026 Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 6.Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (energy.vic.gov.au), page last updated 14/04/25: Victorians typically use more energy for heating than cooling, so look for a unit with a higher heating efficiency. Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 7.Energy Safe Victoria: If you have renovated or weather-sealed your home and kept your open-flued gas heater, you may have inadvertently altered the ventilation your home needs to clear carbon monoxide from your gas heater. This might be… Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 8.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.
- 9.Energy Safe Victoria: Clause 2.6.3.2.5 of the Wiring Rules states: Additional protection by RCDs shall be provided in existing electrical installations where alterations or a switchboard replacement is completed. Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 10.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.
- 11.WorkSafe Victoria: Fuse blankets and ceramic fuses in switchboards Pitch-based (eg Zelemite, Ausbestos, Lebah) electrical switchboards Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 12.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.
- 13.energy.gov.au (Australian Government, DCCEEW): The energy efficiency of reverse-cycle air conditioners on the Australian market ranges between 300% to 600% efficient. Air conditioners can achieve such high rates of energy efficiency because they do not use… Accessed 30 September 2026.
Your questions
Booking work
in Newport
Local information and practical answers before you arrange a visit.
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 ·
