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

As a renter, you might think you don’t have many options to save energy. But in today’s smart home era, affordable devices let you reduce bills and your carbon footprint—without drilling, wiring, or consulting your landlord. From plug-in gadgets to peel-and-stick tech, the following smart home products are all under $100 and designed to help you save energy in a rental-friendly way.

Why Renters Should Invest in Energy-Efficient Gadgets

Living in a rental doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice sustainability. Smart home technology now makes energy efficiency easy, accessible, and—best of all—portable. These gadgets offer:

Easy Installation: Most options require no major changes or permanent modifications.
Bills Savings: Lower utility bills help offset initial costs quickly.
Eco-Friendly Living: Reduce overall energy consumption and carbon footprint.
Portability: Take your devices with you when you move.

The 10 Best Smart Home Gadgets Under $100 For Renters

Ready to make your rental smarter and greener? Here’s a list of the top 10 affordable, energy-saving smart home gadgets—each one chosen for practicality, impact, and ease of use in temporary living.

1. Smart Plugs

Smart plugs are a renter’s dream: Plug them into any outlet, connect to Wi-Fi, and control devices via your smartphone or voice assistant. No rewiring or landlord permission needed.

Schedule or automate appliances (lamps, fans, coffee makers) to switch off when not needed.
Monitor energy use through app-connected models and identify energy hogs.
Set routines: Program your electronics to cut standby power overnight.

Price range: $10–$30 per plug
Best for: Anyone who wants energy savings without installation hassles.

2. Smart Power Strips

A smart power strip goes a step further than standard smart plugs. These surge protectors let you control multiple devices at once, preventing phantom power drain—the energy your electronics waste just by being plugged in.

Set schedules for a group of devices like entertainment centers or computer setups.
Individually turn off outlets using an app or voice command.
Some models offer real-time energy monitoring per outlet.

Price range: $25–$40
Best for: Home offices, TVs, and gadget clusters.

3. Wi-Fi Thermostats (Non-Wired)

Many renters think smart thermostats are off-limits, but some models are plug-in or battery-powered and work with portable space heaters or air conditioners. If your rental heating or AC is plug-in (like a window unit), you can manage it with these gadgets—no rewiring needed.

Schedule temperature changes based on your daily routine.
Adjust remotely to avoid heating or cooling an empty home.
Monitor usage and set limits to reduce energy waste.

Price range: $35–$80
Best for: Spaces with portable heaters/ACs, not central systems.

4. LED Smart Bulbs

Smart LED bulbs are simple to install: Just screw them into existing lamps or light fixtures. They use a fraction of the power of incandescent bulbs, and most last over 20 years!

Control lighting via app or voice assistant.
Automate on/off or dimming based on time and occupancy.
Reduce power usage by customizing lighting to your needs.

Price range: $10–$25 per bulb (priced as low as $30 for multi-packs)
Best for: Immediate lighting savings with zero wiring changes.

5. Smart Radiator Valves

If your apartment has hot-water radiators, check if your model allows a smart radiator valve switch. These battery-powered controls replace manual thermostatic valves, letting you program heating schedules room by room—without modifying building thermostats.

Set custom temperatures for each radiator automatically.
Reduce heat in unused rooms instead of the whole apartment.
Most are tool-free and fully removable when you move out.

Price range: $45–$100 per valve
Best for: Older apartments with radiator heat and non-central thermostats.

6. Door & Window Sensor Kits

When doors or windows are accidentally left open, heaters and AC units waste energy. Compact sensor kits trigger alerts, reminders, or even automate thermostat/fan shutoff when they detect open windows or doors.

Easy peel-and-stick install—no screws or drilling.
Connect with other devices (like smart plugs or thermostats) for full automation.
Works for both external and internal doors/windows.

Price range: $15–$40 per kit
Best for: Rooms with window ACs, or anywhere you want to reduce accidental energy loss.

7. Smart Blinds Controllers

Sunlight has a major impact on temperature. Smart blinds controllers automate the raising and lowering of your existing blinds based on sunlight, time of day, or your smartphone schedule.

Cut cooling costs by blocking sunlight during peak heat hours.
Use natural light for warmth during winter months.
Install in minutes with adhesive or simple mounting hardware.

Price range: $70–$99
Best for: Windows with standard pull-cord or wand style blinds.

8. Shower Timers & Smart Water Monitors

Water heating makes up about 18% of home energy use. Shower timers and smart water flow monitors help you track and reduce water and energy use, especially in shared rentals.

Install simple timers or Bluetooth sensors to monitor shower lengths.
Get alerts when showers exceed set limits.
Choose non-permanent models that suction or stick to tile.

Price range: $15–$50
Best for: Shared bathrooms or anyone wanting to lower hot water bills.

9. Smart Fans & Plug Adapters

A smart fan plug or Wi-Fi controlled portable fan can help you run cooling only when needed, using far less energy than air conditioning. Set fans to operate on schedules, based on room temperature, or even in response to window/door sensors.

Plug regular fans into a smart plug or buy an all-in-one smart fan.
Create rules (e.g., fan on only when someone is home or it’s over 75°F).
Move the fan wherever you go—ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices.

Price range: $20–$70
Best for: Energy-saving cooling in smaller spaces.

10. Smart Air Quality Monitors

While indoor air monitors don’t directly save energy, they provide valuable info: Knowing when your air quality drops means you’ll only run air purifiers or vent fans when necessary, not just out of habit.

Place sensors in bedrooms, kitchens, or living rooms.
Monitor humidity, CO2, dust, and more through smartphone apps.
Trigger other smart devices (like window fans or dehumidifiers) automatically.

Price range: $60–$100
Best for: Smart energy use for air purifiers and vent fans.

How to Choose – and Use – Smart Gadgets as a Renter

Selecting the right smart gadgets as a renter takes a little planning. Here are some pro tips to help you choose energy-efficient devices that fit your space and your lease: