Why your first day energy setup really matters
Getting it right on day one will save you both money and headaches further down the line. If you can get all of the important stuff in place early on, it saves worry, stress and wastage, making life easier for you and your housemates.
Step 1: Take your meter readings right away
Find your gas, electricity, and water meters
Work out where your meters are around the property and make sure everyone else in the house knows. Maybe make a note of it and keep it on the fridge.
Record your readings with photos
Photo evidence means you won’t be overcharged and can give an exact reading right away without any guesswork.
Share readings with your supplier
Let them know the exact reading on day one, so both parties know there’s no hidden charges or any mysteries when it comes to your bill costs.
Step 2: Find out who your current energy supplier is
Your landlord or property provider will have this information and should be able to let you know how to contact the company easily. If not, most providers are easy to find online and should have a contact us page with all of their information.
Step 3: Set up your energy account
Add all housemates to the account
Add all of your housemates using their full government name and details. This way, everyone has an equal responsibility, no one gets left out, and most importantly, no one has any excuses.
Confirm move-in and tenancy dates
Make sure your provider knows exactly when and for how long they’ll be providing energy for. The last thing you want is to end up paying for the next tenants when you’ve already left.
Avoid estimated bills
Estimated bills can cost you more than you expect. You may be paying more than you should every month, or worse, paying less and then find yourself landed with a massive bill because you owe your provider money.
Step 4: Check your heating and appliances
Make sure all your devices are working properly, safely and efficiently so there’s no worries or unexpected bill rises.
Step 5: Get your house energy-smart
Use timers, smart plugs, and LED bulbs
Smart technology can be an absolute game-changer when it comes to shared houses. They allow you to set specific times to turn devices on and off automatically, and almost mean they can be accessed remotely so you can fix them quickly if someone’s left something on during the day.
Agree on ‘heating hours’ with housemates
The house doesn’t need to be kept toasty when everyone’s out during the day. Agree on a time when everyone’s home at a similar time to turn the heating up and utilise it best.
Keep doors closed and block draughts
Closing windows and doors when it’s chilly can be the difference maker in having a warm, energy-efficient home. No matter how good your heaters are, if the house is open to the elements, it won’t make a difference. Keep your doors closed, and use draught excluders to keep the heat in.
Step 6: Plan your first energy payment
The bill needs to be paid whether you’re ready for it or not, so prepare yourself in advance and set an estimated budget. You can be more exact after the first one, but it’s worth having enough ready for the first bill so there’s no uncomfortable conversations with your new housemates or landlord when the first bill arrives.
Step 7: Keep your readings and bills organised
Keep all your paperwork and important documents in one central place where everyone in the household knows. This way, if anyone needs to find something or something needs clarifying, there’s no stress and no chasing each other.
Get Move-In Day Ready with The Student Energy Group
First time living alone, or just want to make this year a little more efficient than the last one? We’ve got plenty of tips and tricks for making your house energy efficient and your bills a little more manageable. At The Student Energy Group, our bundled utility bills mean we take the guesswork and hassle out of student living, leaving you to enjoy the important things.
