Smart & Sustainable: 7 Energy-Saving Devices Every Renter Can Use Without Breaking the Lease

Are you looking to lower your energy bills and carbon footprint—without risking your security deposit? Renters often assume they can’t make a real difference in energy efficiency because their options seem limited. The truth? There are plenty of ways to make your apartment, condo, or rental house smarter and greener—no landlord approval needed!

This guide highlights seven easy-to-install, lease-friendly devices designed to save energy, reduce emissions, and trim your utility costs. Read on for practical solutions you can implement today.

Why Energy Efficiency Matters for Renters

Improving your rental’s energy efficiency offers amazing benefits:

• Lower monthly utility bills—so you keep more of your hard-earned cash.
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions—helping fight climate change from your living room.
• Greater comfort—no more drafty windows or rooms that are too hot or cold.
• Portable solutions—take these energy-saving devices with you when you move!

Best of all? Every device on this list requires zero hardwiring, no drilling, and no permanent modifications.

7 Renter-Friendly Energy-Saving Devices

Let’s explore each device, its eco-friendly benefits, and how you can easily add it to your rental home.

1. Smart Power Strips

Your TV, streaming box, computer, and game console probably draw power even when turned off. This “phantom load” can account for up to 10% of your electricity bill.

Smart power strips help by:

• Automatically shutting off power to devices when not in use
• Allowing you to control outlets via smartphone or voice assistant
• Grouping devices (like entertainment centers) for simple one-switch shutdowns

How to use: Just plug into any standard outlet—no tools or electrical skills necessary. Ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and home offices.

2. Plug-In Smart Thermostats

Don’t have permission to replace your wall thermostat? No problem. New plug-in smart thermostats or smart AC controllers make it easy to reduce heating and cooling waste.

• Simply plug the device into a wall socket and insert your space heater or window AC unit.
• Set schedules, adjust temperatures remotely, and monitor energy usage from your phone.
• Some smart AC controllers connect directly to your unit’s remote using infrared (IR) for even wider compatibility.

Just remember, these plug-in devices work best with portable heaters, window ACs, or mini splits (not central systems you can’t access directly).

3. LED Smart Bulbs

Lighting accounts for roughly 15% of an average home’s power bill. Old incandescent or even CFL bulbs are energy hogs.

LED smart bulbs provide a double win:

• Use at least 75% less energy than incandescents
• Last 10-25 times longer
• Let you set schedules, automate, or control lights through an app or by voice
• Available in a wide range of brightness and color options

Installation? Just unscrew the old bulb and screw in the new. Bring the bulbs with you to your next rental!

4. Draft Stoppers and Weatherstripping Kits

Poorly sealed windows and doors waste tons of energy—especially in older rentals. Luckily, draft stoppers and weatherstripping kits are designed for easy, residue-free application and removal.

• Foam or silicone strips adhere to window and door frames (no tools needed)
• Cloth or vinyl draft stoppers slide under doors to block chilly breezes
• Help maintain interior temperatures year-round
• Improve comfort and reduce load on your heating/cooling system

These upgrades are cheap, require no landlord permission, and can save you 5-20% on heating and cooling bills.

5. Low-Flow Showerheads

Did you know showering is a surprising power culprit? Hot water usage can be a huge chunk of your utility bill. Renters often forget that low-flow showerheads are typically just screw-on replacements.

• Install in minutes—no plumber or drilling necessary
• Use up to 50% less water (and the energy to heat it)
• Modern models actually maintain strong water pressure and a pleasant shower experience

Store the landlord’s old fixture in a bag to reinstall before moving out.

6. Energy Monitoring Devices

Not sure which electronics are the biggest energy guzzlers? Plug-in energy monitors reveal the real-time and historical power use of any device—they’re like a fitness tracker for your appliances!

• Plug the energy monitor into an outlet, then your device into the monitor
• Check daily, weekly, and monthly usage stats
• Some models sync with apps for whole-home energy profiling

Monitor space heaters, window ACs, fridge, entertainment centers, or any high-wattage equipment to spot opportunities to save.

7. Smart Window Coverings and Insulating Curtains

Don’t overlook windows! Heat loss (or gain) through glass can spike your bills. Smart blinds, stick-on window films, and thermal-insulating curtains help regulate indoor temps with zero permanent installation.

• Thermal curtains or blackout curtains add a layer of insulation and block heat loss in winter
• Reflective window films cling to glass, reducing UV and heat gain in summer
• Smart blinds are battery-powered (no wires/drilling) and open or close on a schedule or via app

Best of all, these can be taken down and reused when you move to a new place.

Bonus Tips: Energy-Saving Hacks All Renters Should Know

Optimize Your Thermostat Settings

• In winter, lower the thermostat by 7-10°F when you’re asleep or away. In summer, raise it by the same margin.
• Wear appropriate layers or use fans for comfort while keeping HVAC use minimal.

Seal Up Gaps and Vents

• Use removable putty or foam for extra-drafty windows (easy to remove at move-out).
• Cover unused vents in rooms you don’t use often with magnetic covers.

Unplug Battery Chargers and Small Appliances

• Even when idle, chargers and appliances quietly sip power. Unplug when done, or group on a smart strip for one-click shutdown.

Launder Smarter

• Wash with cold water whenever possible (it cleans most loads just as well).
• Always run full loads to maximize efficiency.

Making the Most of Your Portable Upgrades

One of the best things about these easy energy upgrades? You can take them with you to your next apartment. Consider these products an investment in your financial and environmental future. The less you spend on utilities, the more you can save—or splurge on what you really love.

Before You Move Out

• Restore any swapped fixtures (like showerheads or light bulbs) to original before your inspection.
• Peel off weatherstripping or window film per manufacturer instructions.
• Document your energy savings—share with your landlord or future tenants to encourage greener living!

FAQs for Renters About Energy-Saving Devices

Will my landlord allow these upgrades?

All devices in this guide are non-invasive—no holes, drilling, or permanent changes. For high-cost items (like smart blinds), double-check your lease, but most landlords are happy as long as you restore original components before moving out.

How much can I really save?

Realistically, renters can save 100-300+ kilowatt