10 Smart Home Gadgets Under $100 That Boost Energy Efficiency in Your Rental
When it comes to saving energy (and money!) in a rental, every kilowatt counts. But as a renter, you likely face limits on what you can upgrade—hardwiring new thermostats or replacing appliances may be out of reach. Don’t worry! Today’s smart home gadgets make it not only possible to slash your energy usage but also convenient, affordable, and landlord-friendly.
We’ve rounded up 10 smart home devices under $100 that can trim your utility bills, increase comfort, and help you live greener, all without any permanent modifications. Whether you’re looking to automate your lights, monitor usage, or optimize appliance schedules, there’s a practical, plug-and-play solution here for you.
Why Energy Efficiency Matters for Renters
Renters often struggle with drafty windows, old appliances, and heating or cooling systems they can’t upgrade. But even if you can’t renovate, you can control how (and when) your home uses energy. Small tech upgrades can:
- Cut utility bills: Save money with precise energy management.
- Increase comfort: Automate temperature and lighting to fit your daily routine.
- Reduce your footprint: Use efficient gadgets to lower your environmental impact.
- Boost convenience: Control devices remotely or by schedule, so you never waste power.
Let’s dive into our list of the best affordable energy-saving smart home gadgets for renters—plus actionable tips for getting the most from each device!
10 Affordable Smart Home Gadgets for Energy Savings
1. Smart Plugs
Average Price: $15–$40 (often sold in value packs)
Why they’re great: Smart plugs are a renter’s energy-saving secret weapon. Simply plug one into your wall outlet, connect your lamp, fan, heater, or small appliance, then control it from your phone, voice assistant, or on a schedule.
- Turn off forgotten devices remotely
- Create schedules for high-energy appliances
- Track real-time energy use and receive insights
- No installation—just plug in and go
Pro Tip: Use smart plugs for space heaters, window AC units, or entertainment centers—devices that waste “vampire power” when left plugged in.
2. LED Smart Bulbs
Average Price: $10–$25 per bulb
Why they’re great: Smart LED bulbs use up to 80% less electricity than incandescent bulbs and can last for years. Control lamps and light fixtures using your phone or voice, and automate lighting to reduce waste.
- Set custom schedules for lights (turn off at bedtime or when you leave for work)
- Adjust brightness to conserve even more energy
- Some bulbs offer ambient settings for better sleep quality
- Easily unscrew and take them with you when you move!
Pro Tip: Replace bulbs in rooms where you frequently forget to turn off the lights—like the bathroom, hallway, or kitchen.
3. Smart Power Strips
Average Price: $25–$40
Why they’re great: Many electronics continue to draw power when they’re turned off. Smart power strips let you control multiple devices at once, cutting power to TVs, gaming consoles, and chargers that might otherwise slowly drain energy 24/7.
- Programmable outlets for full automation
- Real-time energy tracking for each outlet
- App and voice control for added convenience
- No wires or wall modifications required
Pro Tip: Use a smart strip for your home office to automatically power down your computer, monitor, and accessories at the end of the day.
4. Smart Thermostats for Room Heaters & ACs
Average Price: $30–$80 (for plug-in models)
Why they’re great: Renters usually can’t swap out whole-home thermostats, but plug-in smart thermostats let you control portable heaters, fans, or window AC units. This brings efficient scheduling to your heating and cooling.
- Create heating/cooling schedules that match your routine
- Set temperature thresholds or geo-fencing for automatic on/off
- Voice or smartphone control means you never have to run back home to shut off the AC
- No hardwiring—use right out of the box
Pro Tip: Choose models compatible with your voice assistant or smart home system for easy integration.
5. Water Leak Sensors
Average Price: $14–$40
Why they’re great: While not directly energy-saving, water leak detectors can prevent costly water damage (which often leads to high energy bills from dehumidifiers, repairs, or wasted hot water). Get instant phone alerts if a leak is detected.
- Protect appliances under sinks, around washing machines, or hot water heaters
- Battery-powered and unobtrusive—no installation needed
- Alerts can save thousands on repair costs for renters
Pro Tip: Some models will even work with smart home systems to trigger actions, like shutting off a smart plug connected to a leaky appliance.
6. Smart Radiator Thermostats or Valves
Average Price: $50–$100
Why they’re great: In older rentals with radiators, smart thermostatic valves let you automate the temperature in each room, maximizing comfort while avoiding wasted heat. Set different zones based on when and where you need warmth.
- Easily attach to most existing radiator valves (no plumber needed)
- Program temperature schedules or use “away” modes
- Lower heat in unused rooms to cut energy costs
Pro Tip: Check compatibility with your radiator style before purchasing, and take the valves with you when you move!
7. Smart Window Sensors & Weather Stripping
Average Price: $20–$70 (sensor kits); $10–$25 (weather stripping)
Why they’re great: Small gaps around windows waste heating and cooling. Use smart window sensors to alert you if a window is left open. Combine with weather stripping (simple, removable, and renter-approved) to maximize your energy efficiency.
- Instant phone notifications for open windows or doors
- Simple peel-and-stick installation
- Weather stripping blocks air leaks leading to lower heating/cooling bills
Pro Tip: Use sensors to integrate with other smart devices, so your heater or AC automatically turns off when a window is open.
8. Energy Monitoring Plugs
Average Price: $15–$30
Why they’re great: These plugs monitor the real-time energy consumption of whatever device you plug in—perfect for identifying “energy vampires” or calculating the actual cost of running each appliance.
- Track energy wasted by electronics left on standby
- Set cost or usage thresholds to get alerts
- Many include remote control for power management
Pro Tip: Use the data to figure out which appliances are worth unplugging or replacing, and share your findings with roommates to help reduce household consumption.
9. Smart Blinds Controllers
Average Price: $60–$100
Why they’re great: Control sunlight and indoor temperature automatically by opening or closing blinds using smart controllers. These retrofit kits clamp onto existing blinds—no drilling or landlord permission required.
- Program blinds to close on hot afternoons or open on sunny winter days
- Save energy by reducing reliance on AC or heaters
- Some models work with voice assistants and can be fully remote-controlled
Pro Tip: Combine with smart sensors to automate blinds based on temperature, sunlight, or time of day.
