Here are our Top Five Energy-Saving Products for Renters

Not everyone has the ability to make the kind of substantial energy-saving upgrades that a homeowner can make. For example, it makes sense for someone who plans to live in a home indefinitely to invest in the home's long-term energy cost. A $5000 investment that cuts an energy bill by $100 dollars per month for the next 10 years will result in a savings of more than double the initial investment. But there are products tailored less for homeowners and more for people who simply want to update their living area. Here are five of our favorite energy-saving products for renters.

5. Belkin Wemo® Insight Smart Plug

We'll do these in reverse order. This story should sound familiar to renters everywhere. You're out of the house and you suddenly feel a sense of dread. You've left the hot plate on. Or, so you think. But there's nothing you can do about it except leave wherever you are, go home, and check. Not if you have an insight smart plug. You can turn off the outlet using your smartphone with nothing more than a flick of your thumb, save energy, and rest easier.

4. Florida Eco Products Waterpebble

Ever get in the shower determined to duck in and out, using as little water as possible—only to hang around for minutes longer than necessary just because the gentle caress of the water is so lovely? I think all of us have probably had this experience. The waterpebble helps us fight this impulse by tracking our water usage and actually telling us that it is time to save energy by leaving the shower, using a red-yellow-green light system. Once you see that red light, it's time to leave.

3. SimpliSafe

This is another great idea for renters especially. You don't want to invest in a full-out home security service, but you still want peace of mind. Get Simplisafe, an app that tracks movements outside of your home and alerts you to possible danger. You don't need a system that makes you commit or buy tons of bulky merchandise. Just get a couple of tiny Simplicams, track on the app, and sleep better at night.

2. simplehuman® Sensor Mirror

This one is for the makeup lovers. You don't need a makeup mirror that uses tons of incandescent light. The simplehuman sensor mirroruses a combination of natural light and LED to help you save energy and look your best. And it only lights up when you get near it—how cool is that?

1. Delta Breez Integrity Fan with Bluetooth Speaker

This one happens to be our favorite because it even entertains us while saving us energy. The fan gets your house bumpin' with tunes you love while ventilating a room, leaving your energy bill in the basement. Give one a try today!