How to Create a Smart, Energy-Efficient Apartment: A Beginner’s Guide for Eco-Minded Renters

Smart home technology and energy-efficient habits aren’t just for homeowners. As a renter, you can take meaningful steps to save energy, lower your utility bills, and reduce your carbon footprint—all from the comfort of your apartment. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just eco-curious, setting up a smarter, greener apartment is easier (and more affordable) than you might think.

Why Go Smart and Energy Efficient?

Smart, energy-efficient apartments offer:

Lower utility bills: Use less energy and water, and pay less each month.
Improved comfort: Automate temperature, lighting, and more for a cozier home.
Positive environmental impact: Reduce your carbon footprint and conserve resources.
Modern convenience: Enjoy features like remote control and scheduling from your phone.
Flexibility for renters: Most solutions are easy to install and remove—no landlord permission required.

Step 1: Evaluate Your Current Energy Use

Understand Where Your Energy Goes

The first step to making your apartment more energy efficient is to assess your current habits and appliances. Common energy drains in apartments include:

Heating and air conditioning
Lighting
Plug-in electronics (TVs, computers, kitchen appliances)
Water heaters (if individual units)

Track Usage

Check your utility bills for monthly energy consumption patterns.
Plug-in smart energy monitors (easy for renters) can track usage for individual devices—helping you spot energy hogs.

Step 2: Install Smart Plugs and Power Strips

Many electronics consume “phantom power” (vampire energy) even when off. Smart plugs and energy-efficient power strips can cut off power completely and allow you to monitor/control your devices from your phone.

Schedule devices to turn off automatically at night or when you’re away.
Remote control via smartphone apps—increase security and convenience.
No tools required: Just plug in and connect to Wi-Fi.
Not permanent: Unplug and take with you if you move.

Step 3: Optimize Heating and Cooling

Smart Thermostats for Renters

Heating and cooling account for the largest portion of apartment energy use. Most rental apartments have central or wall-mounted AC units and sometimes individual heating controls. Here’s how you can make them smarter:

Smart thermostats that don’t require hardwiring (like battery-powered models or plug-in options) are renter-friendly.
Portable smart AC controllers act as remote controls for window or portable AC units.

Features to look for:

Voice control (works with Alexa, Google Assistant, etc.)
Geofencing: Auto-adjusts temperature when you leave or return.
Scheduling: Cuts down on wasted energy.

Passive Strategies for Efficiency

Thermal curtains or shades: Block heat in summer and retain warmth in winter. Easy to install and remove.
Door draft stoppers: Prevent hot/cold air from escaping under doors.
Ceiling fans: Set to rotate counter-clockwise in summer, clockwise in winter (if applicable and allowed by your landlord).

Step 4: Upgrade to Smart, Efficient Lighting

Switch to LEDs

LED bulbs use at least 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to 25 times longer. They’re available in standard and smart versions, and you can install them without altering fixtures.

Swap all existing bulbs with Energy Star-rated LED bulbs.
Choose smart bulbs for added features—remote control, dimming, and color options.

Automate for Even More Savings

Smart light switches and plugs: Great for lamps and fixtures you can’t otherwise automate.
Motion sensors and timers: Automatically turn off lights when not in use—ideal for bathrooms and hallways.

Step 5: Smarter Water Use

Low-Flow Showerheads and Aerators

Renters can easily swap showerheads and faucet aerators (keep the originals to reinstall when you move out).

Low-flow models reduce water use by up to 50% without sacrificing pressure.
Easy installation: Usually requires no tools.

Monitor Hot Water Use

Take shorter showers and use cold water for laundry when possible.
Smart bathroom/kitchen faucets are available that track water use and shut off automatically.

Step 6: Use Smart Sensors for Efficiency & Security

Smart sensors can improve both efficiency and peace of mind, without any permanent installation.

Motion sensors: Automate lights, fans, or alarms.
Window/door sensors: Can alert you if a window is left open (preventing energy loss) or double as a simple security system.
Leak detectors: Warn you about potential water leaks under sinks or near the washing machine—helping avoid water waste and costly damage.

Step 7: Reduce Standby Power and Unplug Unused Devices

Even when off, many electronics still draw small amounts of power. Here’s how to avoid “phantom drain”:

Unplug chargers, kitchen gadgets, TVs, and game consoles when not in use or plug them into smart power strips.
Use the master switch feature on advanced surge protectors—turns off all devices when the main device is turned off (e.g., TV with streaming boxes and sound systems).

Step 8: Minimize Waste in the Kitchen

Smart Cooking

Use energy-efficient appliances: Look for compact, Energy Star-rated microwaves, toaster ovens, and refrigerators.
Induction cooktops: Use less energy than standard electric or gas stoves. Countertop models are renter-friendly.
Multicookers and air fryers often use less energy and reduce cooking time.

Reduce Food Waste

Use smart kitchen scales or apps to track what you buy and eat.
Plan meals ahead and store food properly to avoid spoilage.

Step 9: Smart Home Hubs and Voice Assistants

A smart home hub (like Amazon Echo or Google Nest Hub) can link all of your smart devices together for simple voice control and automation.

Routines: Set up pre-programmed actions (like “Goodnight”—turns off lights, powers down TV, adjusts thermostat).
Accessibility: Use voice commands or a central app to manage all connected devices.

Step 10: Build Green Habits

Smart tech is most effective when paired with energy-efficient behaviors:

Turn off lights and electronics every time you leave