7 Smart Gadgets Under $100 That Make Any Rental Greener and More Efficient
If you’re a renter, you might feel limited in how much you can do to reduce your environmental impact or lower your utility bills. But thanks to a new generation of affordable smart home gadgets, you can make your apartment or rental house both greener and more efficient—no landlord approval or hardwiring required.
Ready to shrink your carbon footprint, automate your home, and save money at the same time? Here are 7 smart gadgets under $100 that make going green easy, even for renters.
1. Smart Plugs: Control Power and Cut Phantom Loads
Many electronics suck energy even while they’re “off.” TVs, microwaves, and chargers draw what’s called a phantom load—wasting electricity and money. A smart plug solves this problem without disrupting your lifestyle.
How Smart Plugs Save Energy
- Remote Control: Turn devices on or off from your phone—no need to be home.
- Scheduling: Set schedules so lamps, fans, and power strips automatically switch off when not needed.
- Energy Monitoring: Some smart plugs track how much energy your devices use, so you can spot energy hogs.
Simply plug your electronics into these affordable devices, connect them to Wi-Fi, and use their app. No tools or landlord permission needed!
Best Uses for Renters
- Switch off entertainment centers at night.
- Schedule fans to run only when home.
- Automate holiday or security lights efficiently.
2. LED Smart Bulbs: Energy Savings and Better Ambience
Lighting accounts for up to 15% of a typical home’s electricity bill. Swapping out old incandescent or CFL bulbs for LED smart bulbs lets you save money, customize lighting, and boost efficiency—all with zero wiring.
Why Smart Bulbs Are Perfect for Rentals
- Tool-Free Installation: Just screw them into your existing lamps or fixtures.
- Custom Brightness and Color: Adjust brightness or switch to warmer colors in the evenings to wind down.
- Voice and App Control: Dim lights hands-free or set schedules to mimic your daily routine.
- Long Lifespan: Modern LEDs last 15,000+ hours, so you rarely replace them (move with them when you leave!).
Efficiency Tips
- Group bulbs by room in your smart home app to control them all at once.
- Set up automatic scenes for bedtime, daytime, or when you’re away.
3. Smart Thermostats for Renters: Comfort Without Commitment
Traditional smart thermostats often require wiring and permanent wall installation, but new plug-in and portable smart thermostats are renter-friendly and let you take control of your heating and cooling bills.
How Portable Smart Thermostats Work
- Plug into a standard wall outlet near your AC or portable heater.
- Use the app to set schedules, adjust target temps, and monitor usage.
- Some models use built-in sensors to learn your habits for extra efficiency.
Even if your landlord won’t let you swap out the main thermostat, these standalone options cut costs and carbon emissions in your living space.
Pro Renter Tips
- Pair with window AC units or space heaters for localized control.
- Use geofencing features, if available, to pre-cool or pre-heat before you get home.
4. Water Leak Sensors: Prevent Waste and Damage
A hidden leak isn’t just costly for your landlord—it wastes water and can lead to mold, warped floors, and lost security deposits. Fortunately, wireless leak detectors provide instant alerts to your phone if they sense moisture.
Why Leak Sensors Make Sense
- No Installation Required: Place under sinks, near washing machines, or behind toilets.
- Instant Notifications: Get app alerts or audible alarms at the first sign of a leak.
- Battery Powered: No need for outlets or drilling.
Stopping leaks quickly can save gallons of water and hundreds in potential damage. Some insurance companies even offer discounts for homes with leak detectors!
Where to Place Them
- Under kitchen and bathroom sinks
- Behind toilets
- Near washing machines or water heaters
5. Shower Timers: Save Water Without Giving Up Comfort
A single 10-minute shower can use up to 25 gallons of water. Smart shower gadgets help you trim water use, without feeling rushed or uncomfortable.
Types of Smart Shower Timers
- Bluetooth-Connected Timers: Track your shower duration and alert you as you hit your set limit.
- Visual Displays: Some timers use LED lights to show how much water you’ve used at a glance.
Combining a smart timer with a water-saving shower head (check with your landlord first, but these usually just screw on) easily cuts both water and heating bills.
Why Renters Love Them
- Fast, non-permanent installation
- Teach kids or roommates about water conservation
- Reduce hot water bottlenecks in shared living spaces
6. Smart Power Strips: Flexible Protection and Energy Savings
If you’re plugging lots of chargers, laptops, and entertainment gear into “dumb” strips, you’re likely wasting power unnecessarily. A smart power strip gives you control (and insights) over everything plugged in.
How Smart Power Strips Help
- Individual Outlet Control: Turn off unused devices from your phone or schedule them to power down overnight.
- Surge Protection: Safeguard your gear against power spikes.
- Energy Monitoring: Some strips show which appliances use the most energy, helping you make smarter choices.
Just plug the strip into a regular outlet—no installation needed.
Ideal Places to Use Them
- Home office setups
- Entertainment centers
- Charging stations for phones, tablets, and wearables
7. Smart Window Sensors: Strengthen Efficiency and Security
Drafty windows leak heat in winter and let cool air out in summer. While you might not be allowed to replace old windows in a rental, smart window/door sensors help you monitor window status and even automate climate control.
How Smart Sensors Work
- Stick-on sensors attach to windows or doors with adhesive—no screws required.
- Get phone alerts if a window is opened, left open, or closed.
- Some can trigger other smart devices, like adjusting your air conditioner or sending you a security notification.
Double Benefit for Renters
- Prevent energy waste by detecting open windows when the heat/AC is running.
- Boost security with instant alerts if anything is opened unexpectedly.
How to Get Started: Renter-Friendly Setup Tips
Before you fill your rental with smart gadgets, keep these best practices in mind:
- Choose Plug-and-Play Devices: Make sure your gadgets require no hardwiring or permanent installation.
- Pick Devices You Can Take With You: All the items on this list are movable, so you can reuse them in your next home.
- Check Wi-Fi Coverage: Ensure your devices are within a strong Wi-Fi signal, or consider a Wi-Fi range extender for larger apartments.
- Stay Organized: Use one or two main smart home apps (like Google Home or Alexa) for easy control and monitoring.
