You moved into a new house, set up internet, and it's noticeably slower than your old place. This is extremely common. The issue could be the ISP's infrastructure in your new area, old house wiring, poor router placement, or WiFi interference. Here's how to diagnose and fix it.
Step 1: Run a Speed Test (Wired)
- Connect your computer directly to the modem/router with Ethernet
- Go to speedtest.net
- Run test and compare to your subscribed plan speed
- If wired speed matches your plan → the issue is WiFi, not your ISP
- If wired speed is also slow → the issue is ISP or wiring
Step 2: Check Your ISP Plan
- Log into your ISP account and verify the speed tier at your new address
- Some plans have lower maximum speeds depending on location
- Check if your new address supports the same technology (fiber vs cable vs DSL)
- If you had fiber at your old house but only DSL at the new one, slower speeds are expected
Step 3: Optimize Router Placement
- Place router in a central location in your home
- Keep it elevated (on a shelf, not on the floor)
- Don't hide it in a closet, cabinet, or behind the TV
- Keep away from thick walls, metal objects, microwaves, baby monitors
- For multi-story homes: between floors if possible, or use a mesh WiFi system
Step 4: Check WiFi Interference
- In an apartment/close neighbors, there's more WiFi channel congestion
- Download a WiFi analyzer app (WiFi Analyzer on Android)
- Check which channels are least crowded
- In router settings, manually set the channel to the least used one
- Use 5 GHz band for devices close to the router (less interference, faster speeds)
Step 5: Check House Wiring
- Coaxial cable (cable internet): Old/corroded connectors, too many splitters, or damaged cable can reduce signal
- Phone wiring (DSL): Old copper wiring degrades over time
- Check the cable entry point to the house — look for damage
- Ask ISP to check line signal levels at your new address
- Request a technician visit — they can replace bad connectors and test signal quality
Step 6: Consider Mesh WiFi or Extenders
If your new house is larger or has a different layout:
- Mesh WiFi system (Google Nest WiFi, eero, Orbi): Best option for large homes — seamless coverage everywhere
- WiFi extender: Budget option, but halves bandwidth per hop
- MoCA adapter: Uses existing coaxial wiring for wired backhaul — great for houses with coax in every room
- Powerline adapter: Uses electrical wiring — works in some houses, depends on wiring quality
Step 7: Upgrade Your Plan or ISP
- Check if fiber internet is available at your new address — it's the fastest and most reliable
- Compare ISPs: use broadbandnow.com or allconnect.com to see all options at your address
- Look for new customer promotions — often cheaper than transferring service
- If you work from home, consider a higher speed tier or a business plan (often more consistent)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is internet slower in my new house?
Many possible reasons: (1) Your new area may have slower ISP infrastructure, (2) Old/damaged wiring inside the house, (3) Router placement is poor (far from where you use devices, hidden in closet), (4) New plan may be different speed tier, (5) ISP hasn't fully provisioned the service yet, (6) WiFi interference from neighbors' networks in dense areas.
How do I check what internet speed I should be getting?
Check your ISP account or contract for the subscribed speed. Then test: (1) Run a speed test at speedtest.net using Ethernet (wired), (2) Compare the result to your plan. If wired speed matches your plan but WiFi is slow, it's a WiFi issue, not an ISP issue. If wired speed is also slow, contact your ISP.
Could old house wiring cause slow internet?
Yes, especially: (1) Old coaxial cable (cable internet) — corroded connectors, damaged cable, too many splitters, (2) Old phone wiring (DSL) — deteriorated copper wiring reduces bandwidth, (3) Damaged Ethernet ports/wiring in walls. Ask your ISP for a technician to check the line quality to your house.
Where should I put my router in a new house?
Optimal placement: (1) Central location on the main floor, (2) Elevated (on a shelf, not on the floor), (3) Away from walls and metal objects, (4) Away from microwave, baby monitors, cordless phones, (5) Not in a closet or cabinet, (6) For multi-story homes, position between floors or use a mesh system.
Should I use the same ISP or switch after moving?
Check what's available at your new address — you may have better options. Compare: (1) Speed available at your address (not just advertised speeds), (2) Check if fiber is available (faster than cable/DSL), (3) Read neighborhood reviews on speed/reliability, (4) Consider bundling options. Many ISPs offer promotions for new customers.
Need Help Optimizing?
Our technicians can analyze your setup and maximize internet speed in your new home.