10 Smart Home Gadgets Under $100 That Make Any Rental More Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly living isn’t reserved for homeowners. If you rent your home or apartment, you can still embrace sustainable living — and tech can help! With the right smart home gadgets (no drilling, landlord approval, or permanent changes required), you can save money, cut energy waste, and make your living space healthier. The best part? You don’t have to break the bank to get started.
Below are 10 must-have smart home gadgets — each under $100 — that help make any rental more eco-friendly. Plus, get practical tips for how to use them and recommended products to try today!
1. Smart Plugs
Plug-and-play energy savings come easy with smart plugs. These devices make any standard appliance – think lamps, fans, coffee makers, and TVs – instantly “smarter” and more energy efficient.
How Smart Plugs Help the Planet
- Eliminate standby power drain by scheduling devices to turn off when not in use (vampire energy can account for up to 10% of your electricity bill!)
- Remote control via app lets you power off devices you forgot before leaving
- Voice control (with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit) for hands-free energy management
Tips for Renters
- Choose Wi-Fi smart plugs for easy setup—no hub required
- Use for devices you forget to turn off (like space heaters or curling irons)
- Slip them out and take them with you when you move
2. Smart LED Light Bulbs
Switching to LED bulbs is one of the quickest ways to save energy at home. Smart LED bulbs take it a step further with scheduling, remote control, and automation features.
Why Smart LED Bulbs Are Eco-Friendly
- Use up to 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs
- Set timers and schedules to turn off lights you forget
- Auto-dim or color tune for different times of day, reducing unnecessary brightness
Tips for Renters
- Install in lamps or light fixtures you can remove at move-out
- Most brands now work without a hub — just connect via Wi-Fi
- Choose bulbs compatible with your smartphone’s smart ecosystem
3. Smart Thermostats for Portable Heaters & AC Units
Many renters can’t replace the whole thermostat, but smart controllers for plug-in heaters, portable ACs, or window units are a great alternative.
Eco Benefits
- Automate temperature control in a single room (great for small apartments)
- Schedule on/off times or set up geofencing to avoid cooling/heating an empty room
- Track energy usage to optimize settings
Tips for Renters
- Look for Wi-Fi-enabled plug-style thermostats
- Some devices work via IR remote, so check compatibility
- Take the device with you at lease’s end
4. Smart Leak Detectors
Water waste and damage can be a headache for renters and landlords alike. A smart leak detector instantly alerts you to drips, leaks, or flooding — protecting your deposit and the planet.
Eco Benefits
- Prevents water waste by catching leaks fast (faucets, under sinks, behind toilets, washing machines)
- Can send alerts to your smartphone, so you can act quickly
- No need for expensive or invasive installation
Tips for Renters
- Choose battery-powered or plug-in detectors for easy removal
- Place in areas where leaks are most likely
- Share data with your landlord to catch bigger issues early
5. Smart Shower Heads
Save gallons of water every shower without sacrificing comfort. Smart shower heads install without the need for tools or permits and give you real-time feedback on your water use.
Eco Benefits
- Track water usage in real-time
- Set and monitor time limits for showers
- Many models come with a pause button or slow-flow feature
Tips for Renters
- Swap out your landlord’s shower head with your smart one (store the original to reattach at move-out)
- Some smart shower heads use LEDs or apps for live feedback
- Look for WaterSense-certified models for highest efficiency
6. Smart Blinds Controllers
Controlling sunlight can save energy – especially in summer or winter. Smart blind controllers (retrofits for your existing blinds) schedule open/close times or let you adjust shades without even getting up.
Eco Benefits
- Reduce heating and cooling costs by blocking midday sun or trapping heat overnight
- Set schedules for optimal natural lighting
- Automate to maximize daylight during winter months
Tips for Renters
- Retrofit kits work with many corded blinds (check compatibility)
- Most models attach with removable adhesives or clamps—no drilling
- Take them to your next rental!
7. Smart Power Strips
An easy swap for traditional surge protectors, smart power strips tackle “phantom” (always-on) devices and help you control groups of electronics with your phone or voice assistant.
Eco Benefits
- Independently control each outlet
- Set schedules for non-essential electronics (TVs, game consoles, chargers)
- Turn off entire groups before bed or when you leave
Tips for Renters
- Replace standard strips in your office or entertainment center
- Great for desk setups with monitors, speakers, and chargers
- No installation — just plug in
8. Smart Air Quality Monitors
Hidden air pollutants and high humidity can waste energy and damage health. Smart air quality monitors read levels of VOCs, particulate matter, humidity, and temperature — all in one.
Eco Benefits
- Identify and reduce sources of pollution (cleaners, candles, etc.)
- Optimize heating and cooling to reduce humidity build-up
- Get alerts to open windows instead of running an air purifier
Tips for Renters
- Compact and portable — can use in any room
- Pair with plants or purifiers for healthier air
- Consider monitors that plug in or run on rechargeable battery
9. Smart Radiator Valves
In steam-heated apartments, smart radiator valves help control room temperature better, avoiding waste on overheated days. That’s a win for the environment and your comfort.
Eco Benefits
- Regulate heat in individual rooms instead of the whole apartment
- Schedule heat lower at night or when you’re away
- Reduce energy usage of old, inefficient building systems
Tips for Renters
- Check that your radiator uses valve controls (not manual open/close knobs); most European-style radiators work
- Installation usually requires no tools — unscrew the old valve, screw on the smart one
- Just swap back old valves when you move out
10. Smart Compost Bins
Don’t let food waste go
