Discover the professional upgrades recommended by Pearl’s building-science experts meant to enhance your home's safety, comfort, operations, resilience, and energy management. Learn how these investments can transform your living space and increase its value.
In the last article, we dove into simple DIY upgrades that can make a noticeable difference in how your home performs across key areas of home performance. But some improvements require specialized skills, tools, and expertise to ensure they're done right and deliver lasting results. That's where professionals come in—they handle the heavy lifting, from complex installations to code-compliant work, often unlocking rebates, warranties, and even higher home values.
In this post, we'll explore top professional upgrades tailored to each home performance pillar. These aren't quick fixes; they're strategic investments that can reduce long-term costs, improve daily living, and make your home more marketable. Whether you're dealing with persistent issues or planning ahead, hiring the right pros can elevate your home to a new level. And speaking of the right pros, we'll wrap up with why choosing a Pearl-Recognized Professional can make all the difference.
The Safety pillar focuses on mitigating risks like poor indoor air quality (from particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and radon), moisture-induced mold, unsafe potable water, among others. Professionals excel here by conducting thorough assessments and installing integrated systems that address these issues comprehensively. Below are some of the professional upgrades suggested by the building-science experts at Pearl.
Certified HVAC specialists can install advanced mechanical ventilation with high-efficiency filters (e.g., HEPA or MERV 13+ rated) and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) to continuously filter and refresh indoor air, reducing pollutants that exacerbate asthma (affecting 28 million Americans) and other respiratory issues. They'll perform blower door tests to measure airtightness (targeting ACH50 levels) and ensure balanced airflow.
Why Go Pro? These systems require precise duct design and integration to avoid pressure imbalances or energy waste—pros verify performance with tools like infrared cameras, aligning with ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.2 for optimal indoor air quality.
Licensed plumbers can set up small or comprehensive systems, such as reverse osmosis or UV disinfection units, to remove contaminants from potable water, addressing issues like lead, bacteria, or chemicals per EPA Drinking Water Regulations. This might include point-of-entry filters for all faucets and showers.
Why Go Pro? Water quality testing and system sizing demand expertise to ensure the system selected addresses all of your concerns.
Experts use mastic sealants or aeroseal technology to seal ducts, preventing air leakage and pollutant infiltration, while installing dehumidifiers, vapor barriers, and drainage systems to control moisture and inhibit mold growth.
Why Go Pro? Hidden leaks and improper sealing can worsen air quality or create hazards; pros conduct diagnostic tests to ensure systems meet radon mitigation standards (e.g., EPA Radon Standards of Practice) and reduce long-term health risks like 21,000 annual radon-related deaths.
Issues like temperature swings (outside the 64-75°F comfort range), excessive noise, or poor lighting can make rooms unlivable. Professionals tackle these by optimizing the building envelope and installing systems that ensure your home feels cozy and inviting year-round.
A licensed HVAC technician can replace outdated systems with high-efficiency models, such as variable-speed heat pumps or zoned systems that allow customized temperature control in different rooms. They'll also optimize ductwork for balanced airflow.
Why Go Pro? These installations require load calculations to match your home's needs, ensuring even heating and cooling without hot or cold spots. The result? A more comfortable space year-round.
Experts perform energy audits to identify areas where air is leaking in or out of your home, then install spray foam, blown-in cellulose, or rigid foam insulation in attics, walls, and floors. They'll seal ducts and penetrations with mastic or foam for airtight results. These upgrades can also save money on utility bills.
Why Go Pro? Handling materials like spray foam safely and achieving uniform coverage demands training and equipment. This upgrade can eliminate drafts and noise, creating a quieter, more stable indoor environment.
Inconsistent hot water can be frustrating and impacts your day-to-day experience living in your home. Consider these upgrades if your water temperatures fluctuate.
Tankless Water Heater: Provides on-demand, unlimited hot water while saving energy compared to traditional tanks.
Heat Pump Water Heater: An energy-efficient option that produces hot water while also reducing energy consumption.
The Operations pillar focuses on energy and water efficiency to lower utility bills, which average $2,200 annually per U.S. household. Professionals install integrated systems that maximize efficiency, often paying for themselves in 3-10 years through savings.
Plumbers can install tankless or heat pump water heaters, which provide on-demand hot water with up to 50% less energy use than traditional tanks. They ensure proper sizing, venting, and electrical or gas connections, often integrating smart controls to schedule operation during off-peak hours. In high-demand homes, they may recommend hybrid systems for optimal efficiency.
Why Go Pro? These installations can involve complex plumbing, electrical upgrades, or gas line modifications that must comply with local codes. Pros prevent leaks or safety issues, delivering endless hot water and reducing water heating costs by 20-30%, especially valuable in high-utility-cost regions.
Certified integrators install whole-home automation systems, including programmable thermostats, occupancy sensors, automated shades, and water leak detectors, all synced with platforms like Google Home or Alexa. These systems optimize energy and water use by adjusting settings based on occupancy or usage patterns.
Why Go Pro? Seamless integration requires electrical expertise and network programming to avoid glitches or compatibility issues. Professionals ensure systems meet IECC requirements, providing real-time monitoring and control to minimize waste and enhance convenience.
Professional plumbers can replace aging pipes with insulated PEX or copper lines to prevent heat loss or leaks, and install WaterSense-certified low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads that reduce water use by 20-30%. They may also add smart leak detection systems that alert you to issues before they escalate.
Why Go Pro? These upgrades require permits, pressure testing, and compliance with plumbing codes to prevent damage or inefficiencies. Professionals ensure long-term savings and system reliability, particularly in water-scarce regions where conservation is critical.
The Resilience pillar of home performance addresses vulnerabilities to natural disasters like flooding, storms, wildfires, earthquakes, and extreme temperatures. Professionals use engineering expertise and standards like FEMA P-361 and IBHS to harden your home against these threats, ensuring durability and safety.
Licensed roofers can install impact-resistant shingles, metal roofs, or reinforced underlayments rated for high winds (per IBHS Home Disaster Guides), while window specialists add storm shutters or impact-resistant glass with low U-factors for energy efficiency. These upgrades protect against hurricanes, hail, or debris, potentially reducing repair costs and insurance premiums.
Contractors can elevate foundations or install flood vents in flood-prone areas, using water-resistant materials. For earthquake zones, they can add seismic bracing, anchor bolts, and shear walls to meet ASCE 7-22 standards, reducing collapse risks.
Specialists can create defensible spaces by clearing vegetation, planting fire-resistant species, and installing ember-resistant vents, non-combustible siding, or fire-rated roofing, following NFPA 1140 and Firewise USA guidelines. They may also add sprinklers or firebreaks for added protection.
For generating and managing your own power, these cutting-edge installations demand licensed experts to maximize output and safety.
Certified solar installers design and install rooftop photovoltaic arrays with high-efficiency inverters, optimizing panel placement based on your home’s orientation and shading. They integrate systems with smart meters for net metering, maximizing energy production and savings.
Why go pro? Solar installations involve electrical permits, grid interconnection agreements, and tax credit applications. Professionals ensure compliance with DOE Solar Integration standards, delivering a 7-10 year payback and reducing energy bills by up to 50% in sunny regions.
Licensed electricians install home battery systems (e.g., Tesla Powerwall) with smart inverters for backup power during outages and peak-shaving to lower costs. These systems pair with solar or grid power, offering energy independence and grid support.
For homeowners with an electric vehicle, electricians can install EV chargers with dedicated circuits, enabling fast, safe charging. They can also integrate chargers with smart home systems for off-peak charging to save costs.
When you’re ready to transform your home with professional upgrades that enhance its performance, working with a Pearl-Recognized Professional can take your investment to the next level. These contractors go beyond standard installations by providing a Pearl Home Performance Report with every project—a comprehensive, third-party verified document that captures the full value of your improvements. This report ensures that the true value of your upgrades, from energy-efficient systems to disaster-resilient features, are clearly documented and recognized when you sell or refinance, preventing them from being undervalued or completely overlooked.
Choosing a Pearl-Recognized Professional means partnering with contractors who understand the importance of showcasing how their work boosts your home’s performance and value. This documentation can make your home stand out in the market, with studies showing that certified high-performing homes can command a 5% premium, potentially adding thousands to your home’s value when marketed effectively. Plus, you’ll gain free access to the Pearl app, which offers tailored tips and tools to help you maintain and further improve your home’s performance. It’s a forward-thinking choice that empowers you to maximize your home’s potential and enjoy the benefits of a smarter, more valuable living space.
Find a Pearl-Recognized Professional who aligns with your project goals and start building a brighter future for your home today!
Search for a Pearl-Recognized Professional in your area today and invest in upgrades that deliver comfort, savings, and peace of mind. Your home—and your future self—will thank you!
