Port Phillip · In our service area
Electrician & air conditioning in Port Melbourne3207 · Electrical, heating and cooling
Electrical repairs, safer power and year-round comfort for homes and properties in Port Melbourne. Talk to one team about the fault you need fixed or the upgrade you are planning.
The local picture
Work that fits your property
Port Melbourne packs three very different kinds of home into a small area: Victorian workers' cottages and terraces on narrow blocks, 1990s bayside estates such as Beacon Cove, and a steadily growing number of apartments. Each one raises a different first question. In a cottage, it's usually where a new cable or pipe can physically go. In a Beacon Cove townhouse, it's how the original switchboard, lighting and heating are holding up. In an apartment, it's building access and where the owners corporation will let an outdoor unit sit. Total Comfort is one local team for electrical, heating and cooling, based in Altona Meadows.
Every installation is different. We start with the symptoms, existing equipment and access, then explain the work needed and the options available.
- Local council
- Port Phillip and Melbourne city councils
- Property settings
- Victorian cottages, Terraces, Apartments
- Booking
- Published service area. Contact us for available appointments.
- Hours
- Mon–Sat, 7am–5:30pm
Homes in Port Melbourne
Workers' cottages and terraces
Many of these houses have been rewired in stages, so a newer breaker board can still be feeding an old cable run or two under the floor or in the roof. Space is the real constraint: terraces share walls, frontages are narrow, and the roof over a rear extension is often too low to crawl through, so every new circuit, downlight or air-conditioning pipe needs a planned route. Where the original board survives with ceramic fuses, leave it closed; WorkSafe Victoria lists ceramic fuses and fuse blankets in switchboards among its examples of asbestos-containing materials. We look at the board, the main cable and the ceiling space before quoting any addition.
Beacon Cove and the 1990s bayside homes
Homes from the 1990s went up with circuit breakers, but the safety switch from that era often protects the power circuits and leaves the lighting without one. Many were also fitted with low-voltage halogen downlights, each with a transformer tucked in the ceiling and a gap cut in the insulation around it, and those fittings run hot and are now tired. Converting to LED usually means replacing the fitting and transformer together, not just the globe. Energy Safe Victoria says the wiring should be checked in any house built more than 30 years ago, and the earliest homes from that decade have now reached that point.
Apartments, old and new
In an apartment, your circuit breakers and safety switches usually sit on a small board inside the unit, while the meters and main switchboard are in a common room the building controls, so anything beyond your own board involves the building manager. Air conditioning is often a ducted unit in a bulkhead over the hallway or bathroom, with the outdoor unit on the balcony or a shared plant deck. The pipes run through parts of the building you can't easily change, which is why a replacement in the same spot is usually far simpler than moving it. We ask about lift bookings, loading access and parking before the day.
Heating and cooling in Port Melbourne
Heating and cooling here follows the building. Cottages often still rely on a gas space heater in the front room, and lose warmth through timber floors and single glazing. A split system in the living area is the usual start; where there's room for only one outdoor unit, a multi-head system can serve several rooms from it. Beacon Cove homes commonly pair ducted heating with splits upstairs. Apartments with large north or west-facing glass tend to overheat on a hot northerly, so cooling capacity matters as much as heating.
Common jobs in Port Melbourne
Explore the work, what a visit involves and the questions to ask before booking.
Split System Air Conditioning
Split systems installed, repaired or replaced, circuit included.
Bulkhead Air Conditioning
Concealed ducted units built into a bulkhead.
Switchboard Upgrades
Old fuse boards replaced with modern breakers and safety switches.
Old Wiring Replacement
Rubber, fabric and early TPS cabling found and replaced.
Hardwired Smoke Alarm Installation
Mains-powered alarms with battery backup, fitted properly.
Rental Electrical Safety Check
The two-yearly Victorian rental check, with a report.
Local notes
A suburb that crosses a council boundary
Only part of Port Melbourne sits within the City of Port Phillip, so which council covers your street depends on where you are. That matters when you're weighing up an outdoor unit on a street-facing wall or planning a bigger renovation, because planning questions go to your council, and in an apartment the owners corporation has its own rules about external equipment as well. Your rates notice shows which council to ask.
CitiPower's network and supply faults
CitiPower's Fishermans Bend zone substation supplies areas of Fishermans Bend and Port Melbourne; check your bill for the distributor that serves your address. If the whole street is dark, that's a network matter for the distributor, not something an electrician can fix from inside your home. For a fallen powerline or a damaged pole, Energy Safe Victoria says to contact your local electricity distribution company. Keep well clear and treat any fallen line as live.
Heat health warnings and hot northerlies
Victoria's health department places the City of Port Phillip in the Central forecast district for heat health warnings, and it issues a warning in response to a new Bureau of Meteorology severe or extreme heatwave warning. The Bureau describes the usual Melbourne pattern: warm northerly winds arrive first with higher temperatures, then a cold front can change conditions within minutes. The department's advice is to check before extreme heat that your fan and air conditioner work, and to have the air conditioner serviced if needed.
Worth reading first
- Air conditioner settings explained: modes, fan speeds, swing and timersWhat auto, dry, fan, sleep, eco, swing and the timer buttons on a split system remote or ducted controller actually do, and when each one is worth using.
- Air conditioners near the bay: protecting outdoor units from salt airHow salt air wears outdoor units in Altona, Seabrook, Williamstown and Port Melbourne, and the placement, coatings and care that help them last.
- Draughts, insulation and heating: fix the house before upsizing the systemHow draughts, missing insulation, uncovered downlights and unsealed exhaust fans undo heating and cooling, and what to fix before buying a bigger system.
From your enquiry to the finished job
Step 1: Tell us about the property
Share your Port Melbourne 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
16 sources, with the date each was checked
- 1..id (informed decisions), City of Port Phillip community profile: The City of Port Phillip includes the suburbs of Albert Park, Balaclava, Elwood, Melbourne (part), Middle Park, Port Melbourne (part), Ripponlea, South Melbourne, Southbank (part), St Kilda, St Kilda East (part), St… Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 2.CitiPower, Distribution Annual Planning Report December 2024 (hosted by the Australian Energy Regulator): The zone substation in Fisherman’s Bend (E) is served by two sub-transmission lines from Fisherman Bend Terminal station (FBTS). The zone substation supplies areas of Fisherman’s Bend and Port Melbourne. Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 3.Energy Safe Victoria: Who do I contact to fix fallen or unsafe powerlines, a rotting or damaged power pole, or a leaning pole? Contact your local power company, also known as the electricity distribution company Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 4.Department of Health, Victoria: In response to a new Bureau severe or extreme heatwave warning, we will issue a heat health warning. ... The following list shows all the local government areas in Victoria and what forecast district they belong to… Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 5.Bureau of Meteorology (article issued 3 August 2026): To the north lies Australia's hot, dry interior, while to the south stretches the cold Southern Ocean. ... Warm northerly winds arrive first, bringing higher temperatures and clear skies. Then, as a cold front moves in… Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 6.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.
- 7.WorkSafe Victoria: Fuse blankets and ceramic fuses in switchboards Pitch-based (eg Zelemite, Ausbestos, Lebah) electrical switchboards Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 8.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.
- 9.Energy Safe Victoria: When buying a home built before the 1980s it is imperative the wiring is checked by a licensed electrical inspector or registered electrical contractor prior to moving in. Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 10.Building and Plumbing Commission (formerly Victorian Building Authority): replace the smoke alarm in accordance with manufacturer's specifications – generally after ten years. New units have an expiry date located under the battery. Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 11.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.
- 12.Consumer Affairs Victoria: Rental providers who enter into a new agreement after 29 March 2021, must have all electrical installations and fittings checked by a licensed electrician at least once every 2 years. This also applies to rental… Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 13.Consumer Affairs Victoria: Mandatory gas and electrical safety checks every 2 years for all rental properties Rental providers and their agents must arrange gas and electrical safety checks by a qualified tradesperson every 2 years for all… Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 14.Consumer Affairs Victoria: From 1 March 2027, rental providers must install an energy-efficient, fixed cooling system with an outlet in the main living area. This applies at the start of a new rental agreement. All rental properties must have… Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 15.Consumer Affairs Victoria: Tip: A reverse-cycle air conditioner can satisfy both the heating and cooling standards. Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 16.Galvanizers Association of Australia: From the shoreline to 50 m inland around sheltered bays. In the immediate vicinity of calm salt water such as harbour foreshores. C3 Coastal From 1 km to 10 km inland along ocean front areas with breaking surf &… Accessed 30 September 2026.
Your questions
Booking work
in Port Melbourne
Local information and practical answers before you arrange a visit.
Around Port Melbourne
Nearby suburbs
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 ·