New Homeowner’s Guide to Setting Up Internet & Essential Home Services

Congratulations on your new home! You’re probably excited to move in and join the 63 percent of Americans who own their own home. You have plenty to keep you busy, including setting up your internet and other essential home services. Doing so can be intimidating if you’ve never done so, so pull up a seat, and we’ll go over everything you need to get your satellite internet, utilities, and other services ready to go.

Overview of Internet and Home Services

Role of the internet in modern homes

The internet is essential for many aspects of home life. Getting online helps us communicate, access information and entertainment, automate our homes, and work remotely. It’s an important, some would argue essential, part of modern life.

Additional services to consider

In addition to internet services, new homeowners need essential home services such as utilities, phone, gas, water, sewer services, security systems, and waste management. With these vital services taken care of, you’ll also need to consider whether you want cable, satellite, or streaming entertainment services, and find reliable plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and yard maintenance.

Setting Up Internet Service

Researching Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

Researching local internet service providers helps you choose the right plan for your internet needs. Urban and suburban homes typically have their choice of several ISPs. Rural internet options are often more limited, but with advances in satellite internet technology, finding a high-speed plan that meets your needs is still possible.

Speed is an important factor to consider when choosing satellite internet plans. Generally, fiber optic, cable, and 5G offer the fastest speeds. DSL and satellite plans are not as fast, but they meet the FCC’s definition of broadband internet.

Take the time to read reviews and consumer comparisons of available internet plans, evaluating the service provider’s reliability, customer service, speed, and data caps.

Installation Process

You can self-install your internet service. Self-installation is convenient, as you don’t have to schedule a technician appointment, and it does not come with an installation fee. That said, not all ISPs charge for professional installation, and networks installed by technicians have less risk of performance and connectivity issues.

Setting Up Your Wi-Fi Network

Whether you choose DIY or professional installation, keep the following tips in mind when setting up your Wi-Fi network

• Position your router in a central, elevated location for maximum coverage.
• Keep the router away from the walls, large appliances, heavy furniture, and metal objects.
• Eliminate dead zones (areas with low to no connectivity) by using Mesh nodes or Wi-Fi extenders.
• Connect frequently used devices, such as smart televisions, using Ethernet cables if possible.
• Use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to connect portable or smart devices.

Phone Service Options

Traditional Landline vs. VoIP

Slightly less than a third of American households still use landline phone services. People in rural locations underserved by cell services often use landlines, but there are reasons to have one even in urban centers. Landlines don’t rely on electricity and offer a secondary method of communication during emergencies or power blackouts.

You can choose between a traditional landline and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). Each has its pros and cons

• VoIP uses the internet for phone calls and offers a lower monthly cost than traditional phone lines. You can make phone calls from anywhere with an internet connection, not just your home, and it often includes accessibility options like speech-to-text and video calling. VoIP only works when you have an internet connection, and is unusable during power outages.
• A traditional phone line uses copper lines to transmit signals and offers high-quality voice quality. The cost is usually higher than with VoIP, especially for long-distance calls, and you have less mobility, as you’re tied to a physical line. The most significant advantage is the ability to make calls during outages.

If you travel, need accessibility features, or want a more affordable monthly bill, opt for VoIP. Choose a traditional landline if you need a reliable phone line that doesn’t require electricity.

Finding the Right Provider

Check phone and internet providers to see if they offer packages that bundle services. DSL providers, especially, may offer internet and phone bundles. Check for new promotions as well. You could score a discount or free access to streaming entertainment services for a set period.

Setting Up Phone Service

Landline installation can be as simple as plugging the phone into a phone jack and activating your account with the service provider. If your home doesn’t have a landline jack, the phone company can install one.

VoIP phones are connected to your modem, after which you’ll need to activate the service with your provider. If you’re using a portable device to make VoIP calls, download and install the service’s app.

If you use a traditional landline and have a preexisting phone number, contact your new service provider for help porting the old number to your new service.

Television and Streaming Services

Options for TV Service

You have three choices for television services Cable, satellite, or streaming

• Cable offers reliable video quality, a wide channel selection, and often includes a DVR. Monthly fees are high, and you’re usually locked into service contracts.
• Satellite television also offers a vast channel selection and provides reliable service in remote locations. Installation of a satellite dish is necessary, and some signal degradation is possible.
• Streaming services let you build a customized library of on-demand content, come with no contracts, and offer up to 4K resolution. Streaming requires a strong internet connection for high-definition viewing.

Recommended Streaming Services

Popular streaming platforms include

• Apple TV
• Disney+
• Hulu
• Max
• Netflix
• Paramount
• Peacock
• Prime Video

Netflix, Peacock, and Hulu ad-sponsored plans start at $7.99 a month. Disney+, Prime Video, Max, and Apple TV start at $9.99 monthly (Prime Video is free for Amazon Prime members). You can save money by bundling streaming services. The Disney+, Hulu, and Max Bundle offers all three services for $29.99 per month without ads.

Home Security Services

Types of Security Options

• Traditional security systems include hardwired alarms, cameras, motion detectors, and sensors, often monitored by a centralized service.
• Smart security uses wireless Internet of Things (IoT) and AI for real-time monitoring and instant alerts.

Choosing a Provider

The homeowner usually installs smart security. If you go for a traditional security service, compare each provider’s equipment costs, installation costs, and monitoring fees.

Monitoring and Maintenance

Security services may offer monitoring or maintenance services. Monitoring is just that a third party monitors your property for alarms and alerts.

Maintenance does not include monitoring. Instead, the service periodically checks security hardware to ensure everything works properly.

Utilities Setup

Set up your essential utilities a few weeks before your move-in date.

Electricity

Call or visit your local utility companies to set up electricity. You’ll need your new address, photo ID, and possibly the home’s meter number. You may need to pay a deposit or connection fee.

Water and Sewer

Water and sewer services are typically handled by counties or municipalities. As with electricity, you’ll need to contact the service provider. You’ll need the same information, and may need to fill out an application form for services, usually available on the provider’s website.

Gas (if applicable)

In addition to the information needed for other utility sign-ups, you may need to provide a gas meter reading.

Trash and Recycling Services

Local municipalities are usually responsible for waste management. Contact them to determine which day of the week your garbage is picked up and if the city provides waste bins. For recycling, you’ll need to know what materials are accepted.

Home Maintenance Services

Finding a Reliable Plumber

You may not need a plumber right away, but it’s smart to have one lined up. Clogged drains, burst pipes, and basement floods can develop quickly, and you can minimize damage if you already know who to call. Check local plumbers’ online reviews, as well as any word-of-mouth recommendations you may have.

HVAC Services

Regular HVAC maintenance keeps your home comfortable while reducing energy consumption (and utility bills). Check around for the name of a reputable HVAC servicing company, and arrange an appointment to have your system checked over.

Electrical Services

Working with electricity can be dangerous. Find a qualified and licensed electrician to handle any wiring or electrical work. You may need one if you notice flickering lights, if breakers trip frequently, or if you detect unusual odors or sounds when using electricity.

Enjoy Your New Home!

Setting up essential services takes time, but you can relax in your new home. Congrats again! This is a huge moment in your life. Enjoy it!