Smart Savings: How to Turn Any Rental into an Energy-Efficient Haven Without Losing Your Security Deposit

Energy efficiency isn’t just for homeowners. Renters have plenty of options to save on utility bills, reduce their carbon footprint, and enjoy a more comfortable living space—all without risking their security deposit. In this guide, we’ll share practical, landlord-friendly hacks for turning any rental into an energy-efficient haven without permanent changes or big investments.

Why Renters Should Care About Energy Efficiency

Renters often assume energy upgrades are out of their hands, but even small changes deliver big benefits:

• Save Money: Lower electric, gas, and water bills add up quickly.
• Live Comfortably: Stable temperatures, better lighting, and filtered air create a healthier home.
• Protect the Planet: Using less energy means shrinking your carbon footprint.
• Boost Appeal: Energy-efficient rentals are increasingly in demand, making you a savvy tenant if you ever move.

Let’s break down how you can upgrade your rental one step at a time.

Start with a Rental-Friendly Energy Audit

Before making changes, get a sense of where your money (and energy) are going. Here’s how:

• Track Utility Bills: Review several months’ statements. Are there unexpected spikes?
• Check for Drafts: Move your hand around windows, doors, and sockets to feel for chilly air.
• Look at Lighting: Identify rooms with old bulbs or inefficient fixtures.
• Monitor Appliances: List devices plugged in 24/7 or running unnecessarily.

Armed with this knowledge, you’ll know where to focus your efforts for the biggest savings.

Slash Electricity Waste (No Tools Required)

Switch to LED Bulbs

• LED bulbs use up to 85% less energy and last 10x longer than incandescent bulbs.
• No permission needed: simply replace and take your LEDs when you move out.

Use Smart Power Strips

• Electronics pull “phantom power” even when off. Smart strips let you kill that waste with one button—or automatically.
• Plug TVs, game consoles, routers, and chargers into a power strip for easy daily shut-off.

Unplug What You Don’t Use

• Small items like coffee makers and chargers drain power even in standby mode.
• Get into the habit of unplugging what’s not needed, or use outlet timers in hard-to-reach spots.

Seal Out Drafts (Deposit-Friendly Tactics)

Use Removable Weatherstripping

• Apply peel-and-stick weatherstripping foam around leaky doors and windows for instant insulation.
• Removes cleanly on move-out day (no residue or damage).

Try Door Draft Stoppers

• Block cold air from sneaking in under the doors with a weighted draft stopper or “draft snake.”
• Also useful for apartments with shared hallways or gaps under exterior doors.

Hang Thermal Curtains

• Thermal (insulated) curtains reduce heat loss in winter and block excess sun in summer.
• Use tension rods or temporary hooks for easy, deposit-safe installation.

Optimize Temperature—Plug & Play Solutions

Install a Smart Plug Thermostat

• If you control your own heating (like a plug-in electric heater or window AC), smart thermostats help regulate temps and cut costs.
• Units like the Sensibo Sky attach to existing IR-controlled air conditioners, requiring no permanent changes.

Use Portable Fans (and Set Ceiling Fans to Reverse)

• Portable fans improve airflow and let you raise the thermostat a few degrees without noticing the difference.
• Many ceiling fans have a reverse setting for winter, pushing warm air down—just flip the switch back before you move.

Water Savings Without Plumbing

Swap Showerheads (and Keep the Old One)

• Low-flow showerheads can save hundreds of gallons of water per year.
• Unscrew the old one and save it. Install your eco-friendly upgrade, then switch them back when you leave.

Add a Faucet Aerator

• Faucet aerators limit water flow without sacrificing pressure. They’re usually just a screw-on attachment—no plumber or permission needed.

Smart Leak Detectors

• Battery-powered leak detectors alert you (and your landlord) to water leaks under sinks or near the water heater—preventing major disasters and lost deposits.

Efficient Cooking & Appliances

Embrace Energy Star Countertop Appliances

• Induction cooktops, toaster ovens, and air fryers use far less energy than traditional ovens.
• Perfect for renters who want to cook efficiently without replacing built-in appliances.

Fill (But Don’t Overload) Your Fridge & Freezer

• A full fridge or freezer runs more efficiently. Place bottles of water in empty spaces to help maintain cold temps.

Do Laundry Smarter

• Wash full loads with cold water whenever possible.
• Skip the dryer for small loads by air-drying on racks—saves energy, cuts wear and tear, and is deposit-friendly.

Smart Tech for Streamlined Energy Control

Wi-Fi Smart Plugs

• Set schedules for lights, fans, and appliances from your phone, even while away.
• Easy install—just plug in.

DIY Home Energy Monitor

• Plug-in energy monitors (like the Kill-A-Watt) show you exactly which devices are costing you most—and where to start saving.

Let the Sunshine In (or Not)

Use Natural Daylight

• Open blinds and curtains to take advantage of free daylight and warmth, especially in winter.
• Switch off unnecessary lights during the day.

Block Summer Heat

• Close blinds and curtains on sunny afternoons to keep rooms cooler, reducing AC use.
• Reflective window films are available in peel-and-stick versions that remove easily when moving out.

Waste Less: Recycle Heat & Moisture

Catch Excess Heat

• Bake or cook during cooler hours to add warmth inside during winter.
• Open oven door after baking (if safe) to let lingering heat out.

Use a Clothes Drying Rack Indoors

• Not only saves electricity, but also adds moisture to the air during dry winter months.
• Folding racks store easily out of sight.

Green Cleaning & Efficiency Habits

Make the Most of Short Showers

• Set a timer and aim for 5-minute showers. Use a bucket to collect warm-up water for plants or cleaning.

Switch to Eco-Friendly Products

• Natural cleaners and detergents are often more concentrated—using less packaging and hot water.
• Pick brands with refill options or minimal plastic to further reduce waste.

Communicate and Collaborate with Your Landlord

Some landlords are open to energy upgrades, especially if you frame them as mutually beneficial.

• Ask for Permission: If you want to install anything semi-permanent (like a programmable thermostat), offer to pay for it, swap back when moving, and/or leave it as a rental upgrade.
• Document Improvements: Take before and after photos, and save receipts for any upgrades.
• Suggest Rebates: Some utility companies offer rebates for efficient