Cold

• Expanded Styrofoam used in coolers provides some insulation, but not the best insulation. Also, when expanded Styrofoam is exposed to moisture it retains much of it. In a cooler when ice or other moisture might occur, this makes expanded Styrofoam a poor choice of an insulator.
  
  

Heat

• Styrofoam sheets made from polystyrene make effective insulators as they handle heat well. The polystyrene material provides a good, heat-resistant source of home insulation. Styrofoam sheets also do not absorb moisture from the air at high temperatures, allowing the insulation to last longer and retain its structural integrity.
  
  

Properties

• The physical properties of Styrofoam used as home insulation make it resistant to temperature changes, making it an effective solution for maintaining a steady temperature. Even at very high temperatures Styrofoam works well -- for this reason it can even serve as an insulator for pipes.