How to Build a Smart & Sustainable Apartment: 5 Renter-Friendly Upgrades That Save Energy and Money

Eco-friendly living isn’t only for homeowners! As a renter, you can transform your apartment into a smart, sustainable haven without breaking the lease or making permanent changes. With the right upgrades, you’ll save money, reduce your environmental impact, and enjoy a more comfortable, tech-savvy lifestyle. Let’s dive into five actionable, renter-approved upgrades that’ll have your space working smarter, not harder.

Why Smart, Sustainable Upgrades Matter for Renters

You may think apartment living limits your eco-friendly options. But the opposite is true—urban renters use less energy per person than homeowners on average. By making smart choices, you can multiply those benefits and set a positive example for neighbors and landlords alike.

Save money: Lower utility bills with little upfront investment.
Reduce your carbon footprint: Every kilowatt saved counts.
Improve comfort and convenience: Automation and efficiency upgrades can make daily life easier and healthier.
No renovations needed: These changes are temporary, landlord-friendly, and easy to reverse.

5 Renter-Friendly Upgrades for a Smart & Sustainable Apartment

1. Smart Plugs & Lighting: Energy Savings at Your Fingertips

Traditional light bulbs and always-on devices quietly siphon energy every day. Smart plugs and LED bulbs give you full control, letting you save energy with just a tap.

How to Upgrade Your Lighting the Smart Way

Swap in LED bulbs: LEDs use up to 80% less energy than incandescents and last far longer. Choose “soft white” for cozy living or “daylight” for workspaces.
Add smart bulbs or switches: Pair with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home. Set schedules or dim lights with your phone—no electrician required.
Install smart plugs: Plug any lamp or device into a smart plug. Use an app to control them remotely or set up energy-saving routines.

Renter Bonus: These options plug in (no hardwiring) and can move with you. Just swap back the original bulbs before moving out.

2. Insulating Window Treatments: Keep the Heat (or Cool) In

Poorly insulated windows are a notorious source of energy loss—especially in apartment buildings. Thermal curtains and layered shades block drafts in winter and heat in summer, reducing your need for expensive heating and cooling.

How to Boost Window Efficiency

Hang thermal curtains or insulated shades: Look for panels labeled as “energy saving” or “blackout.” These contain an extra insulating layer.
Seal gaps with removable caulk or weatherstripping: Easy to apply and remove. Target spots where you feel drafts.
Add DIY window film: These clear films are applied with static cling (no glue) and help retain interior temperature.

Renter Bonus: All these upgrades can be removed without trace. Just save packaging to take them to your next place.

3. Smart Thermostats & Portable AC Controls: Efficient Temperature Management

Most apartments lack fancy central climate control, but that doesn’t mean you can’t manage your comfort and reduce waste. A range of smart devices work with window AC units or radiators to create a responsive, efficient system.

Best Ways Renters Can Automate Climate Control

Smart thermostats for portable heaters/AC: Devices like Sensibo or Cielo Breez control your window or portable AC units via Wi-Fi. Set precise timers, geofencing, or remote control.
Programmable radiator valves: If you have radiators, smart valves can regulate temperature in each room—even if the building’s heat is inconsistent.
Use fans strategically: Energy-efficient pedestal fans on smart plugs circulate air where and when you need it, reducing demand on your AC or heater.

Renter Bonus: No electrical or HVAC expertise needed—these controls attach to existing appliances and come off without damage.

4. Water-Saving Fixtures: Reduce Waste Without Sacrificing Comfort

Even renters can address water efficiency. Swap in temporary, high-efficiency fixtures to save both water and the energy it takes to heat it—without impacting your security deposit.

Top Water-Saving Upgrades for Apartments

Low-flow showerheads: Modern designs deliver a powerful spray using less water—easy to install and remove with no plumber required.
Faucet aerators: Inexpensive gadgets that screw onto your bathroom and kitchen faucets to reduce flow and boost pressure.
Smart leak detectors: Place by sinks, toilets, or radiators. These sensors alert you to leaks early, helping prevent water waste and apartment damage.

Renter Bonus: Take all these upgrades with you when you move. Just keep the original hardware to re-install later.

5. Home Energy Monitors & Smart Power Strips: Stop Standby Waste

Did you know “vampire” devices—like chargers, TVs, and game consoles—drain energy even when turned off? Smart energy monitors and power strips help you identify and eliminate these hidden costs.

Upgrade Your Outlets for Instant Energy Savings

Use smart power strips: Automatically cut power to devices when they’re not in use, or operate them with a phone app. Some detect when your TV turns off and cut power to attached devices (like consoles or cable boxes).
Try a plug-in energy monitor: Devices like Kill A Watt tell you exactly how much energy each device or appliance uses. Knowledge = power!
Set up routines with a smart speaker: Program all unnecessary devices to power down when you leave or go to bed.

Renter Bonus: No permanent installation. These tools can highlight inefficiencies, justify upgrades to landlords, or help plan your next move.

Tips for a Hassle-Free, Renter-Approved Smart Upgrade

Talk to your landlord (if needed): Most upgrades here require no permission, but for anything semi-permanent, get written approval.
Keep original hardware: Save curtain rods, old showerheads, or bulbs in a labeled box for easy reinstallation.
Document your changes: Snap photos before/after for your records and for a smooth move-out inspection.
Prioritize plug-and-play devices: Look for items that don’t require hardwiring, drilling, or irreversible modifications.
Bundle your savings: Layer multiple upgrades (like smart lighting plus thermal curtains) for maximum impact.

How Much Can You Save? Real-World Impact

Combining these upgrades can lead to significant monthly savings, depending on your location and existing inefficiencies.

Smart Lighting & Plugs: Save up to $50-$100/year by upgrading inefficient bulbs and controlling phantom loads.
Insulated Curtains: Reduce heating/cooling bills by 10-20% in most climates.
Smart Thermostat Controls: Automated temperature management can cut HVAC costs by 10-25%.
Water-Saving Fixtures: Save up to $100/year with efficient showerheads and faucet aerators.
Smart Power Strips & Monitors: Reduce plug load energy by up to 40%.

It all adds up—meaning many renters recoup their costs in the first year and enjoy ongoing savings for as long as they live in the apartment.

Eco-Friendly Habits to Multiply Your Savings

A smart, sustainable apartment goes beyond tech. Combine these habits with your upgrades to get the best results