Setting up Electricity in Your New Home

Moving into a New Home: Ensuring Your Electrical Setup is Safe and Efficient

Moving into a new home, as exciting as it is, can be a huge gamble. As much as you may fall in love with your new property, it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting—especially when it comes to your electrical infrastructure. After all, we’re more reliant on electricity to power our work and lifestyles at home. When you move into a new property, you want to ensure that your home’s electrical setup is safe, efficient, and fit for purpose.

Here we’ll look at some things you should do when setting up electricity in your new home.

Find a New Energy Plan as Soon as Possible

Many assume that when they move to a new home, they can simply take their old energy plan with them. However, this isn't always the case. Depending on the type of property you’re moving into and the kind of meter it uses, you may or may not be able to transfer your previous plan. Even if you can, it may not be the most affordable option, especially if you’ve moved to a different area.

Setting up electricity in your new home starts with choosing the right energy plan for the property. As soon as you move in, you are automatically placed on a standard variable tariff with the supplier the previous occupant used. You can almost always save money by switching from this contract as soon as possible. We recommend reviewing your options before moving and making the switch as close to your moving day as possible. Don’t forget to notify your current supplier at least 2 days before your moving date to ensure an accurate final bill.

It’s also essential to get meter readings in both your old and new properties on moving day to ensure you aren’t charged for energy you haven’t used.

Get to Know Your Homebuyer’s Report

When purchasing a property, obtaining a Homebuyer’s Report is crucial. This report provides a detailed assessment of the property's condition, including the state of your wiring and electrical infrastructure. Whether you choose a full Homebuyer Report or a more concise Condition Report, both will provide insight into the age and condition of the wiring and highlight any necessary investigations.

It’s usually recommended that a property be rewired after its first 20 years, and every 10 years thereafter, to ensure safety and efficiency. Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is also suggested every 5 years to ensure that all appliances in the home are safe to use.

Stay Alert!

As you settle into your new home, it's essential to remain vigilant for any signs of electrical issues. Watch for discoloration around plug sockets or any unusual smells, as these can indicate potential hazards. Flickering lights or inconsistent lighting can also be a sign of underlying wiring issues. Additionally, remember to switch energy plans every 12-18 months to ensure you’re always getting the best value for your money.

Consider Upgrading to a Surge Protection Device (SPD) Consumer Unit

In addition to the standard electrical checks and energy plans, consider upgrading your home’s consumer unit to include a Surge Protection Device (SPD). SPDs are designed to protect your electrical appliances and wiring from power surges caused by lightning strikes or sudden spikes in electrical demand. These devices help prevent damage to sensitive electronics and reduce the risk of fire caused by electrical overloads.

Installing a consumer unit with SPD can offer additional peace of mind, ensuring that your home’s electrical system is not only safe but resilient to unpredictable surges in power.