Top 7 Smart Home Gadgets That Cut Energy Costs—Even If You Rent

Are you a renter trying to save on energy bills while reducing your carbon footprint? You’re not alone. Many renters think smart home upgrades are reserved for homeowners, but today’s plug-and-play smart gadgets are portable, affordable, and totally landlord-friendly. Let’s dive into seven gadgets you can use right now to slash your energy costs, even if you don’t own your space.

1. Smart Thermostats: Precise Climate, Lower Bills

Heating and cooling eat up around 48% of a typical U.S. home’s energy use—even more if your HVAC is left running when no one’s home. Fortunately, smart thermostats don’t require complex installation and can be easily uninstalled when you move out.

Why They’re Renter-Friendly

• No hardwiring required for many models—just swap out and keep the original thermostat.
• Intuitive setup and compatibility with most existing heating/cooling systems.

How They Save Energy

• Learning schedules: Automatically adjust the temperature based on your daily routine.
• Remote control: Change settings from your phone—never forget to turn down the heat before work again.
• Energy reports: See your usage data and get recommendations for further savings.

Get Started

Choose a model with a simple install process, like Nest or Ecobee. Always keep your old thermostat to reinstall before you move.

2. Smart Plugs: Cut Phantom Power

Did you know that devices left on standby quietly suck up electricity all day? Smart plugs let you control power to anything—lamps, chargers, TVs—remotely or on a schedule.

Why They’re Renter-Friendly

• Plug-and-play: No tools or landlord approval needed.
• Perfect for apartments or studios where you can’t rewire outlets.

How They Save Energy

• Scheduling: Automatically turn devices off at night or when you’re at work.
• Remote control: Check and control any plug from your smartphone.
• Energy monitoring: Some models show you exactly how much power each device uses.

Get Started

Install smart plugs for any device that doesn’t need to be ‘always on’. Start with your TV, computer, and kitchen gadgets.

3. LED Smart Bulbs: Efficient, Adaptable Lighting

Lighting accounts for about 15% of home electricity. Swapping out just five of your most-used bulbs with smart LEDs can make a noticeable difference.

Why They’re Renter-Friendly

• Simply screw into existing fixtures—just take them with you when you move.
• No rewiring or drilling required.

How They Save Energy

• Lower wattage, same brightness: Use up to 80% less electricity.
• Dimming and color change: Only use the brightness you need, adjust for time of day.
• Automation: Set bulbs to turn off automatically or respond to sunrise/sunset.

Get Started

Look for bulbs compatible with your favorite voice assistants. Replace high-use bulbs first—living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms are a great place to start.

4. Smart Sensors: Automation and Awareness

Smart sensors might seem high-tech, but they’re surprisingly renter-friendly. Motion, temperature, or light sensors can automate your home’s devices based on actual usage, cutting down waste.

Why They’re Renter-Friendly

• Battery-powered: No drilling, cables, or complicated mounting.
• Easy to place and move as you change apartments.

How They Save Energy

• Motion sensors: Lights turn on only when needed; never forget to turn them off.
• Door/window sensors: Trigger thermostats or fans only when you’re home.
• Room temperature sensors: Optimize heating/cooling in just the rooms in use.

Get Started

Pair sensors with smart bulbs and plugs to automate your energy savings. For example, have the bathroom light turn off 5 minutes after you leave.

5. Smart Power Strips: Manage Multiple Devices

Entertainment centers, gaming setups, and home offices are often the worst offenders for “energy vampires.” Smart power strips put you in control without unplugging everything by hand.

Why They’re Renter-Friendly

• Replace your old power bar, no installation needed.
• Fully portable to take to your next apartment.

How They Save Energy

• Individually controlled outlets: Schedule or remotely turn off devices separately.
• Energy monitoring: See which devices waste the most power.
• Timed outlets: Great for routers, speakers, or lamps that don’t need to run 24/7.

Get Started

Choose a model that works with your ecosystem (Alexa, Google Home, etc.), then add it to your living room or workspace for instant savings.

6. Smart Blinds and Shades: Climate Control Without Effort

Managing sunlight is one of the easiest ways to keep your space cool or warm without relying heavily on air conditioning or heating. Thanks to stick-on or retrofit smart shade motors, you don’t need to drill or permanently modify your windows.

Why They’re Renter-Friendly

• Choose models that attach to existing blinds/curtains or require no drilling.
• Quick removal when moving out—leave the window frame untouched.

How They Save Energy

• Automate for sunrise/sunset: Keep sunlight out on hot days, let it in to warm rooms in winter.
• Remote and scheduled control: Open or close shades from your phone, even when not home.
• Integrate with sensors: Shades adjust automatically based on temperature or sunlight levels.

Get Started

Pick blinds/shade motors designed for renters—no screws, just adhesive or clamp-on mounts. Start with the sunniest room for the biggest impact.

7. Smart Water Leak Sensors: Prevent Costly (and Wasteful) Damage

Hidden leaks don’t just waste water—they can cause thousands in damage and energy waste through ruined insulation or running appliances. Smart leak detectors are a quiet hero for both energy and resource conservation.

Why They’re Renter-Friendly

• Wireless, battery-operated, and portable—perfect for under sinks, near washers, or water heaters.
• No impact on property—take them when you move.

How They Save Energy

• Early alerts: Notification to your phone if a leak is detected, before it becomes expensive.
• Prevent mold: Reduce energy needed for remediation (dehumidifiers, fans, etc.)
• Close appliance connections: Newer models can even automatically shut off water to some appliances.

Get Started

Place sensors anywhere leaks are likely (bathroom, kitchen, laundry area). They’ll silently save you money and stress year-round.

Actionable Tips for Maximizing Your Smart Home Energy Savings

• Keep it portable: Look for gadgets that don’t require permanent modification or approval from your landlord.
• Start small: Begin with high-impact items like thermostats and plugs, then expand as you see savings.
• Automate routines: Use sensors and schedules to eliminate wasted energy from forgotten devices or lights.
• Monitor your results: Review the usage stats many smart devices provide—adjust your