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The best type of insulation for your home depends on your specific needs, climate, and the area you are insulating. For new construction, structural insulated panels are a highly energy-efficient option that is easy to install during the building process. In very warm climates, reflective insulation can be a cost-effective choice. For cold climates, fiberglass is an excellent option due to its high R-value and resistance to settling over time. Spray foam works well in humid environments because of its moisture-resistant properties. For standard attics, loose-fill, spray foam, or blown-in insulation are all suitable options.

Canned spray foam has an R-value of R-3.7 per inch. However, it’s not great for use as insulation. Also known as single-component spray foam, it doesn’t expand as much as two-part types that work for insulating the whole house. Save the canned foam for gaps around doors and windows.

Ductwork sweats due to a temperature difference between the air inside the ducts and the surrounding air, similar to how a cold drink develops condensation in the heat. This sweating is a sign that your HVAC system is not operating at peak efficiency. The best way to keep ductwork from sweating is to wrap it in proper insulation, which also improves your system's energy efficiency. Another option is to close off your crawl space and install a dehumidifier to dry the air and lower its dew point.

When temperatures are too cold, it can keep ice from melting, and products like ice melt and rock salt are ineffective. Water turns to ice in temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Ice melts on its own when temperatures reach above 32 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Ice melt loses effectiveness in temperatures below -25 degrees Fahrenheit, and rock salt works in temperatures 5 degrees Fahrenheit and warmer.