7 Smart Home Devices That Make Any Rental More Energy-Efficient (No Installation Needed!)

Are you renting but still want to cut your energy bills and live more sustainably? The good news: you don’t need to rewire your apartment or deal with a landlord to start saving energy! Smart devices are revolutionizing the way we control our homes, and many are “plug-and-play”—no permanent changes or complicated installation required.

In this guide, we’ll reveal seven powerful, renter-friendly smart home devices to boost your energy efficiency. You’ll learn what they do, how they work, and why they’re perfect for rental living. Save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy more comfort at home—no tools or drilling needed!

Why Choose Smart Devices for Energy Efficiency?

Easy to Move: Most smart devices are portable. Take them with you when you leave!
No Installation: Forget about wires, wall holes, or complex setups.
Remote Control: Adjust your home settings from anywhere using your phone.
Automation: Set schedules or use sensors to avoid wasting energy when you’re not home.
Track Energy Use: Many devices help you monitor energy consumption, making it easier to optimize.

Let’s explore the best options for renters who want a smarter, greener home.

1. Smart Plugs: Control Power to Any Device

Smart plugs are the ultimate “plug-and-play” efficiency upgrade. Plug them into any standard outlet, connect your lamp, fan, or appliance, and control everything through your phone or with voice commands.

How Smart Plugs Save Energy

Eliminate Vampire Power: Stops electronics from using power when off or in standby mode.
Schedule Devices: Automatically switch off electronics when not in use (like TVs or game consoles).
Remote Shut-Off: Forgot to turn off your curling iron or coffee maker? Do it from anywhere.

Top Features to Look For

WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity for easy setup.
Energy monitoring to track usage per plug (not all plugs include this).
Integration with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit.

Tip: Plug energy hogs like space heaters or window ACs into a smart plug to keep their usage in check.

2. Smart Light Bulbs: Customized, Efficient Lighting

Lighting accounts for about 10% of home electricity use. Swapping standard bulbs for LED smart bulbs gives you instant control and energy savings. Just screw them into any regular lamp, connect to your WiFi or hub, and you’re set.

Energy-Saving Benefits

Dimmable: Adjust brightness — lower light means lower energy use.
Scheduling: Automate lights to only be on when you need them.
Remote Access: Turn off forgotten lights from anywhere.
Multicolor & scenes: Set the mood without multiple fixtures.

Best Places to Use Smart Bulbs

Bedrooms and living rooms for easy mood lighting
Porch or entryway lamps for timed security and energy savings
Home offices—perfect for custom schedules

Pro Tip: Choose bulbs labeled “ENERGY STAR” for the highest efficiency.

3. Smart Thermostats (Standalone Models)

Traditional smart thermostats usually require hardwiring, which isn’t practical for renters. But there’s a new class of portable or room-based smart thermostats that don’t involve installation at all. These devices control plug-in heaters or air conditioners directly.

How Standalone Smart Thermostats Work

Monitor room temperature and humidity
Plug into a standard outlet, then control your space heater, window AC, or fan
Set customized schedules and temperature goals via an app

Some models even use presence sensors or geofencing to only power devices when you’re home—an ideal rental-friendly solution for single rooms or apartments with no central HVAC.

Why Renters Will Love Standalone Smart Thermostats

Zero installation or landlord approval needed
Perfect for “zoned” comfort and energy saving

4. Energy Monitoring Devices

Knowledge is power—literally! Smart energy monitors help you see exactly where your electricity goes. Plugin models (just plug into an outlet) tell you which devices are using the most power and when.

Key Benefits of Smart Energy Monitors

Real-time usage tracking of specific appliances or entire circuits (using smart plugs and strips)
Historical data and energy costs visualized through an app or web dashboard
Personalized tips based on your real usage patterns

Armed with accurate data, you can change habits or swap out inefficient devices for maximum savings.

Recommended For:

Roommates wanting to split utility bills fairly
Anyone curious where those “phantom” energy spikes come from

Tip: Pair these with smart plugs or strips to automate low-usage periods based on your actual data.

5. Smart Power Strips: Protect and Conserve

Power strips aren’t just for surge protection anymore! Modern smart power strips combine surge safety with seriously smart controls. Plug in computers, TVs, chargers, and more—then manage each outlet independently via WiFi or Bluetooth.

How Smart Power Strips Help Renters Save

Group devices (like all your entertainment center gear) for one-tap shutoff or scheduling
Set “away modes” that automatically cut power to things you don’t need while you’re out
Monitor energy usage per outlet (on select models)

Why Go Smart?

Eliminates “vampire energy” waste from plugged-in chargers and electronics
No need to physically unplug multiple devices—everything controlled from your phone
Take it with you at move-out—no permanent fixture to the rental unit

6. Smart Window AC Controllers

Window or portable air conditioners can be real energy hogs—but if your rental is stifling hot, you need relief. The answer? A smart AC controller! These slick gadgets stick or sit near your AC, use infrared blasters for universal compatibility, and connect via WiFi.

Energy-Efficient Features

App or voice control of any remote-controlled AC unit
Scheduling: Cool only when needed
Geo-fencing: ACs turn off automatically when you leave home
Smart temperature sensors: Avoid over-cooling

Set up takes minutes—no modification to your AC or windows. It’s a game-changer for renters battling summer heat (and high power bills).

7. Smart Radiator Valves or Plug-In Heaters

If your rental’s heat comes from old radiators or space heaters, you can still gain precise control. Smart radiator valves clamp on (no tools), while smart plug-in thermostatic heaters can be scheduled, controlled remotely, and monitored.

How They Help:

Set heating schedules by room and time
Lower temperature at night or when you’re out, automatically
Optimized for rented spaces—no plumbing or electrical expertise needed!
Increase comfort without wasting money on heating unused rooms

Several models integrate with Alexa or Google Assistant and most are fully portable. Say goodbye to wasted heat and hello to a cozy, efficient home!

Bonus: Simple Smart Sensors for Extra Savings

Want to maximize efficiency? Pair multiple devices with smart