What the 1979 Home Means in the Pearl SCORE™

The Pearl SCORE™ uses the year 1979 as a key reference point. That’s because 1979 is the median year of construction for homes in the United States. In other words, half of all U.S. homes were built before1979, and half were built after.

Homes built around this time typically lack many modern performance features. They were constructed before the introduction of energy codes that set minimum standards for insulation, ventilation, and HVAC efficiency. As a result, these homes often:

• Have minimal insulation and high air leakage
• Use older heating and cooling equipment
• Lack balanced ventilation systems
• Have higher risks of moisture, mold, or combustion safety issues

In the Pearl SCORE, the 1979 home represents an "average" performance baseline. A home like this receives about 250 points in the Pearl SCORE—with base points in each of the five pillars. To score higher, a home must include verified features that improve performance beyond what’s typical for a 1979 home.

For example, adding better attic insulation, installing high-efficiency HVAC equipment, or sealing ductwork can increase a home’s score above the baseline. The more features that improve comfort, safety, efficiency, or durability, the more points the home earns.

This baseline helps keep the Pearl SCORE fair and consistent. It ensures that homes are compared to a common standard.