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Compare Pella Vs. Andersen Windows (2024)
In this comparison between windows from Pella and Andersen, we’ll discuss:
- Which company is more affordable
- The warranty coverage provided by Andersen and Pella
- What style windows Andersen and Pella offer
Each product and or company featured here has been independently selected by the writer. You can learn more about our review methodology here. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Compare Pella Windows and Andersen Windows
Pella is a nationwide window manufacturer brand founded in 1925 by Peter Kuyper in Pella, Iowa. For nearly a century now, it has provided innovative window and blind technology, offered outstanding customer service, and maintained a high level of quality and durability. Pella’s Lifestyle Series is its most popular window product line.
The Andersen corporation was founded by Hans Andersen, a Danish immigrant, in 1903. It was originally a lumber company, but after the company started up a window frame manufacturing factory in Hudson, Wisconsin, it began shifting its focus and relocated to Bayport, Minnesota. Andersen is a household name, and that name is synonymous with long-lasting, beautiful, and high-quality windows. The Andersen 100 series and the 400 series are the most popular. Today Andersen even offers in-home window installations under their spin-off Renewel by Andersen brand.
Both Pella and Andersen are excellent names in the world of windows, and both companies should provide you with products that last for decades.
Renewal by Andersen
Best Availability
Pros
- Great industry reputation
- Award-winning company
- Member of US Green Building Council
- Manufactures products in-house
Cons
- No lifetime warranty
- More expensive than competition
Pella
Window Veteran
Pros
- Many years of experience
- Wide variety of products and services
- Large service area
Cons
- Some installations carried out by third-party contractors
Pella Vs. Andersen: Fast Facts
The table below provides a quick look at how these two window companies stack up against each other.
Pella Windows |
Andersen Windows |
|
| Year Founded | 1925 | 1903 |
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating | A+ | A+ |
| EcoWatch Score | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Showroom Locations and Availability | Nationwide | Nationwide (also available in home improvement stores like Home Depot) |
| Overall Cost ($-$$$$$) | $$$ | $$$ |
| Warranty Coverage | 10-year warranty on materials and workmanship, plus limited non-transferable lifetime warranty for non-glass materials | 20-year warranty for new windows, 10-year warranty for parts, and a two-year warranty for workmanship. All warranties are transferable |
| Products Offered | Windows and patio doors in a variety of styles and materials | Windows and exterior doors in a variety of styles and materials |
| Energy-Efficient Options | Yes | Yes |
Window Types Available: Pella Vs. Andersen
If you’ve already decided what kind of windows or frame materials you want to be installed in your home, then you might be able to rule out either Pella or Andersen as a provider. The chart below provides a quick look at how these companies compare in terms of products and materials offered.
Pella Windows |
Andersen Windows |
|
| Aluminum Frames | ✓ | |
| Aluminum Clad Frames | ✓ | ✓ |
| Vinyl Window Frames | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wood Window Frames | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fiberglass Window Frames | ✓ | ✓ |
| Composite Frames | ✓ | |
| Double-Pane Glass | ✓ | ✓ |
| Triple-Pane Glass | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single- and Double-Hung Windows | ✓ | ✓ |
| Awning Windows | ✓ | ✓ |
| Casement Windows | ✓ | ✓ |
| French Casement Windows | ✓ | |
| Bay and Bow Windows | ✓ | ✓ |
| Picture Windows | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specialty Windows | ✓ | ✓ |
Pella has decent availability in terms of frame materials, including vinyl (PVC), aluminum cladding, wood and fiberglass (called Pella Impervia). It carries a wide range of styles as well, including single-hung windows, double-hung windows, awning windows, casement windows, bay windows, bow windows, picture windows, and specialty windows. The casement and double-hung windows are the most popular styles.
Andersen offers far more options for frame materials and window styles for superior functionality and customization. It carries aluminum, aluminum-clad, vinyl, fiberglass, and wood frames, as well as its patented composite material, Fibrex. Fibrex is a feature of the A-series and E-series windows and the Andersen Architectural series.
Andersen also carries a massive range of window styles, including single-hung and double-hung options, casement windows, French casement windows, awning windows, bay windows, bow windows, picture windows, and specialty windows.
Pella Vs. Andersen: Pricing
Both Pella and Andersen are considered high-end windows, although some other brands — like Marvin and Milgard — do tend to offer superior quality. They are more costly than brands you’d find in home improvement stores, but they are far from the most expensive options out there.
The only way to get accurate pricing for your window replacement or new construction installation is to get free quotes from each company. However, we’ll discuss what we know to be true of the pricing in general based on data from our partners.
Pella Pricing & Deals
Pella windows will vary in price based on style, frame material, size, and other options. Generally speaking, you can find yourself paying anywhere from around $400 per window up to $2,000 or more for large, complex designs.
Pella frequently offers deals and discounts on its products and services, including money off of qualifying purchases and financing deals with 0% APR. Pella also offers discounts to active duty military members, veterans, and those in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Andersen Pricing & Deals
Renewal by Andersen’s products typically falls around the same price as Pella’s, although Andersen’s price range is a bit wider because the company offers more products. You will likely pay between $300 and $3,500 for a window from Andersen. Keep in mind that your price could be higher or lower based on fit and finish.
Much like Pella, Andersen runs discounts frequently to reduce the cost of window replacement. You should check its website around holidays and during each season to see what’s on offer when you need services. Andersen also discounts its products to military veterans.
Warranty Options Compared for Pella Vs. Andersen
Installing replacement windows and carrying out window repair will always be expensive home improvement projects. It’s important that you protect your investment and ensure that your windows and the labor to install or repair them are covered by warranties.
In the sections below, we’ll compare Pella and Andersen based on the coverage they provide for their materials and workmanship.
Pella Warranty Options
Pella provides two different warranties that cover individual aspects of the window installation:
- 10 years of coverage for the materials and workmanship
- Lifetime limited warranty for the non-glass materials — this is not transferable to the new owner if you sell your home
Pella’s warranty coverage is included with each installation, so you don’t have to worry about submitting paperwork or paying for coverage.
Most importantly, the warranties do vary based on the window type and the frame materials. You can check out Pella’s warranty documentation for more information on specific windows.1
Andersen Warranty Options
Similarly, Andersen provides three different warranties for its windows and labor:
- 20 years of all-inclusive coverage on most new windows
- 10 years of coverage for the parts
- Two years of coverage for the workmanship
You don’t have to do any additional work to begin coverage for Andersen’s products, as it comes with all installations, replacements, and repairs. The warranties provided are all transferable to the new owners if you sell your home, which helps improve property value.
You can check out Andersen’s warranty coverage page for all of its product lines for more information on how coverage applies to specific windows.2
Pella Vs. Andersen: Customer Satisfaction Reviews
Windows and the labor to replace or repair them are expensive, which is why it’s wise to choose a window company that can provide excellent service and peace of mind throughout the process.
Below, we’ll include some customer reviews that we found on Yelp and Google Reviews for each company, and we’ll also provide an overview of what online reviews say about these companies.
Pella Customer Reviews
Below are two reviews for Pella that provide a snapshot of the best and worst experiences you can expect from this company.
“The problems that we have had with every aspect of Pella are wide and varied, but suffice it to say that they have failed us every step of the way. My most recent frustration is that I tried to get them out to my home (repair quote) for approximately 6 months, and now they simply will not supply me with the quote. Calling the service center seems like it will solve the problem every time, but then nothing happens. They eventually come back every time with a ridiculously expensive quote.” —M.D. via Yelp
“I just had windows on the front facade of my house replaced. It has made a huge difference to my home which was built in the 1940s. The guys that came in to install were courteous. They arrived the day before the windows to check out the job they had to do. On the installation day, they came early, worked all day long, and cleaned up their mess. They now offer a three-year financing plan. That means we don’t have to pay for our windows for three years! Can’t beat this deal.” — Mary L. via Yelp
Pella branches do have quite a lot of negative reviews online. Many of them mention high prices and poor customer service, especially after payment is made. Unfortunately, a failure to continue good service after the installation is a recurring issue. However, the quality of the windows is rarely called into question.
We should mention that we’ve read through over 100 reviews — both positive and negative — for several different Pella branches to get an accurate portrayal of what this company offers.
Andersen Customer Reviews
Below, we’ll share one positive and one negative review for Renewal by Andersen to give you an idea of what you can reasonably expect from this company.
“We just had our front door replaced by Renewal by Anderson, and we couldn’t be happier. They showed up on time and worked nonstop for about 3 hours. Our house is 100 yrs old with brick walls that aren’t plumb. The top is wider than the bottom and it tilts back a bit. They handled all the issues that come with an old house and made the door fit like the house was built around it. We love the color and look forward to a life with a worry-free front door.” —Theo R. via Google Reviews
“First off, let me say that the replacement windows are beautiful! I am very happy with the quality of the product. However, after months, mine are still not installed correctly. Working with the company to resolve my concerns has not been an enjoyable experience. My installation ended up getting rescheduled once or twice. When the crew did finally come, they seemed not to be informed about the task at hand. The crew seems to be in a rush to complete the job as fast as possible.” —Robert O. via Google Reviews
Andersen also has its fair share of negative reviews online, although it maintains more positive reviews than Pella. There are few complaints about the quality of the materials, much like Pella, and more often than not, the negative comments are about the quality of installation or repair services. A lack of communication seems to be the primary issue.
To get a good idea of what Andersen is all about, we read through around 100 reviews from sites like Google Reviews, Yelp, and BBB. We made sure to read both positive and negative reviews to get a more accurate snapshot of the service this company provides.
Energy Efficiency Options for Pella Vs. Andersen
Both Pella and Andersen are excellent choices if you’re looking for efficient windows. Both provide access to efficient and insulative materials, including:
- Fiberglass frames
- Double-pane glass
- Triple-pane glass
- Insulative argon gas in multi-pane windows
- Efficient glass coatings, like low-E (low-emissivity) options
When comparing the two companies in terms of Energy Star ratings, Pella comes out on top. Specifically, the Pella 250 and Pella 350 window series rank higher in Energy Star’s ratings than all of Andersen’s window options.3
Specifically, Pella’s windows have a lower U-factor and a lower solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). The U-factor is a measurement of how well the window insulates against outside temperatures; lower numbers mean greater insulation. SHGC measures how much solar heat a window lets in, which dictates efficiency in the summer; lower numbers are more efficient.
Energy-efficient windows can help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Not only do they keep your living area more comfortable, but they also reduce your carbon footprint, your energy bills, and your reliance on fossil fuels.
Again, both companies are great options for efficient windows, but Pella comes out on top.
Overall Pella Vs. Andersen: Pros and Cons
Pella and Andersen are two of the most prevalent window brands in the country, and for good reasons. They both provide outstanding material quality, decent installation services, great warranty coverage, and insulative window options.
To help make your decision a little easier, we’ll provide a quick look at some compelling pros and cons for each company below.
Pros of Pella |
Cons of Pella |
| Some window options (Pella Impervia) are more durable than Andersen’s (Fibrex)4 | Worse customer service |
| Superior energy efficiency | Not as many frame options |
| Longer-lasting warranties | Doesn’t offer as many styles |
Pros of Andersen |
Cons of Andersen |
| Wide variety of frame materials and styles | Not quite as energy-efficient as Pella overall |
| Typically better service for installation and repair | Warranties don’t last as long in many cases |
| Warranty coverage is transferable, meaning an improved bump in property value | Typically a bit more expensive than Pella |
Pella is likely the best option for you if you’re looking to balance quality with window cost. Its windows tend to be more affordable and more energy-efficient, so they’re also better if you’re looking to maximize efficiency.
Andersen is probably best for you if you’re looking for the greatest return on your investment when you sell your home. It also usually provides superior customer service as well, and it has a wider range of frame materials and types of windows.
Our Recommendation
Overall, we would recommend Andersen over Pella. We prioritize energy efficiency in all cases, but both window manufacturers provide high-efficiency windows that will drastically improve your home’s energy efficiency. Andersen also has more experience in the window industry, and its warranty coverage is favorable, especially since it’s transferable.
Additionally, Andersen’s products are a bit more expensive, but we feel the quality, durability, and customer service are well worth the investment.
FAQ: Pella Vs. Andersen
Andersen’s products will typically be a bit more expensive than Pella windows, provided you get similar materials. While Pella is more affordable, we believe that Andersen provides slightly better value, which is why we’d recommend Andersen over Pella if the slightly higher price tag doesn’t bother you.
Andersen’s Fibrex frames — made from wood fibers and thermoplastic polymer — should last between 35 and 50 years, which is in line with most composite frames. The company notes on its product pages that the material is twice as strong as vinyl window frames, 700 times better at blocking heat transfer than aluminum, and can stand up to even the most extreme temperatures and climates.
Andersen’s products typically have a better return on investment. Not only is Andersen a more recognized name in the window industry and considered the standard when it comes to quality, but the warranty coverage is transferable to new owners. That means anyone buying your home will get peace of mind that they won’t need to pay for replacement windows shortly after closing.
