Can I Install a Smart Thermostat in My Apartment?
There is no better way to make your apartment feel more like a home than installing a better thermostat so you can keep the climate comfortable year-round. It’ll help you save money, too. But can I install a smart thermostat in my apartment, or will this break your lease?
The short answer is you can very likely find a renter-friendly smart thermostat and replace the current dial on your wall. Then, you can simply swap them back when you eventually move out! The key is figuring out which of the many smart thermostats for renters is best for your situation.
We’re going to help you weigh your options below and introduce you to the full Mysa smart thermostat lineup. Whether you’re looking for a mini-split thermostat or central HVAC thermostat, the best solution is here in our online storefront ready to transform your apartment!
Key Takeaways
- Most landlords let tenants swap the thermostat as long as you can restore the original before moving out.
- A renter-friendly smart thermostat will connect to the existing wiring or plug into an outlet with no permanent modifications made.
- Mysa has options for mini-splits, central HVAC, and baseboard heating.
- You can save up to 26% on your heating and cooling costs, potentially paying for the unit within the first year of owning it.
Why Should You Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat?
You’ve probably already heard about some of the many benefits of a smart thermostat if you’re here asking, can I install a smart thermostat in my apartment? You may not realize all that these devices are capable of, though.
A basic thermostat does one thing really well: holds the temperature in your home. But a smart thermostat for renters does that and so much more. You can set schedules from your phone, adjust the temperature while you’re working, and get insights into how efficiently your system runs over time.
A lot of models even integrate with Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit, so you can make changes to your home’s climate via voice commands. No need to press a button or use your phone.
The comfort and convenience are enough to justify the investment on its own. But it’s the energy savings that really have more and more people making the upgrade. An ENERGY STAR smart thermostat can help you cut heating and cooling costs by up to 26% using EPA-verified technology. They pay for themselves!
Can I Install a Smart Thermostat in My Apartment?
You won’t regret upgrading your living situation with the best home smart thermostat. But can I install a thermostat in my apartment? This is not something we can provide a one-size-fits-all answer for, as it all depends on the terms of your lease. Your landlord has the final call.
That being said, most landlords are happy to let you make non-permanent changes to the building if it keeps you satisfied with your living situation. It’s a win-win!
Do You Need to Ask Permission?
It’s entirely up to you how you proceed. Do you ask permission, or do you ask forgiveness if your landlord finds out you made the change and isn’t thrilled?
Technically speaking, the right thing to do is have a conversation with your landlord before you order a smart thermostat and make sure they’re on board. This will save you the hassle of having to take the device down and send it back (if it’s even eligible for a return at that point).
You can pull up your original lease documents if you still have them saved in your email inbox or a physical folder somewhere. There may be language in there about modifying fixtures or appliances.
Our advice is to make it clear when discussing this with your landlord what you won’t be doing - cutting any wires or holes into the wall. Most renter-friendly smart thermostats simply hook into the existing connections. They come off the same way.
You can also frame it as mutually beneficial. “I want to add a smart thermostat so I can use less energy.” Trust us, that’s something they will appreciate as well!
How Much Work is Installing a Smart Thermostat for Renters?
We know the idea of replacing a thermostat sounds a little complicated. What if we told you that Mysa can be installed in as little as 10 minutes with the guided app walkthrough, though? It’s far more straightforward than you may anticipate.
You simply turn off the power at the breaker, remove the old thermostat from its wall plate, snap a photo of the wiring, and connect the new unit to the same terminals.
You don’t need an electrician for standard 24V HVAC systems. Upgrading your thermostat for a mini-split system is even easier since they use infrared control.
The smart thermostat installation cost is simply the price of the device itself in many cases.
Choosing a Renter-Friendly Smart Thermostat
Obviously, not all smart thermostats are renter-friendly. You need to do your due diligence to make sure you’re getting one that’s easy to install, compatible with your existing system, and actually delivers a legit return on your investment.
Best for Mini-Splits
We’ve found that more and more new apartments use mini-split systems instead of central HVAC. This is actually the easiest type of system to find a renter-friendly smart thermostat for.
The Mysa mini-split thermostat ($139) just plugs into a standard wall outlet. There’s literally no prep needed. You just have to place the device on a tabletop or mount it on a wall where it has a clear sightline to your AC unit. Then you can control it through the Mysa app! Setup takes around 10 minutes.
It’s compatible with most ductless mini-split heat pumps, window air conditioners, and portable AC units that use an infrared remote with a display screen.
You’ll buy one Mysa for each mini-split unit in your apartment. That might just be one for your bedroom and one for your living room. Totally up to you. Many customers start with one and add more over time.
Best For Central HVAC
Mysa for Central HVAC ($159 in CA, $129 in US) is compatible with 95% of standard 24V HVAC systems. It’s a little more work to install, but still incredibly straightforward. It connects to your existing thermostat connections in 20-25 minutes through the in-app guide.
You need a C-wire for power, but we have an adapter ($25) if your apartment doesn’t have one already. It installs at the furnace or air handler. You will need access to the system in order to make the swap.
This device is both ENERGY STAR and Matter certified, so you can rest assured it’ll save you money and elevate how you control the climate in your apartment. It’s the best smart thermostat for renters.
Best For Baseboard/In-Floor Heating
Some more upscale apartments have in-floor heating or baseboard heating systems. Mysa makes a system for that, too, starting at just $99! It connects to your existing high-voltage wiring and includes scheduling, geofencing, and smart home control through HomeKit, Alexa, or Google Home. Setup takes about 15 minutes.
This is definitely one to loop your landlord in for, though, because it’s likely to require some electrical work. Most baseboard heaters run on 120-240V. It’s still a swap rather than a permanent modification, though, so they shouldn’t give you any grief about it.
Other Smart Thermostats For Renters
Mysa makes a full range of renter-friendly smart thermostats, but so do many other popular brands. In the interest of transparency, here are some more options.
Amazon Smart Thermostat
The most affordable option at only $79 - and it’s actually built by the well-regarded manufacturer Honeywell, so it’s not like you’re getting some piece of junk. But while it works with Alexa and has ENERGY STAR certification, it can feel a little bare-bones compared to the Mysa device.
Google Nest Thermostat
One of the most popular options on the market, especially for apartment dwellers who already have Google Home set up. It gives you basic scheduling features. It does require a C-wire or a compatible power accessory.
Honeywell Home T9
The T9 isn’t cheap at around $170, but you get what you pay for. It supports optional room sensors for balancing the temperature across your whole apartment. It works with both Alexa and Google and features a full 7-day scheduling interface.
How to Install a Smart Thermostat in Your Apartment
Follow the detailed instructions that come with any thermostat you purchase. For Mysa devices, you’ll use an in-app guide from start to finish. It takes less than 15 minutes in some cases. Here’s a walk-through of the central HVAC process:
- Turn off breaker power
- Remove the faceplate from your existing thermostat
- Take a photo of the wiring before disconnecting the wires (for later reference)
- Attach the new thermostat’s faceplate
- Reconnect the wires to the matching terminals
- Snap the thermostat onto its mount
- Reactivate the power and follow the in-app setup process
It’s even easier for mini-split units and window ACs. You just plug the device in and make sure the existing thermostat can see it. Then, you’ll finish setup in the app.
Tips on Making the Most of Your New Smart Thermostat
You can begin setting a schedule that keeps your home as comfortable as possible without wasting money on unnecessary heating/cooling.
Drop the temperature when you leave for work and kick it back to a comfortable range as you head home. Turn on geofencing so the thermostat automatically adjusts based on your phone’s location.
The real value in a smart thermostat for renters is checking the monthly data to spot patterns in your energy usage. Then, you can make small adjustments to slowly but surely knock down your electricity bill.
Removing Your Thermostat When Your Lease is Up
You may be wondering, can I install a smart thermostat in my apartment and then take it with me when I move out? Yes! Follow the opposite steps you did earlier in installing your new thermostat. That’s why we recommend taking a picture of the original wiring for reference.
It’s very straightforward, which is why we think there’s no reason not to buy a smart thermostat for renters. So, find the perfect renter-friendly smart thermostat at Mysa today!
Frequently asked questions
Are smart thermostats renter-friendly?
Yes! Not all of them are, but the full lineup at Mysa is renter-friendly.
Do you have to pay a monthly fee for a smart thermostat?
No. Mysa never hides features behind a paywall.
Do I need an electrician to install a smart thermostat?
Only for unique situations, like baseboard and in-floor heating. Central HVAC and mini split systems are very easy to work with. Setup can take between 10-25 minutes depending on the thermostat you choose from Mysa.
