1 Smart Upgrade at a Time: A Renter’s Guide to Building an Energy-Efficient Home

Living sustainably doesn’t have to wait until you buy your dream house. As a renter, you can make meaningful changes—one smart upgrade at a time—to boost your apartment or rental home’s energy efficiency, cut utility bills, and shrink your carbon footprint. This practical guide delivers simple, renter-friendly tips and actionable strategies to help you get started.

Why Energy Efficiency Matters—Even When You Rent

You might not control major appliances or structural upgrades in your apartment, but small changes add up. Here’s why investing in energy efficiency is worthwhile:

• Lower monthly utility bills: Save money instantly with reduced energy use.
• Increased comfort: Smart upgrades often make your home cozier year-round.
• Environmental impact: Reduced energy use means fewer carbon emissions.
• Portable improvements: Many renter-friendly upgrades move with you to your next home.

Assess Your Current Energy Use

Spot Energy Vampires

Some devices silently drain power even when not in use. These “energy vampires” include everything from phone chargers to TVs in standby mode. Start by unplugging or connecting these to power strips you can switch off easily.

DIY Energy Audit Checklist

Performing a basic audit helps identify easy wins. Look for:

• Drafty windows and doors
• Poorly sealed electrical outlets
• Old or inefficient light bulbs
• Gaps around plumbing under sinks
• Appliances plugged in but not used regularly

Smart Upgrades with Big Impact

You don’t need special permission—or a huge budget—to make your rental greener. These renter-approved upgrades focus on what you can control.

1. Swap In Energy-Efficient Lighting

• LED Bulbs: Replace incandescent or CFL bulbs with LEDs, which use up to 80% less energy and last much longer.
• Smart Bulbs: Consider WiFi-enabled bulbs to schedule and control lighting remotely.

Pro tip: Store the original bulbs so you can pop them back in before moving out and take your LEDs with you!

2. Use Smart Plugs & Power Strips

• Smart plugs: Let you control devices with your phone or voice assistants.
• Advanced power strips: Automatically cut power to devices not in use, slashing phantom loads.

3. Seal Drafts and Windows

• Removable weatherstripping: Easy to install (and remove!) on leaky windows or doors.
• Draft stoppers: Block chilly air from coming in under doors.
• Thermal curtains: Keep rooms warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

4. Optimize Heating and Cooling

• Portable smart thermostats: If you have a wall unit or portable AC, some smart thermostats can control these devices via IR blasters.
• Fans: Use ceiling or portable fans to circulate air, letting you raise or lower the thermostat by a degree or two.
• Close doors: Heat or cool only the rooms you’re using.

5. Upgrade Showerheads and Faucets

Switching to low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators can save gallons of hot water each day, lowering both water and energy bills.

6. Try Window Insulation Kits

• Clear plastic film insulation can easily be applied and removed at the end of your lease.
• Reduces heat loss in winter and keeps rooms cooler in hot months.

7. Use Smart Sensors and Automations

• Motion sensors: Automatically turn off lights in empty rooms.
• Temperature/humidity sensors: Monitor comfort levels and optimize appliance use.

8. Adjust Appliance Settings

• Laundry: Use cold water cycles and air dry when possible.
• Fridge: Set between 37-40°F for food safety and efficiency.
• Dishwasher: Run full loads only and use eco-modes if available.

Room-by-Room Energy Makeover

Living Room

• Use power strips for TV, gaming consoles, speakers, and chargers.
• Keep blinds open during winter days for natural warmth; close them in summer to block heat.
• Switch to LED bulbs in all lamps and fixtures.

Kitchen

• Use the microwave or toaster oven for small meals instead of the stovetop or oven—they use less energy.
• Keep your fridge organized so the door isn’t open for too long.
• Fix any leaky faucets to save on hot water.

Bathroom

• Install a low-flow showerhead (look for models renters can unscrew easily).
• Seal around window edges with removable strips or film.
• Turn on the exhaust fan only when needed.

Bedroom

• Add thermal curtains to control temperature while you sleep.
• Use smart bulbs for scheduled nighttime lighting.
• Unplug unused chargers or use a smart power strip.

Communicate With Your Landlord

Some upgrades—like asking for appliance replacements or major insulation fixes—require your landlord’s involvement. Approach your landlord with:

• Data: Show how an upgrade will save energy and potentially increase property value.
• Willingness to share costs: Offer to split the investment on certain upgrades, like programmable thermostats.
• Commitment to restore: Assure that reversible changes (like draft stoppers or stick-on weatherstripping) will be removed upon move-out.

Smart Tech to Supercharge Your Efficiency

Why Go Smart?

Smart home devices aren’t just for techies. They add convenience, savings, and efficiency to even the smallest rentals—and you can take them with you when you move.

• Smart bulbs and switches: Control lighting remotely or with routines.
• Smart plugs: Remotely turn off devices or set schedules.
• Portable smart thermostats: Control plug-in heaters or ACs for the ultimate comfort and savings.

Getting Started: What to Look For

• No wiring required—Look for plug-and-play, stick-on, or battery-powered devices.
• Compatibility—Choose devices compatible with Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit for future-proofing.
• Portability—Opt for upgrades you can easily uninstall and take to your next rental.

Other Renter-Friendly Energy-Saving Tips

• Launder wisely: Always wash full loads and hang clothes to dry when possible.
• Cook in batches: Reduces total energy used by keeping appliances hot for longer.
• Turn off lights: Create a habit of switching off each room as you leave.
• Use rugs: Reduce heat loss through floors with cozy area rugs.

How to Prioritize Your Upgrades

Start Small, Build Momentum

Taking it “one smart upgrade at a time” means you don’t need to tackle everything at once. Use this roadmap:

1. Replace bulbs in the highest-used fixtures first.
2. Add smart plugs to devices with high standby power.