Hobsons Bay · In our service area
Electrician & air conditioning in Williamstown3016 · Electrical, heating and cooling
Electrical repairs, safer power and year-round comfort for homes and properties in Williamstown. Talk to one team about the fault you need fixed or the upgrade you are planning.

The local picture
Work that fits your property
Williamstown was established in the 1840s as Melbourne's first port, and its streets read like a timeline: early basalt and weatherboard cottages, Victorian terraces, later infill and newer townhouses by the water. Each era brings its own wiring, its own heating and its own limits on where equipment can go. Cable can't be dropped down a basalt wall the way it can in a timber frame, a terrace shares walls with its neighbours, and a waterfront complex may have rules about balconies and roofs. Total Comfort plans the electrical and the heating and cooling together, so the board, the cable routes and the outdoor unit all suit the building.
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
- Heritage cottages, Victorian terraces, Waterfront townhouses
- Booking
- Published service area. Contact us for available appointments.
- Hours
- Mon–Sat, 7am–5:30pm
Homes in Williamstown
Basalt and early timber cottages
Solid stone walls have no cavity, so new circuits usually come in through the roof or up from under the floor, and every route is worked out before a point is promised. Timber cottages of the same age are easier to cable but have often been repaired several times, with joins buried in the ceiling and old and new cable spliced together. In both, we test before recommending anything, keep cuts into original fabric to a minimum and show you where each new fitting will sit.
Victorian terraces
Terraces are long and narrow, with a party wall on one or both sides and the kitchen, bathroom and laundry in a rear wing. The board is often in the front hall, a long way from the heaviest loads at the back, and the roof space can be shallow with little room to work. Room-by-room heating and cooling tends to suit a terrace better than one large system, because the front bedrooms and the rear living area rarely need the same thing at the same time.
Waterfront townhouses and apartments
Newer homes near the water usually have modern wiring and a board with safety switches, and homes built after 1 August 1997 must have mains-powered smoke alarms with a backup battery. The limits here are different: owners corporation rules on where condensers can sit, balconies with little room for airflow, shared meter rooms, and salt air on anything mounted outside. An induction cooktop or a car charger may also depend on the building's supply arrangements.
Heating and cooling in Williamstown
Thick basalt and brick walls are slow to warm and slow to cool, so an old cottage or terrace can ride out a short hot spell, then hold onto the heat once it's in. Many still rely on a gas space heater, which Energy Safe Victoria recommends having serviced by a qualified gasfitter at least every two years. For a move to electric, reverse-cycle systems move three to five units of heat for each unit of electricity; splits, floor consoles or a multi-head system suit homes that can't take ducts.
Common jobs in Williamstown
Explore the work, what a visit involves and the questions to ask before booking.

Home Rewiring & Renovations
Rewiring older homes and wiring renovations, extensions and kitchens.

Pre-Purchase Electrical Inspection
Know what the wiring and board need before you buy.

Multi-Head Split Systems
One outdoor unit running several indoor heads.

Floor Standing Air Conditioners
Floor consoles for rooms where a wall unit won't suit.

Gas Ducted Heater Servicing
Arrange gas heater maintenance with the correct licensed trade.

Outdoor & Garden Lighting
Garden, path, deck and sensor lighting wired for outdoor conditions.
Local notes
Basalt houses and timber duplexes
The Government Survey heritage precinct includes basalt houses and timber duplexes with no dividing wall, types its heritage statement calls characteristic of this part of Williamstown but less common elsewhere in Melbourne. Where two homes sit in one timber duplex with no dividing wall, wiring, smoke alarms and roof access on one side can affect the other. Talk to your neighbour early, and we'll map which circuits and fittings belong to which home before any work starts.
Fewer detached houses than most of Victoria
At the 2021 Census, 56.2% of Williamstown's occupied private dwellings were separate houses, well below the Victorian figure of 73.4%. That leaves a large share of homes with shared walls, shared meters or common property, all of which shape electrical and air-conditioning work. Bring any owners corporation rules to the quote, because they often decide where an outdoor unit can go.
On Jemena's network
Jemena's planning report describes its electricity supply area as reaching Williamstown and Footscray in the south. For fallen or unsafe powerlines, or a damaged or leaning pole, Energy Safe Victoria says to contact your local electricity distribution company. Keep well clear of any fallen line and treat it as live. From the point of supply onwards, the installation is the property owner's to maintain and repair, and that's the part we work on.
Worth reading first
- Old house wiring in Melbourne: rubber, fabric and early plastic cableHow to recognise the main generations of wiring in pre-1980s homes, how each one ages, and what an electrician's testing can and can't tell you about it.
- Your home's earthing system explainedWhat the main earth and bonding in your home do, why plumbing changes and renovations can affect them, and why the earth is tested during switchboard work.
- Certificates of Electrical Safety explainedWhat a Victorian COES records, how prescribed and non-prescribed work differ, when your copy should arrive and why it belongs in your house file.
From your enquiry to the finished job
Step 1: Tell us about the property
Share your Williamstown 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
14 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: Unusual or rare early building styles and types such as the basalt houses and the timber duplex houses with no dividing wall that are characteristic of this part of Williamstown but less common elsewhere in the… Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 2.Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2021 Census QuickStats: Separate house 3,070 56.2 1,755,423 73.4 Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 3.Jemena Electricity Networks (Vic) Ltd, 2025 Distribution Annual Planning Report (2 December 2025): Figure 1-1 shows the JEN supply area, which ranges from Gisborne South, Clarkefield and Mickleham in the north to Williamstown and Footscray in the south, and from Hillside, Sydenham and Brooklyn in the west to… Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 4.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.
- 5.Energy Safe Victoria: The point of supply is the changeover point from the electricity distribution network to the electrical installation, where the property owner becomes responsible for the maintenance and repair of the electrical… Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 6.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.
- 7..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.
- 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.Energy Safe Victoria: To avoid the risk, we recommend that all gas heaters are serviced at least every two years by a qualified gasfitter. A qualified gasfitter will inspect your heater and check its installation, including testing for CO… Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 10.Energy Rating (GEMS Regulator / DCCEEW): Reverse cycle air conditioners are much more efficient at heating than standard electric heaters (bar heaters, convection, or radiant heaters). ... During the normal operating range in Australia for every unit of… Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 11.BlueScope, Technical Bulletin TB-35 Australian salt marine classifications (March 2026, Revision 9): Exposed Port Phillip Bay (Altona to Portsea Beaches) Calm Port Phillip Bay (Williamstown), Yarra River (Docklands and Melbourne CBD), Maribyrnong River Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 12.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.
- 13.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.
- 14.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.
Your questions
Booking work
in Williamstown
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 ·
