10 Smart Home Gadgets Under $100 That Make Renters More Eco-Friendly
Want to reduce your carbon footprint, save on utility bills, and live greener—all without complex home renovations? It’s never been easier, even for renters. The rise of smart home technology offers accessible and affordable solutions for boosting eco-friendliness in apartments, condos, and rentals. Even renters with limited space or fixed appliances can benefit. Let’s explore ten smart home gadgets under $100 that drive real impact, plus actionable tips for integrating each into your space.
Why Renters Should Care About Smart Tech for Sustainability
It’s easy to feel powerless about sustainability when renting. You might not be able to swap appliances or install solar panels. But smart home gadgets are renter-friendly because they’re:
- Easy to install and remove—no drilling or rewiring required
- Affordable—most cost less than $100, with measurable savings
- Portable—take them with you when you move
- Low-commitment—many require only an app and Wi-Fi
Let’s zero in on the best options for making meaningful, eco-friendly changes—right now, right where you’re renting.
1. Smart Plugs: Kill “Vampire” Power Instantly
Did you know electronics and appliances drain “standby” power all day, even when not in use? Smart plugs help you cut this waste without unplugging devices by hand.
How They Work
- Plug into any standard outlet
- Control on/off schedules via your smartphone or voice command
- Monitor and track energy usage in real time
Eco-Friendly Benefits
- Reduce standby (“phantom”) energy drain
- Cut up to $100/year off energy bills for an average apartment
- Automate shut-offs with routines when you leave home
Get Started
- Use for TVs, game consoles, fans, lamps, or kitchen gadgets
- Group outlets for batch on/off control (e.g., “All kitchen devices”)
2. Smart Thermostats: Hands-Off Climate Control
Heating and cooling are energy hogs. Rental-friendly smart thermostats let you optimize climate with zero wiring. Many models use stick-on or plug-in sensors for seamless setup.
How They Work
- Connect to your existing heating/cooling unit—no hardwiring
- Self-learn your schedule and adjust settings automatically
- Remote app control means you never forget to turn down the A/C
Eco-Friendly Benefits
- Reduce wasted heating/cooling by 10–20%
- Receive energy usage reports
- Enable “eco” modes when away or sleeping
Get Started
- Check compatibility with your apartment’s HVAC (look for plug-in or IR-blaster models)
- Set geofencing so your system powers down when you leave
3. Smart Light Bulbs: Light Only When Needed
Lighting accounts for 10–15% of the average rental’s electricity bill. Swapping for Wi-Fi–enabled LED bulbs helps cut that number way down—no tools necessary.
How They Work
- Replace any standard screw-in bulb (E26 base for most lamps and fixtures)
- Control brightness, schedules, and even color temperature with an app or smart speaker
- Many models let you monitor power usage in real-time
Eco-Friendly Benefits
- Use up to 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs
- Automate lighting schedules to mimic natural sunlight
- Turn off lights remotely or with voice commands, so they’re never left on unnecessarily
Get Started
- Prioritize rooms used most, like the bedroom, living room, and kitchen
- Create “scenes” for work, relaxation, or bedtime
4. Smart Water Leak Sensors: Prevent Waste with Early Detection
Leaky pipes and appliances can waste thousands of gallons a year—and renters often discover leaks too late. Smart water sensors send instant alerts at the first sign of moisture.
How They Work
- Peel-and-stick or place sensors near sinks, toilets, water heaters, or in laundry areas
- Connect to your phone for immediate notifications about leaks or flooding
- Some models sync with smart plugs to instantly power off connected devices if a leak is detected
Eco-Friendly Benefits
- Prevent water waste and potential property damage
- Support landlord maintenance requests with real data on when and where leaks occur
Get Started
- Install in all wet areas—especially in older apartments
- Check the sensor battery a few times a year for reliability
5. Smart Shower Heads: Track (and Reduce) Your Water Use
Showers are the single biggest source of indoor water use. Smart shower heads with built-in meters help you track—and instinctively reduce—consumption without sacrificing comfort.
How They Work
- Replace your existing showerhead (no plumber needed; just screw it on)
- Display live water usage, duration, and temperature on the device or via app
- Many models set gentle “nudges” for water-conserving showers
Eco-Friendly Benefits
- Reduce water usage by up to 50% per shower
- Lower energy use by using less hot water
- Track your habits and challenge yourself to shorten shower times
Get Started
- Choose showerheads that install tool-free and meet EPA WaterSense standards
- Install within minutes—landlord permission rarely needed
6. Smart Power Strips: Simplify Energy-Saving for Multiple Devices
Perfect for renters with home offices, entertainment centers, or kitchens packed with gadgets. Smart power strips take traditional surge protectors to the next level by granting individual control over each outlet.
How They Work
- Plug into any standard outlet, then connect up to 4-8 devices
- App-based or voice control for each outlet independently
- Schedule power times and monitor energy consumption for each device
Eco-Friendly Benefits
- Automatically cut off unused devices to eliminate phantom power draw
- See which devices are the biggest energy users and adjust habits
Get Started
- Ideal for desks, home theaters, gaming setups, or kitchen counter appliances
- Consider models with ports for USB charging to reduce extra chargers
7. Smart Window Sensors: Harness Natural Light and Fresh Air
Optimize your apartment’s use of free daylight and ventilation with window sensors. They track whether windows are open or closed and can be programmed to adjust other smart devices accordingly.
How They Work
- Mount sensor halves to the window frame and sash (usually with adhesive)
- Sync with other smart devices—thermostats, fans, or lights—to adjust automatically when windows are open or closed
- Track air quality and temperature changes via compatible apps
Eco-Friendly Benefits
- Reduce your need for HVAC with natural airflow
- Prevent overcooling or overheating on breezy days
- Eliminate wasted energy when windows are left open with the A/C running
Get Started
- Install on all windows you regularly open for ventilation
- Combine with energy-saving
