Andersen Windows
Andersen Windows and Renewal by Andersen are well-known brands for high-quality and customizable windows.
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
Best for: Window replacement company
Average cost: $400 to $4,000 per window
Renewal by Andersen Windows at a glance
Renewal by Andersen is a top-rated window repair and replacement company. It received outstanding marks in our ranking system for customer service, quality, warranty support and more.
Fast facts
- Renewal by Andersen was founded in 1995 but is the child company of Andersen Corporation, which started in 1903 and has over 120 years of experience.
- The company is known for high-quality windows and doors.
- Renewal by Andersen has limited warranties on many of its products, including all non-glass materials on its E-Series windows and doors.
- Renewal by Andersen has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
What we like
Renewal by Andersen windows are manufactured in the United States and are known to be high-quality and efficient. The company is certified by the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA), which upholds manufacturing standards.
Its windows are Energy Star-certified for efficiency, and the company was the first window manufacturer to be named Energy Star partner of the year (in 1999). This means Andersen windows will likely boost your home’s efficiency and help reduce heating and cooling bills.
What we don’t like
Renewal by Andersen offers fewer customization options than some other companies, specifically for its lower-cost window series. While it offers specialty and custom windows, it has seven fewer stock exterior color options than the industry average. It also doesn’t manufacture hopper windows or folding, corner or garden windows, which many competitors do.
Andersen Windows pros and cons
Renewal by Andersen focuses exclusively on replacement windows, so it’s not available for new construction homes. However, the company only uses in-house window installers, which helps maintain consistent customer service and satisfaction because you only deal with one point of contact. You can buy Renewal by Andersen windows from third parties, but subcontractors will install them.
These windows come at a cost: Our editor got an initial quote of over $75,000 to replace all the windows in her home. Renewal by Andersen also doesn’t have overwhelmingly positive customer reviews, scoring just 1.26 stars (out of 5) from customers on the BBB and 1.7 stars out of 5 on Trustpilot.
Pros
- Uses in-house installers
- Manufactured in the United States
- Energy Star certified
Cons
- Expensive, sometimes as much as 3 times higher than the industry average
- Many disappointing customer reviews
- Only 11 exterior color options (18 is average)
*BBB and Trustpilot scores are accurate as of September 2024.
What services does Andersen Windows offer?
Andersen Windows is a window and door manufacturer, and its sister company, Renewal by Andersen, focuses its efforts on replacement windows. Combining the services of these companies makes the most sense for a complete Andersen Windows review.
Andersen Windows provides window repair and replacement services through third-party companies, and working with a third party is your only option if you want new-construction windows. Renewal by Andersen only handles window replacement. Together, the companies provide all window services with the exception of 24/7 emergency window repair.
The companies together offer windows and window installation for the following window styles:
- Awning windows
- Bay windows
- Bow windows
- Casement windows
- Double-hung windows
- Picture windows
- Single-hung windows
- Sliding windows
- Specialty/custom windows
Compared to competitors, four primary options are missing: corner windows, folding windows, hopper windows, and garden windows. The two companies offer double-pane and triple-pane glass and all of the frame materials competitors carry. They are:
- Aluminum
- Fiberglass
- Fibrex (composite)
- Vinyl
- Wood
Andersen and Renewal by Andersen Windows services
The table below includes a collection of services and products from Andersen Windows and Renewal by Andersen.
|
|
Offered?
|
|---|---|
| Single-hung | ✔ |
| Double-hung | ✔ |
| Casement | ✔ |
| Awning | ✔ |
| Bay or bow | ✔ |
| Hopper | X |
| Sliding, gliding or rolling | ✔ |
| Fixed or picture | ✔ |
| Folding | X |
| Corner | X |
| Garden | X |
| Specialty shapes | ✔ |
| Double-pane window repair | ✔ |
| Broken window repair | ✔ |
| Window frame repair | ✔ |
| Window mechanism repair | ✔ |
| Window screen repair | ✔ |
| Emergency/same-day repair | X |
| Glass warranty | ✔ |
| Non-glass warranty | ✔ (framing, sash, hardware, etc.) |
Andersen Windows customization and add-ons
Windows from Renewal by Andersen have many customization options, including window style, frame material, frame color and hardware. Pricing varies based on your options, but you’ll need to get a quote from Andersen Windows or a third-party installer to get an accurate estimate.
|
|
100 Series
|
|---|---|
| Styles | 7, including specialty (awning, casement, double-hung, picture, single-hung, sliding and specialty) |
| Frame materials | Fibrex |
| Exterior color options | 5 |
| Interior color options (paint) | 4 |
| Interior wood species options | N/A |
| Hardware options | 6 |
|
|
200 Series
|
|---|---|
| Styles | 4, (Double-hung, picture, single-hung and sliding) |
| Frame materials | Vinyl and wood |
| Exterior color options | 2 |
| Interior color options (paint) | 1 |
| Interior wood species options | 1 |
| Hardware options | 12 |
|
|
400 Series
|
|---|---|
| Styles | 9, including specialty (awning, bay, bow, casement, double-hung, picture, single-hung, sliding and specialty) |
| Frame materials | Vinyl and wood |
| Exterior color options | 7 |
| Interior color options (paint) | 3 |
| Interior wood species options | 1 |
| Hardware options | 10 |
|
|
A-Series
|
|---|---|
| Styles | 5, including specialty (awning, casement, double-hung, picture, single-hung and specialty) |
| Frame materials | Fiberglass, Fibrex and wood |
| Exterior color options | 11 |
| Interior color options (paint) | 13 |
| Interior wood species options | 3 |
| Hardware options | 13 |
|
|
E-Series
|
|---|---|
| Styles | 9, including specialty (awning, bay, bow, casement, double-hung, picture, single-hung, sliding and specialty) |
| Frame materials | Aluminum, wood |
| Exterior color options | 58 |
| Interior color options (paint) | 14 |
| Interior wood species options | 12 |
| Hardware options | 12 |
What does Andersen Windows not cover?
Andersen Windows is a manufacturer, and it only provides labor through third-party companies. Renewal by Andersen, its sister company, solely installs Andersen windows and doesn’t handle any of the manufacturing, nor does it install new construction windows.
There are some window options excluded that you might find offered by competitors. For example, Harvey Windows and Simonton offer garden windows, Champion Windows and Marvin Windows have corner windows, and many competitors, including Harvey and Castle Windows, sell and install hopper windows.
How much does Andersen Windows cost?
Andersen doesn’t publish prices for its windows or the in-house installation costs. However, based on prices from home improvement stores, real quotes and third-party sources for pricing data, I found that Andersen windows cost between $400 and $4,000 for the materials and installation labor.
Your price will depend on the window size, style, frame, glass materials and product line. The installation price can also increase based on the location of the windows in your home.
Here are average prices based on the product line you choose:
- Andersen 100 Series: $300 - $1,600 and higher
- Andersen 200 Series: $300 - $2,500 and higher
- Andersen 400 Series: $400 - $3,600 and higher
- Andersen A-Series: $1,100 - $4,000 and higher
- Andersen E-Series: $1,000 - $3,800 and higher
According to Andersen’s website and spec sheets, the series differ in price, style, frame material, color options and hardware materials. The A-Series and E-Series windows are Andersen’s premium options, costing more than the other series and including the most customization options.
If you know the window style you want, you can use the Andersen window costs below to get an accurate estimate. These prices include materials and labor:
|
|
Average cost
|
|---|---|
| Awning window | $400 - $1,600 |
| Bay window | $1,500 - $4,000 |
| Bow window | $1,600 - $4,500 |
| Casement window | $400 - $2,100 |
| Double-hung window | $350 - $1,600 |
| Picture window: | $300 - $1,500 |
| Single-hung window | $400 - $1,100 |
| Sliding window | $400 - $1,500 |
Savings and discounts
Renewal by Andersen windows are more expensive than windows from many competing brands, but the company usually offers discounts. At the time of writing, Renewal by Andersen has a deal that lets you buy two windows and get the next two at 40% off. Based on the average cost of Andersen windows, that deal alone could save you around $780, on average, if you’re installing double-hung windows.
Renewal by Andersen windows are also available from leading home improvement stores, which sometimes offer stand-alone third-party discounts. Home Depot has a deal for 15% off special-order Andersen windows at the time of writing. Actual savings will vary based on the cost of your windows. Check here for updated Andersen promotions.
Although not a special deal, you can potentially save money over time with Andersen windows by taking advantage of the company’s warranty options:
- Limited warranties on non-glass components (10 years for frame, sash and locking mechanism). Most competitors offer this, so it’s not a stand-out coverage option.
- 10- to 20-year warranties on glass components, although many competitors offer limited lifetime warranties.
Discounts are added at the end of your estimate, so you may not know which are available until you get an in-person quote. You can get discounts for being a veteran, living in the Twin Cities (close to their manufacturing site), purchasing bulk windows and a discount for signing a contract on the same day as you get your quote. These discounts are often even better than the buy two, get 40% off discount. The image below shows you just how much of an impact these quotes have: It brought this $75,000 quote down to $52,000.
Andersen Windows customer service and experience
Andersen Windows makes contacting a representative a breeze; you can call or chat online with a live representative. Many competitors have a similar chat service, but some, like Milgard and Pella, connect you with an automated response service, which isn’t as personal or as helpful in some cases. Andersen also has tons of information available on its blog and FAQ page, so you might be able to get guidance there if a representative isn’t available after hours.
Your customer service experience will depend on your local Renewal by Andersen office, but my experience as a secret shopper was a positive one. I was connected to a live rep in less than a minute, and they were friendly and knowledgeable. I wasn’t put on hold, and I discussed window frame options and got some guidance on the efficiency of different frame materials.
The following reviews should provide a snapshot of what you can expect in both a positive and negative sense:
Understanding Andersen Windows’ installation process
The process of installing Andersen windows through Andersen Windows or Renewable by Andersen is similar to what you’d expect from competitors, although it differs a bit based on which of these companies you go with:
- A representative will come to your home to take measurements and assess any difficulties with installation, like location on a second floor. Andersen will send a third party, while Renewal by Andersen will send an in-house representative.
- You’ll receive a formal quote for the materials and installation labor.
- Once you sign the quote, the company will order your windows. Depending on demand and the complexity of your order, this process can take weeks or even months.
- Your rep will contact you to set up an installation date.
- On that day, your installer will come to your home, remove your old window and install the new one. If you go with Andersen, this will be a third-party installer, but Renewal by Andersen will send an in-house team member.
Andersen Windows vs. competitors
Andersen is a household name, not only because the company has been around for over 100 years but also because of its products’ quality, durability and efficiency. Its direct competitors are other high-end brands like Milgard and Pella.
pro tip
- If you have lead paint on your window frame, there is an extra installation step. Your Andersen installer will test for lead paint, and if it’s present, carefully secure the area to remove it safely.
Andersen offers a range of products and services that match what you’d get from most competitors. For example, you can choose from eight window styles from Andersen, while Milgard has nine and Pella offers eight. Andersen has all the main window frame materials, much like Milgard and Pella, including aluminum, composite (Fibrex), fiberglass, vinyl and wood.
Andersen is above average in terms of warranty coverage. Its glass warranty goes up to 20 years, about four years longer than the industry average. (Milgard and Simonton have lifetime limited warranties on glass.) The best warranty on framing materials and hardware from Andersen is lifetime limited coverage, while the industry average is around 15 years.
Andersen Windows is best for homeowners who want certified or in-house installers through the sister company, Renewal by Andersen.
Competitor comparison
|
|
Our score (out of 5 stars)
|
|---|---|
| Andersen Windows | 4.5 |
| Champion Windows | 4.3 |
| Universal Windows | 4.1 |
| Window Nation | 4.1 |
| Castle Windows | 4.0 |
| Window World, Inc | 4.0 |
| Harvey Windows | 3.9 |
| Marvin Windows | 3.9 |
|
|
Best for
|
|---|---|
| Andersen Windows | Window replacement company |
| Champion Windows | Window variety |
| Universal Windows | Window and exterior home replacement |
| Window Nation | Customer support |
| Castle Windows | Window service repairs |
| Window World, Inc | Replacement options |
| Harvey Windows | East Coast homes |
| Marvin Windows | Color options |
|
|
Made in the USA?
|
|---|---|
| Andersen Windows | Yes |
| Champion Windows | Yes |
| Universal Windows | Yes |
| Window Nation | No |
| Castle Windows | Yes |
| Window World, Inc | Yes |
| Harvey Windows | Yes |
| Marvin Windows | Yes |
Methodology
We use 60 different metrics to compare window installers and manufacturers, and we focus our scoring on seven main criteria: customer reviews, support, service, quality assurance, frame materials, window types and customization options.
We use a proprietary ranking system that weights factors in each category based on what we believe is most important to you as the customer. We then let our rankings speak for themselves without adjusting based on biases or company partnerships.
We’ve spent dozens of hours researching and reviewing Andersen Windows, Renewal by Andersen, and its competitors to bring you the best information possible. We use secret shopper calls and read through dozens of Andersen Window reviews to get a real sense of the service provided.
Finally, the author worked as a property repair and renovation coordinator for years in New York and has hands-on experience working with Andersen and other window companies.