• What is Pearl?
    Pearl is a national platform that rates and helps improve home performance—how a home uses energy, feels, and functions
  • What is the Pearl SCORE™?
    It’s an easy-to-understand score that shows how well a home performs across energy efficiency, comfort, health, and resilience
  • How does Pearl calculate the SCORE?
    We use public data, advanced modeling, and homeowner-verified information to estimate how a home performs.
  • Is Pearl SCORE™ available for every home in the U.S.?
    Yes—every single-family home in the U.S. has a Pearl SCORE. You can look yours up for free.
  • What’s the difference between a claimed and unclaimed home?
    Claimed homes have been updated and verified by the owner. Unclaimed homes use public data only.
  • How can I improve my Pearl SCORE™?
    By updating your home’s information and making smart upgrades in areas like insulation, heating, or ventilation.
  • How do I claim my home?
    Search for your home on Pearl, create a free account, and follow the steps to verify your home’s features.
  • How does Pearl make money?
    We offer paid reports, improvement plans, and tools for homeowners, contractors, and real estate agents.
  • What does the check mark next to the Pearl SCORE™ mean?
    It means the home has been claimed and verified by the owner.
  • What is the operating cost comparison?
    It shows how a home’s estimated monthly energy costs compare to similar homes in the area.
  • Why is the operating cost comparison different for homes with the same Pearl SCORE™?
    Because energy costs depend on fuel type, local rates, home size, and other variables, not just the performance score.
  • What are achievements?
    Achievements are performance certifications or notable features in the home that improve its performance.
  • What does Pearl Certification mean?
    Focuses on the home’s overall performance. It means Pearl has verified and designated it as a high-performance home, documented the high-performing features, and issued a certificate.
  • What are merit badges?
    Focuses on specific performance features in the home. They highlight specific strengths—like solar, HVAC, or insulation—that contribute to home performance.
  • What are the five pillars of home performance?
    The five pillars are the main factors contributing to home performance and provide the basis for how Pearl assesses homes: Safety, Comfort, Operations, Resilience, and Energy.
  • How are the five pillars of home performance measured?
    Using a mix of public data, homeowner input, and modeling to assess features that affect each area.
  • What makes Pearl qualified to rate my home?
    Pearl’s system was developed by the nation’s leading experts in building science, data modeling, and home performance in cooperation with partners like Energy Star, the U.S. Deptartment of Energy, the National Association of Realtors, and the Appraisal Institute, to name a few.
  • How accurate is Pearl’s data?
    Pearl SCORE™ is the most accurate standardized measure of home performance in the U.S. It draws on trusted public records, advanced modeling, and owner-verified inputs to deliver reliable, transparent scores.
  • Is the Pearl SCORE™ government-backed?
    No, but it aligns with national standards and is recognized by major industry groups and government organizations.
  • Is Pearl independent, or are you paid by third parties?
    Pearl is a fully independent standards organization. We don’t take payments to influence scores or promote specific brands.
  • What does Pearl’s B-Corporation status mean?
    It means we’re legally committed to balancing profit with purpose—creating long-term value for homeowners, communities, and the planet.
  • Have any organizations endorsed Pearl SCORE™?
    Yes. Pearl is a U.S. Department of Energy partner and is trusted by major utilities, contractors, and real estate professionals nationwide.
  • Are there measures in place to prevent someone from gaming the system to boost their score?
    Yes—high-impact items must be verified with documentation like photos, model numbers, or third-party validation.
  • Does Pearl still certify homes?
    Yes. Pearl Certification has been trusted in the housing industry for years and is available for homes with verified high-performance features. Homeowners can apply directly through Pearl or through their real estate agent, or contractor.
  • What is the average Pearl SCORE™?
    The vast majority of U.S. homes are not high-performing (scoring 500 or higher). The average U.S. home scores around 250.
  • Why are most scores below 500?
    The majority of U.S. homes were built before modern performance standards were developed or included in building codes. However, the right upgrades can significantly increase the performance of these older homes.
  • Are scores ranked on a bell curve?
    No. Pearl SCORE™ is based on objective performance benchmarks—not how homes compare to each other.
  • How is Pearl different from Energy Star or LEED?
    Energy Star and LEED focus mostly on new homes and focus mostly on energy. Pearl rates new and existing homes of all ages. Pearl SCORE™ also includes energy assessment, but it includes a wider range of other performance features.
  • Where does Pearl get its data?
    From public records, utility data (where available), and homeowner-verified inputs.
  • What data does Pearl collect from homeowners?
    Information about systems, appliances, insulation, solar, and other features—plus photos or documents for verification.
  • What’s the difference between Pearl SCORE™ and Pearl’s previous rating system?
    Pearl SCORE™ rates all homes on a universal scale, not just high-performing ones. It's simpler, clearer, and available for all U.S. homes.
  • What happens to my previous Pearl Certification under this new scoring system?
    Your Pearl Certification still stands and remains a trusted signal of quality. However, the new Pearl SCORE uses a broader set of performance criteria, so future certifications may have different requirements than in the past.
  • How does Pearl use data about my home?
    Pearl uses your home’s data to give you more accurate performance scores and personalized recommendations. Aggregated and anonymized data from all homes also helps identify national and regional trends that improve the system for everyone.
  • What if my home is already claimed by the previous owner?
    Homes can only be claimed by the current owner. Even if the previous owner claimed it, ownership must be reverified after a sale before the home is transferred.
  • Can I update or challenge my home’s SCORE?
    Yes. By claiming your home and verifying its features, you can update your data and improve the accuracy of your Pearl SCORE™.
  • How often is the SCORE updated?
    Your Pearl SCORE™ updates automatically when new data is added or verified—either by the homeowner or a trusted professional like a contractor, inspector, or real estate agent.
  • What tools do I get after claiming my home?
    You’ll unlock personalized insights, performance documentation and management tools, information on tax incentives and rebates, energy-saving tips, upgrade suggestions, and access to Pearl reports.

  • Can my real estate agent input information for me?
    Yes. Real estate professionals can enter and verify data through the Pearl PRO App—with your permission.

  • Can my contractor input information for me?
    Yes. Contractors can also enter and verify data with your permission.
  • How does Pearl help when selling a home?
    Home performance features are often overlooked by buyers. Pearl helps you highlight them—adding transparency, building trust, and making your home stand out. The result: stronger interest, faster sales.