Where possible, the whole house should be insulated using standard practice insulating techniques to increase the thermal efficiency of the home. Insulation work must be done without compromising the durability of the existing wood-frame structure by creating a risk of condensation, high relative humidity conditions, or moisture entrapment. All insulation work begins with air sealing. Never insulate a wall, roof, or floor without first making sure the air leaks in the vicinity are addressed.

Typically, the attic and exposed floors, followed by the crawlspace, are the most cost-effective locations to perform insulating work. Unfinished basements are also easy to insulate. Insulating above- and below-grade finished walls is much more involved and is often better to perform at the time of other renovations, repairs or cladding work.