10 Smart Home Gadgets Under $100 That Make Renting More Energy Efficient
Living in a rental doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice sustainability or savings. Technological advances now offer renters plenty of wallet-friendly gadgets to reduce energy use, preserve resources, and save money—all without drilling holes or renegotiating leases.
Below, discover ten smart home devices under $100 that can make any rental greener, simpler, and smarter.
Why Energy Efficiency Matters for Renters
Energy costs can be a significant portion of monthly expenses, especially in older or less-insulated rental properties. By choosing the right gadgets, renters can:
- Lower monthly utility bills
- Reduce carbon footprints
- Improve comfort at home
- Equip their rentals with features attractive to future tenants
The best part? Most of these devices are easy to install and remove, so you can take them with you when you move.
1. Smart Plugs – Control Power Remotely
Smart plugs are affordable, compact, and powerful when it comes to energy savings. These small devices let you turn regular appliances into smart ones, enabling remote on/off controls and scheduling directly from your phone or via voice assistant.
How They Save Energy:
- Prevent standby power drain (“vampire load”)
- Automate schedules for lamps, fans, or kitchen appliances
- Track actual energy consumption on some models
Installation is as simple as plugging them in and connecting them to your Wi-Fi. No tools or landlord approval required.
2. LED Smart Bulbs – Bright Ideas for Efficient Lighting
Lighting accounts for about 15% of a home’s electricity use. Swapping incandescent bulbs for energy-saving smart LEDs can cut that cost substantially. Smart bulbs combine high efficiency with automation.
Features to Look For:
- Dimming capabilities – customize brightness as needed
- Scheduling – set lights to turn off automatically
- Remote control via app or voice
Smart bulbs also last years longer than traditional options and often fit standard sockets, making them perfect for renters.
3. Programmable Smart Thermostats (Without Hardwiring)
Heating and cooling your space often uses more energy than anything else. Some smart thermostats, designed for plug-in units or standalone AC or heaters, offer renters temperature automation and precision without the need for rewiring or permanent wall mounts.
Advantages for Renters:
- No electrician needed for installation
- Set temperature schedules to avoid energy waste
- Monitor or adjust temperature from your phone anywhere
Be sure to choose a model compatible with window ACs or portable heaters, common in rentals.
4. Water Leak Sensors – Prevent Water & Energy Loss
Even small leaks can waste water and run up your bills—especially if a hot water leak is involved. Smart water leak detectors send instant alerts to your phone if they sense moisture so you can act fast.
Why They Matter:
- Protects you from water damage (and deposit deductions)
- Stops hot water leaks quickly to reduce wasted energy
- No installation—set them on the floor near toilets, under sinks, or by water heaters
Peace of mind for renters at minimal cost.
5. Window Insulation Kits with Smart Sensors
Drafty windows lose both heat and cool air, making your HVAC work harder. Removable window insulation kits are a renter’s best friend. For the tech-savvy, pair them with small, affordable indoor climate sensors.
How This Duo Helps:
- Thermal film insulates in winter and keeps out heat in summer
- Climate sensors track temperature and humidity, alerting you when it’s time to ventilate or seal
Installation takes minutes and is damage-free, while sensors give you data to optimize comfort and energy use.
6. Smart Power Strips – Tackle Multiple Devices
Smart power strips are perfect for cutting off power to clusters of electronics (think TV, game console, streaming box) with one tap. Many offer individual outlet controls and energy usage stats too.
For Renters:
- Easily move them room to room or take them with you when moving out
- Automate shut-off for electronics you forget to unplug
These strips help avoid wasted standby power, particularly in home offices and entertainment centers.
7. Efficient Low-Flow Smart Showerheads
Hot water costs both money and energy, especially if shared among multiple renters. Smart showerheads can track water use and even pause flow while you lather up.
Benefits:
- Easy DIY installation—just unscrew your old showerhead
- Digital readouts or app monitoring for water use
- Help you shorten showers to save energy and money
Some models feature LED lights or timers so you can easily see how long you’re in the shower.
8. Temperature and Humidity Smart Sensors
Keeping your rental comfortable without overusing heating and cooling is easier with data. Smart sensors placed around your home help you:
- Identify temperature imbalances
- Detect excess humidity or mold risk
- Work with other gadgets (like fans, window openers, or smart ACs) for automated comfort
Most units are wireless and adhesive (no screws required), making them perfect for renters.
9. Window or Door Sensors to Minimize Energy Loss
Leaving a window or door ajar can waste hundreds of dollars in energy over a year. Simple, inexpensive sensors tell you—via app or voice—if an entry is left open.
Ways They Help:
- Automate reminders to close doors or windows when the AC or heater is running
- Integrate with other devices to pause HVAC when open
- Move and reuse sensors whenever you relocate
These sensors often double as basic security features, giving extra value for renters.
10. Smart Radiator Valves (For Steam or Hot Water Heaters)
For those in older rentals with radiator heat, smart valves can replace basic manual ones, allowing you to set schedules or control temperatures by room.
Renter-Friendly Features:
- Usually no plumber needed—just remove old knob and attach new one
- Cut heat in empty rooms to save energy
- Easily take them with you when you move to a similar system
Not only do these improve comfort, but renters often find significant utility savings during colder months.
Installation Tips and Advice for Renters
Choose Non-Destructive Devices
- Look for gadgets with adhesive, magnetic, or plug-in installation
- Avoid any device that requires wiring changes or wall holes
- Save original hardware so you can return the unit to its initial state upon moving out
Integrate with Voice Assistants
Many of these gadgets work seamlessly with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit, letting you control everything with simple voice commands.
Read the Fine Print
- Check for device compatibility with your existing Wi-Fi or phone operating system
- Ensure products are returnable in case your landlord objects
Maximizing Your Energy Savings
An energy-efficient rental is achieved when you combine smart tech with smart habits. In addition to using the devices above:
- Unplug chargers and devices you’re not actively using
- Run full loads in the dishwasher or laundry, using cold water where possible
- Seal gaps around windows and doors with removable weatherstripping
- Layer
