If you’ve just bought or moved into your first home, setting up and managing electricity efficiently should be one of your first tasks. Many first-time Aussie homeowners make the mistake of accepting the default energy provider without reviewing options or understanding exactly what they’re paying for.
Before unpacking your boxes, your power should already be arranged. A Same-Day Electricity Connection isn’t a luxury, but a necessity when you’re moving in. If you’re unsure who supplies energy to your new address or what plan you’ve been defaulted to, now is the time to review that carefully. It’s also the perfect time to jump online and do an energy plan comparison to see if you can find a better deal.
This guide covers all the essential energy-saving steps you should take before and after moving in. Every tip is written specifically for new homeowners who want to avoid unnecessary bills and make the most of their new property from the very start.
How to Save Energy as a New Homeowner in Australia?
1. Finalise Electricity Connection Before You Move In
Electricity needs to be active the moment you arrive, especially if you’re moving fridges, using power tools, or expecting hot water. Contact your preferred provider or use a comparison service like Deal Expert to arrange a same-day electricity connection.
Don’t assume your agent or builder has set this up. In many cases, the property may be disconnected once previous tenants leave or building work finishes.
2. Compare Plans Based on Property Type and Location
If your home is a townhouse or apartment, your energy usage and plan needs will be different compared to a detached home. For example:
- Apartments may have shared infrastructure, limiting your provider options.
- New builds in outer suburbs may default to higher-cost suppliers.
Use Deal Expert to check energy Australia plans based on your suburb and property type. Don’t accept a plan until you’ve seen what’s available specifically for your home’s setup.
3. Set Up Your Energy Meter for Smart Tracking
Many new homes these days include a digital or smart meter, but some may still have older analogue meters. If you’re unsure what type your new property has, contact your provider and ask for clarification.
Smart meters allow you to track usage in real time and reduce guesswork in bill management. If your provider doesn’t support usage tracking or smart meters, it’s worth looking into a plan that does. Some AGL New Electricity Connection plans include free app-based usage monitoring.
4. Switch to LED Lighting in All Rooms
Check every ceiling light and lamp fitting. Many builders and landlords leave basic halogen or incandescent bulbs in place. These are not efficient for ongoing household use.
Buy a bulk pack of LED bulbs and replace every fitting during the first week. LEDs cut power use by up to 75% and last a lot longer. This is one of the lowest-effort, highest-return actions a homeowner can take.
5. Test All Power Points and Appliances Before Daily Use
Before plugging in TVs, toasters, or fridges, test each power point with a small appliance. New homes may have wiring issues or safety switches that haven’t been properly checked. Avoid leaving appliances plugged in when you are not using them, especially high-draw items like kettles and heaters.
To save energy long-term, invest in a smart power board for your home office or TV setup. These allow you to cut off standby power at night or when you’re out.
6. Adjust Temperature Settings on Hot Water System
Most hot water systems are set to 65°C or higher by default. This is unnecessary for daily use and wastes electricity.
For electric systems:
- Lower the thermostat to 60°C
- Install an insulating jacket around the tank if it’s accessible
- Schedule showers outside peak usage hours to save on time-of-use plans
If your provider supports time-based billing, you can check Energy Australia tariffs and ask about off-peak hot water usage.
7. Run an Energy Audit of Appliances Within the First Month
New homes often come with brand new appliances like an air conditioner, dishwasher, oven, and dryer. Before settling into daily routines, take a day to check their energy efficiency ratings.
Look for:
- Energy star labels on all fixed appliances
- Manuals or QR codes for setup modes (many run in “demo” mode initially)
- Temperature settings on fridges and air conditioners
This ensures you’re not running equipment harder than needed. If you find high-usage items, get online and compare plan rates with an AGL new electricity connection and other options through Deal Expert.
8. Set Up Usage Reminders Based on Your Bill Cycle
Whether you’re billed monthly or quarterly, set reminders on your phone calendar for a mid-period usage check. This helps avoid surprises and lets you track whether you’re on budget.
If your provider doesn’t offer mid-cycle usage summaries, use a tracking service or switch to one that does. You can Check Energy Australia options and easily switch to a plan with better digital support.
9. Block Off Energy Leaks Room by Room
New homes can still have small gaps in door seals, windows or exhaust vents. Go room by room and check:
- Door gaps: Install seals or stoppers
- Window edges: Use insulation tape or weather strips
- Ceiling vents: Make sure they’re sealed when not in use
Heating and cooling are major expenses. Blocking leaks can cut energy use by over 20% in winter and summer months.
10. Assign Energy Zones Within the House
You don’t need to cool or heat the entire home every day. Assign energy zones.
For example:
- Only heat bedrooms in the evening
- Only cool living areas during the day
- Close off guest rooms and laundry unless in use
If using split systems or ducted units, program zone controls accordingly. If the system is new to you, check the manual or ask the builder for a walk-through.
11. Reassess Your Plan After the First Full Bill
Once your first full electricity bill arrives, assess how well your current provider fits your actual usage. Many new homeowners pay too much simply because they never switch from the setup they inherited.
Take ten minutes to check Energy Australia plans again. Newer plans or seasonal offers may be available. Deal Expert can help you compare easily and quickly without signing anything up front.
12. Bundle Utilities to Save Time and Cut Bills
While setting up electricity, don’t forget to organise gas, internet, and phone at the same time. Bundling your setup saves time and avoids repeated calls or forms.
With Deal Expert, you can manage all of this in one place. Compare providers, confirm your suburb, and get a same-day electricity connection if needed, all in one step.
Why New Homeowners Are Choosing Deal Expert
Deal Expert helps Australians connect electricity, gas, internet, and phone services without charging a cent. If you’ve just moved, their service makes it easy to compare and switch quickly, even offering AGL Electricity Connection support and options from multiple retailers.
There’s no paperwork, no fees, no complicated forms, and no interruption to your power. Just simple, direct help; perfect for new homeowners settling in.
“I am really satisfied with Deal Expert. Deal Expert was one of the best for comparisons that I ever used, with really detailed information. Thanks for the great service. Deal Expert impressed me on multiple levels.”
— Molly K.
Final Thoughts and Checklist for New Homeowners
Here’s a quick checklist to follow in your first 30 days:
- Arrange a same-day electricity connection before moving
- Replace all lights with LEDs
- Review all appliances for efficiency
- Lower hot water thermostat
- Set up usage alerts
- Seal gaps and create energy zones
- Reassess plan after your first bill
- Bundle all utilities through Deal Expert
Taking these steps early will help you avoid bill shock and ensure your home runs smoothly and comfortably from day one.
Need help today? Use Deal Expert to check Energy Australia plans now and get connected in less than 60 seconds!