10 Smart Home Devices Under $100 That Make Renting More Energy Efficient

Living in a rental doesn’t have to mean sacrificing energy efficiency or missing out on the smart home revolution. Today’s eco-conscious renters have a growing toolkit of affordable, plug-and-play smart home devices that can slash energy bills, reduce carbon footprints, and make daily life easier.

Ready to take control of your apartment’s or house’s energy efficiency without breaking the bank or risking your security deposit? Here are 10 smart home gadgets under $100 every renter should consider.

Why Energy Efficiency Matters for Renters

Being mindful of energy use isn’t just for homeowners. In fact, renters often have more to gain:

• Lower utility bills: Small savings add up fast, especially if you pay for electricity and heat.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Less energy use means less environmental impact.
• Increased comfort and convenience: Smart tech provides automation and real-time control, so you’re not sacrificing comfort for savings.
• Portability: Most smart home devices are easy to install, remove, and take with you when you move.

Let’s jump into the best affordable smart upgrades you can make as a renter.

10 Smart Home Devices Under $100 Renters Should Consider

1. Smart Plugs

What they do: Smart plugs turn regular appliances and lamps into smart devices you control via your phone, Alexa, or Google Assistant. With energy monitoring features, you can pinpoint energy hogs and set schedules to avoid waste.

• Easily set on/off schedules for lights, fans, coffee makers, and more
• Cut off phantom loads (energy used by devices in standby mode)
• No electrician required — just plug and play

Best for: Lamps, entertainment centers, gaming consoles, and kitchen gadgets.

Tip: Look for models with an energy monitoring function for real-time insights into energy use.

2. Smart Power Strips

Like smart plugs, but for clusters of devices. A smart power strip lets you control multiple gadgets from one place, turning the entire strip (or individual outlets) on and off from an app or voice assistant.

• Perfect for TV, gaming, or workstation setups
• Safeguard electronics from surges and conserve power automatically

Best for: Home offices, media centers, or anywhere devices cluster.

3. Smart LED Bulbs

Swap out old incandescent or CFL bulbs for LED smart bulbs to save energy and give your lighting IQ a boost.

• Schedule lights to turn on/off for better security and savings
• Dim or change color temperature to match natural light cycles, boosting comfort and mood
• No rewiring needed — simply replace standard bulbs

Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, entryways, and frequently used lamps.

Pro tip: Choose WiFi- or Bluetooth-enabled bulbs that don’t require a separate hub, for the easiest installation.

4. Smart Thermostats for Room Heaters/AC

Can’t replace the main thermostat in your rental? Many renters use portable space heaters, window AC units, or room fans. There are now affordable smart thermostats and smart controllers designed just for these!

• Automate heating and cooling in a single room or zone
• Use voice commands or scheduling for comfort and efficiency
• Models available that use infrared (IR) blasters to control window ACs

Best for: Renters with room heaters, ductless mini-splits, or window air conditioners.

5. Smart Window Shades Controllers

Keeping sun out in summer and letting it in during winter is one of the simplest ways to manage heating and cooling bills. Automated shade controllers attach to existing pull cords or blinds.

• Open or close shades on a schedule or remotely via app
• Integrates with sunrise/sunset and weather triggers
• Non-destructive wall mounting or adhesive options

Best for: Any window with blinds or shades (especially east/west-facing).

6. Smart Radiator Valves

If your rental uses old-school steam or hot water radiators, consider smart radiator valves. Some attach to the radiator’s control knob and allow you to set room temperatures automatically via an app.

• Set a heating schedule to avoid heating empty rooms
• Adjust for comfort without calling your landlord
• Easy, tool-free installation in most cases

Note: Compatibility may vary. Always check the radiator type before buying.

7. Smart Water Leak Sensors

While not a direct energy saver, water leak detectors help avoid wasted water and minimize heat loss from leaks near heaters or hot water tanks.

• Place under sinks, behind toilets, by water heaters, or in laundry areas
• Receive instant alerts to your phone if water is detected
• Battery-powered models need no wiring

Best for: Preventing costly water and energy waste — and landlord headaches!

8. Smart Motion Sensors

Leave the room and forget to turn off the lights? Smart motion sensors solve this problem.

• Turn on lights, fans, or appliances only when someone’s in the room
• Integrate with smart plugs or bulbs for full automation
• Battery-operated and removable (perfect for rentals)

Tip: Some smart sensors double as temperature or humidity sensors.

9. Smart Door and Window Sensors

These clever sensors can do more than just alert you to a break-in. Door and window sensors help with energy efficiency by:

• Sending reminders if doors or windows are left open (great for AC or heat), preventing waste
• Pausing heating or cooling when you open a door or window
• Integrating with smart plugs or thermostats

Installation: Most attach with adhesive – no tools or holes.

10. Smart Humidifiers/Dehumidifiers

Maintaining the right humidity reduces the workload (and waste) for both heating and cooling. Smart humidifiers or dehumidifiers can:

• Shut off automatically at your chosen humidity level
• Be controlled and scheduled via your phone
• Help you achieve ideal comfort without overusing AC or heat

Size up: Get one appropriate for your room size for maximum efficiency.

How to Choose the Right Smart Devices for Your Rental

Before you start shopping, here are a few renter-friendly tips for choosing (and safely installing) smart home tech:

• Go wireless whenever possible (WiFi or Bluetooth devices are easiest to set up and take with you when you move).
• Avoid devices that require hardwiring, drilling, or modifications to the apartment.
• Check for compatibility with your phone, voice assistant, or existing smart home ecosystem.
• Read the installation instructions and check for landlord restrictions, especially for window or HVAC-related devices.
• Look for energy monitoring features to see real savings over time.

Get the Most from Your Smart Home Upgrades

A few simple changes to your routine can help you unlock additional savings from your new gadgets:

• Automate, automate, automate – set up schedules or routines so devices work without you thinking about it.
• Use scenes and triggers – group smart devices (such as smart plugs and bulbs) to turn on/off together when you leave or arrive home.