How to Turn Any Apartment into a Smart, Energy-Efficient Haven—No Renovation Required

Living in a rental doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the perks of a modern, smart home. With today’s technology, making your apartment energy-efficient, comfortable, and connected is easier than ever—no renovation (or landlord permission) needed. In this guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how renters can transform their space into a smart, eco-friendly haven with simple, reversible upgrades.

Why Make Your Apartment Smart and Energy-Efficient?

Save Money: Reducing energy consumption means lower utility bills.
Boost Comfort & Convenience: Smart devices adapt your home environment to your needs.
Help the Planet: Lower energy use reduces your carbon footprint.
No Renovation Required: The solutions below require little to no installation and can move with you.

Smart Lighting: Bright Ideas for Savings

Swap to Smart LED Bulbs

Lighting can account for up to 15% of your annual electricity use. Upgrading just a few bulbs has a major impact. Here’s why smart LEDs are great for renters:

Fit standard fixtures—just screw in and connect to WiFi or Bluetooth
Control remotely via smartphone
Schedule or automate lighting (great for security)
Use voice commands with smart speakers
Save up to 80% on lighting energy compared to incandescents

Use Smart Plugs for Lamps & Electronics

Smart plugs allow you to switch traditional lamps and appliances on or off from afar or on a schedule.

Just plug in and connect to your WiFi network
Pair with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant
Use for fans, window ACs, or holiday lights
Great for “phantom loads”—devices that draw power even when off

Smarter Climate Control: Easy Ways to Save on Heating & Cooling

Install a Plug-In Smart Thermostat for Portable Heaters/ACs

While you can’t replace a central thermostat, many renters use portable heaters, AC units, or window ACs. Smart plug-in thermostats can help by:

Allowing you to set schedules and remotely adjust temperature
Cutting energy waste when you aren’t home
Providing energy use reports and tips

Seal Out Drafts with Temporary Solutions

Old windows and doors leak conditioned air. You can easily improve insulation without permanent alterations:

Draft stoppers: Use under doors and windowsills
Removable weatherstripping: Peel-and-stick varieties prevent air leaks (and peel off cleanly when you move out).
Thermal curtains: Block heat in summer, retain warmth in winter

Use Smart Fans & Portable Devices Efficiently

Smart fans and air purifiers can be scheduled or remotely controlled and make a huge difference in comfort:

Run fans only when you need them
Set automation based on temperature or air quality
Optimize air flow, cutting down on AC or heating use

Automate Energy Savings with Smart Schedules & Scenes

Most eco savings come from consistency, not restriction. Automation makes saving energy effortless, even for forgetful folks.

Set Schedules & Scenes via App

Wake Up Scene: Gradually brighten lights, start coffee, set heater/Fan to preferred morning temperature
Leave Home Scene: Power down all lights and unnecessary electronics automatically
Bedtime Scene: Lower the lights, turn off appliances, turn on fans or adjust AC as needed

Leverage Geofencing

Many smart home apps let you enable automations based on your location. For example, lights and AC can shut off automatically when you leave and turn back on when you’re close to home.

Monitor and Manage Your Energy Use

Smart Plugs with Energy Monitoring

Some smart plugs show exactly how much electricity your devices use:

Identify “energy hogs”
Spot appliances left on accidentally
Track usage patterns to optimize savings

Use Apps and Home Dashboards

Combine your devices in one app (or use platforms like Google Home, Alexa, or Apple HomeKit) to track:

Total energy use trends
Peak hours (avoid when possible to save money)
Device-by-device usage if your plugs support it

Water, Waste, and Air: Small Changes, Big Impact

Install Smart Leak Sensors

Leaks waste water and can cause costly property damage. Magnetic battery-powered leak sensors alert you via phone if water is detected—no tools, no plumbing changes. Just set near sinks, toilets, or under appliances.

Portable Smart Air Quality & Purification

Smart air purifiers improve health and comfort, and can run only when sensors detect issues (saving energy)
Monitor VOCs, CO2, humidity, and particles with portable smart air sensors
Most are plug-in and easy to move from room to room

Efficient Water Use Devices

Low-flow shower heads with easy install/removal cut water and energy use (hot water savings!)
Faucet aerators reduce waste and install in minutes

Security and Peace of Mind

Smart Security Cameras and Doorbells

Wireless, battery-powered security cameras or video doorbells help protect your home while using very little energy. Most use peel-and-stick mounts or temporary brackets so you don’t damage doors or walls.

Motion-activated to save power
Cloud-connected for remote monitoring
Talk to visitors or delivery drivers from anywhere

Smart Locks & Entry Sensors

Keyless entry pads (often install over the existing deadbolt—no landlord help needed!) offer added security and convenience
Temporary door/window entry sensors^* can alert you to unexpected access or open doors

^*Check your lease for rules about any door hardware changes.

Smart Home Management Platforms for Renters

Choose a centralized smart home app to control and automate your devices. Most renters will find Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or Apple HomeKit support across a wide range of products. Benefits include:

Easy automation across devices and brands
All-in-one dashboard for convenience and energy tracking
Integration with voice assistants and routines

Tips for Choosing Devices

Look for plug-in or battery-powered (not hardwired) devices
Favor products with temporary/peel-and-stick mounting
Check WiFi or Bluetooth compatibility with your smart home ecosystem
Read return policies—if your WiFi is spotty, test before you commit

Bonus: Eco-Friendly Habits to Double Your Smart Savings

Unplug rarely-used devices or group them on a smart power strip
Use natural daylight whenever possible—smart blinds can automate this
Laundry hacks: Wash in cold water and air-dry clothes — set reminders with a smart plug or voice assistant
Adjust your thermostat every degree up/down saves 3-5% on heating/cooling bills
Run dishwasher and major appliances during off-