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If you’ve ever sat by a drafty window in the middle of a Boise winter, you know the feeling: the chill creeps in, the glass fogs, and your furnace kicks into overdrive. Or maybe in July, the sun bakes through your living room, and suddenly your AC bill looks like a mortgage payment. That’s where energy-efficient windows  make all the difference. They’re not just a trendy upgrade — they’re one of the most practical investments you can make in your home. With the right choices, you’ll be more comfortable year-round, spend less on utilities, and even boost the value of your property. So, let’s peel back the layers of glass and frames and talk about what really makes a window efficient, how to choose wisely, and which options are best for our Idaho climate. Why Energy Efficiency Matters More Than Ever The Department of Energy estimates that up to 30% of a home’s heating and cooling energy is lost through windows.  That’s not just money out the window — it’s also comfort. Efficient windows do three things really well: They keep indoor temperatures consistent. They reduce the burden on your heating and cooling systems. They improve your home’s overall sustainability. In a state like Idaho, where we see both snowstorms and scorching summers, performance isn’t optional. It’s essential. The Language of Efficiency (Made Simple) When people first shop for new windows, they often get buried under labels and ratings. Here’s what actually matters: U-Factor:  Think of this as the “heat leak rating.” The lower the number, the less heat escapes in winter. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC):  A fancy way of saying how much sunlight passes through. In sunny but cold places, a slightly higher SHGC can help warm your home in winter. Low-E Glass:  Invisible coatings that bounce heat back where it came from — keeping the warmth in during winter and out during summer. Double vs. Triple Pane:  More layers of glass = more insulation and quieter interiors. You don’t need to memorize these terms, but understanding the basics helps you spot the difference between a window that looks nice and one that truly performs. Material Matters: Aluminum, Fiberglass, or Wood? One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is the frame material. Each has its own character — and quirks. Aluminum:  Strong, sleek, and perfect for modern homes with those big, glassy openings. With today’s thermal breaks , aluminum has shed its old reputation for poor insulation. It’s low maintenance, tough as nails, and ideal for slim profiles that maximize views. Fiberglass:  The quiet achiever of the window world. Fiberglass expands and contracts very little, which means fewer gaps and better long-term performance. It’s naturally insulating, durable, and practically maintenance-free. Wood / Clad-Wood:  The classic. Wood feels warm, timeless, and beautiful. Left exposed, it needs regular care, but clad-wood (wood inside, protective exterior outside) gives you the best of both worlds. It’s more work, but for those who value craftsmanship, it’s worth it. The Double vs. Triple Pane Question This one comes up all the time: Do I really need triple-pane windows? For many homes, high-quality double-pane windows with Low-E coatings are more than enough. But if you’re aiming for ultimate efficiency — especially in north-facing rooms, mountain homes, or new builds with sustainability goals — triple-pane is an investment in comfort. Think warmer winters, quieter rooms, and lower bills. Counting the Cost (and the Savings) There’s no way around it: energy-efficient windows cost more upfront. On average, you might spend 15–20% more  than you would for a basic window. But here’s the kicker — those windows can cut your utility bills by 10–25% every single year. Over the life of the window (and we’re talking decades here), the math starts to look very appealing. Add in the possibility of rebates or tax credits , and suddenly the “expensive” choice starts paying for itself. What Homeowners Ask Us Most Over the years, we’ve heard the same questions again and again. Here’s how we answer them: “Will new windows really stop condensation?” Yes. Better-insulated glass keeps the interior surface warmer, which means less condensation forming inside your home. “Can I just retrofit the glass instead of replacing the whole window?” Sometimes — but full replacements are where you’ll see the biggest jump in efficiency, especially if your frames are old or poorly insulated. “Are black or bronze frames less efficient than white ones?” Not at all. With proper thermal breaks, the finish color doesn’t impact performance. “Do I need the most expensive option to see results?” No. Even mid-range efficient windows make a noticeable difference in comfort and energy savings. The key is matching the right product to your climate and lifestyle. Steelsen’s Energy-Efficient Approach At Steelsen, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. We work with aluminum, fiberglass, wood, and clad-wood systems  — all engineered with high-performance in mind. That means: Modern thermal breaks for aluminum frames. High-performance Low-E glass on every product line. Custom SHGC options depending on where your home gets the most sun. Triple-pane choices for extreme climates or net-zero projects. And most importantly, we make sure our windows are installed correctly.  Because even the best glass won’t save energy if the frame isn’t sealed right. Energy-efficient windows aren’t just about saving money (though they do that very well). They’re about creating a home that feels consistently comfortable, quiet, and beautifully connected to the outdoors — all while reducing your footprint. If you’re building, renovating, or just curious about how much difference new windows could make, we’d love to show you what’s possible. 👉 Explore our Window Collections  or book a consultation with our team to start planning.

Windows and doors do more than connect you to the outdoors — they shape your home’s style, comfort, and personality. As architecture evolves, so do the trends in fenestration (that’s the fancy word for windows and doors). Here are five of the biggest modern design trends  we’re seeing in 2025. 1. Slim Frames & Maximum Glass Homeowners want expansive views  with minimal visual interruption. Aluminum systems with thermal breaks allow for ultra-thin profiles without sacrificing performance. 2. Floor-to-Ceiling Openings Sliding and lift-slide systems create wall-to-wall glass panels  that connect indoors and outdoors seamlessly. 3. Dark & Custom Finishes Matte black and bronze finishes are in demand, adding modern contrast to both traditional and contemporary homes. 4. Pivot & Oversized Doors Architectural pivot doors are making a statement at entrances, offering both drama and functionality. 5. Sustainable & High-Performance Materials Energy-efficient glazing, thermally broken aluminum, and sustainable wood options are no longer optional — they’re expected. Design Tip:  Trends should enhance your lifestyle, not just aesthetics. Consider climate, performance, and maintenance  before selecting styles. Modern windows and doors are about blending design and performance.  At Steelsen, we specialize in solutions that achieve both — whether it’s slim aluminum frames, warm wood interiors, or oversized glass walls. 👉 See these trends in action in our Project Gallery.

When you live in Idaho — or anywhere with snowy winters, hot summers, and everything in between — choosing the right window material isn’t just about looks. The material you select impacts energy efficiency, comfort, maintenance, and long-term performance. At Steelsen Windows & Doors, one of the most common questions we hear is: “What’s the best material for my new windows?”  To help, we’ve created this detailed comparison between aluminum, fiberglass, and wood windows  so you can confidently select the option that fits your home, lifestyle, and budget. What to Consider When Choosing Window Material Before diving into the details, here are the top performance criteria for Idaho homes: Energy efficiency & insulation  (U-factor, SHGC, and thermal breaks) Durability & lifespan  (resistance to warping, cracking, or rot) Maintenance  (how often you’ll need to repaint, reseal, or refinish) Design flexibility  (style, color, and finish options) Cost & value over time Aluminum Windows Strengths: Exceptional structural strength → allows for slim, modern profiles  and expansive glass walls. Low maintenance, weather resistant. Wide range of finishes (powder-coated, anodized). Considerations: Historically weaker on thermal performance, but modern thermal break technology  makes them highly efficient. Potential condensation if not properly insulated. Best for:  Contemporary homes seeking minimal sightlines, commercial projects, and large custom openings like lift-and-slide doors . Fiberglass Windows Strengths: Superior thermal insulation, low expansion/contraction. Extremely durable and resistant to warping or rotting. Can mimic wood textures while keeping maintenance low. Considerations: Typically more expensive than vinyl or standard aluminum. Limited color options compared to aluminum. Best for:  Homeowners wanting a balance of performance and low upkeep  — ideal for cold climates and long-term durability. Wood (and Aluminum-Clad Wood) Windows Strengths: Natural beauty and timeless aesthetic. Excellent insulator, warm interior feel. Aluminum-clad options protect exterior while keeping interior wood exposed. Considerations: Highest maintenance (painting, sealing). Susceptible to moisture unless clad. Best for:  Traditional or luxury homes where aesthetic and authenticity  are priorities. Feature Aluminum Fiberglass Wood / Clad Energy Efficiency ★★★★☆ (with thermal breaks) ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ Durability ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★ (higher with cladding) Maintenance Low Very Low High Aesthetic Flexibility Modern, sleek Neutral, versatile Classic, warm Cost Range $$–$$$ $$–$$$ $$$–$$$$ There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — the “best” material depends on your design goals, budget, and climate needs.  For modern Idaho homes, aluminum and fiberglass  often outperform others in efficiency and durability, while wood and clad-wood  provide unbeatable warmth and luxury. Explore our Window Collections  or schedule a consultation with our team to see real samples and performance data.