Pearl Certification, which is a third-party certification process that verifies homes meet specific energy efficiency standards, is important for several reasons, including lower utility bills, environmental impact, and improved comfort for the homeowner. Additionally, a Pearl Certification can increase a home’s value and may even make a home safer to live in due to improved indoor air quality. It also makes high-performance home value visible to the homeowner, contractors, and real estate agents.
What Is Pearl Certification?
When it comes to home energy efficiency, Pearl Certification is a program designed to recognize and certify homes that meet specific energy efficiency standards. Pearl home certifications are only awarded to homes that have made energy efficient upgrades and improvements, resulting in reduced energy consumption, lower utility bills, and improved comfort for occupants.
The Value of Pearl Certification for Homeowners
The value of Pearl Certification for a homeowner will be determined by the home and the homeowner’s goals. For a homeowner who intends to stay in their home, the benefits of Pearl Certification include lowering utility bills and making the home safer and more comfortable. Homeowners who plan to sell or refinance can benefit due to increased value of the home.
Enhancing Home Performance and Energy Efficiency
Because the Pearl Certification process requires evaluating the parts of the home (which the certifying body refers to as “assets”) that make a home either more or less energy efficient, the higher the level of Pearl Certification, the more energy efficient the home.
The assets that are considered include:
- Building Shell: Roof, walls, windows, foundation, and insulation
- Heating & Cooling: Furnace, air conditioner, and ductwork
- Baseload: Water heater and appliances
- Home Management: Smart thermostats and energy management
- Renewable Energy and Energy Storage: Solar panel systems and electric vehicle chargers
The more efficient the asset, the more points are counted toward certification. An energy efficient home is not only better for the environment because fewer resources are used to keep it comfortable year-round, but also means lower utility bills and typically cleaner indoor air due to improved insulation.
Financial Benefits: Increased Home Value and Savings
While a Pearl Certification is good for any home, it is especially beneficial for homeowners preparing to refinance or sell their homes. After the certification process is complete, the homeowner will receive a “Residential Green and Energy Efficient Addendum,” which adds value to the most recent appraisal. According to some indicators, a Pearl Certified home can sell for up to 5% more on the open market than one that is not certified.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Certified
The Pearl Certification process involves an assessment of the home’s energy performance by Wisconsin Home Improvement, the only qualified professionals in the state. Pearl uses a scoring system that assigns points to home assets based on how they perform individually and as part of the whole home. Assets get more points for more efficient levels of operation, and the total points determine what certification level the home qualifies for: Asset, Silver, Gold, or Platinum.
The first step to getting a home Pearl-Certified is by conducting a home performance audit. The team of experts at Wisconsin Home Improvement Co. LLC can evaluate your home to help you navigate the process to reach any of the four certification levels.
Once the upgrades are completed, the home undergoes a final inspection to ensure that it meets the required energy efficiency standards set by Pearl Certification. If the home meets these standards, it receives a Pearl Certification label or certificate, which serves as tangible evidence of its energy efficiency and can be used to market the home to potential buyers or renters.
Making the Decision: Is Pearl Certification Worth It?
Whether Pearl Certification is worth it for homeowners depends on various factors, including their specific goals, budget, and the condition of their homes. A home that is already in good shape regarding energy efficiency may be able to earn Pearl Certification with few improvements. However, older homes that need many improvements, such as fresh insulation, air leak sealing, or new appliances, may require a much larger investment to reach a level of certification. Lower utility bills or a higher selling price may offset the investment required to become certified.
How Wisconsin Home Improvement Embraces Pearl Certification Standards
Wisconsin Home Improvement is the only Pearl-Certified contractor in Wisconsin. Our team can help you create a plan to start improving your energy efficiency and build a pathway to Pearl Certification for your home.
Starting with a home audit, Wisconsin Home Improvement experts can find the most effective energy efficiency updates for your home to help it reach the Pearl Certification level that makes the most sense for your goals, whether that is selling your home, refinancing, or simply living in a more comfortable and environmentally friendly space. Reach out today to make an appointment for your home efficiency audit and to get started.
