7 Smart Home Gadgets Under $50 That Make Any Rental More Energy-Efficient

Living in a rental doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort or sustainability. By adding a few smart, budget-friendly devices, you can cut utility bills, reduce your ecological footprint, and enjoy modern conveniences—all without permanent installations. Even better? Smart gadgets aren’t just for homeowners; plenty suit rental apartments and houses, requiring no hardwiring or drilling.

Here’s your go-to guide for the best energy-saving smart tech under $50, plus actionable tips on how to use each in any rental space.

Why Smart Home Gadgets Matter for Renters

Renters often face challenges when it comes to making eco-friendly upgrades:

Restrictions on permanent modifications by landlords
Lack of access to major systems like HVAC or water heaters
Budget constraints and short-term leases

Smart home gadgets solve these issues. Most are plug-and-play, portable, and usable in any property, so you save money and energy no matter where you live.

7 Energy-Efficient Smart Home Gadgets Under $50

1. Smart Plugs: Automate and Control Power Usage

Estimated Price: $10–$30 per plug

Plug-in smart outlets are the ultimate entry-level energy-saving device. They let you control anything you plug in—lamps, fans, coffee makers—via your smartphone or voice commands.

Schedule appliances to turn off when not needed
Monitor real-time energy use in connected devices
Voice compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and more

Rental-friendly tip: Use smart plugs to set “off” schedules for unused electronics and avoid phantom energy drain from TVs, chargers, and entertainment systems.

2. Smart LED Light Bulbs: Cut Lighting Costs

Estimated Price: $10–$30 per bulb

Smart LEDs let you control brightness, schedule on/off times, and sometimes change colors—all via an app. They last far longer and use about 75% less energy than incandescents.

Dimmable and programmable for maximum customization
Can replicate natural light cycles for better sleep and productivity
Works in any standard lamp or light fixture—just swap bulbs, no tools needed

Rental-friendly tip: Take your bulbs with you when you move! Just remember to keep the landlord’s originals to reinstall later.

3. Smart Thermostat Controllers: Smarter Climate Without Installation

Estimated Price: $40–$50

If your rental has a remote-controlled A/C or space heater (window units, portable heaters, split systems), a smart thermostat controller can automate temperature settings and save you money.

Creates daily/weekly temperature schedules—no more cooling or heating when you’re not home
Turns units off automatically when you leave (using geofencing via your phone)
Easy to set up and remove; requires no wiring

Rental-friendly tip: Many require only a line-of-sight to your unit’s IR sensor and a Wi-Fi connection.

4. Smart Power Strips: Stop Vampire Power

Estimated Price: $25–$45

Electronics draw small amounts of power—even when “off.” These “vampire loads” can represent up to 10% of your energy bill. Smart power strips cut the drain, letting you control multiple devices together or individually.

Programmable timers to turn off devices at night or while at work
Surge protection for delicate electronics
Remote control via apps or voice

Rental-friendly tip: Use for entertainment centers or home offices where many devices are always plugged in.

5. Smart Temperature and Humidity Sensors: Optimize Comfort

Estimated Price: $10–$30 per sensor

Small, wireless sensors monitor your space and alert you to inefficient conditions—too-cold bedrooms, damp closets, you name it. Some integrate with smart thermostats or fans to trigger automatic adjustments.

Spot under-heated or over-cooled rooms leading to wasted energy
Reduce mold risk in bathrooms or basements
Monitor remotely via smartphone apps

Rental-friendly tip: Place sensors in problem spots (by windows, in corners, under sinks) for targeted adjustments.

6. Smart Radiator Valves (for Steam/Hot Water Radiators)

Estimated Price: $35–$50 per valve

If your rental has old-school radiators with manual valves, a smart radiator thermostat can give you zoned temperature control—with no need to touch the building’s boiler controls.

Set individual room temperatures and schedules
Control via app or voice
Installs with only basic tools (no wiring)

Rental-friendly tip: Just swap back the original valve heads when you move—no damage, no trace.

7. Smart Window and Door Sensors: Stop Heat and AC Loss

Estimated Price: $10–$30 per sensor

Forget to close a window or door? These battery-powered sensors alert your phone—or even trigger a connected smart device to stop heating or cooling until you’re sealed up.

Instant notifications for open doors/windows
Automate AC or heater to pause when a window is open
No tools required: uses peel-and-stick adhesive

Rental-friendly tip: Sensors are removable and leave no marks.

Practical Tips for Using Smart Gadgets in Rentals

Choose Devices With Easy Installation and Removal

Look for gadgets that use adhesive backing, standard outlets, or replaceable batteries.
Avoid anything that requires opening walls or modifying electrical circuits.
Save original fixtures (like bulbs or radiator valve heads) to reinstall when you leave.

Use Automation and Scheduling Features

Set daily routines for lighting, temperature, and appliances.
Enable geofencing—many gadgets can use your smartphone’s location to switch off when you leave.

Monitor Energy Usage

Smart plugs and power strips often provide usage statistics—review these to identify your biggest “energy vampires.”
Adjust routines and device placement based on your data to maximize savings.

Make the Most of Voice Assistants

Many gadgets work with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit—enabling hands-free control.
Create “scenes” for leaving home, bedtime, or movie night that adjust several devices at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take smart devices with me when I move?

Absolutely! That’s one of their biggest advantages for renters. Just uninstall or unplug, and take them to your next home.

What about Wi-Fi/network compatibility?

Most smart gadgets connect via Wi-Fi and only require initial setup through a smartphone app. Make sure your rental’s internet is stable and check the required Wi-Fi frequency (usually 2.4GHz).

Will smart home devices work with any landlord’s rules?

Almost all products listed here don’t require any permanent modification or damage, making them landlord-friendly. Always check your lease if in doubt.

How much energy/money can I really save?

Savings depend on your current habits, but studies show: