I’ve spent years renovating homes, from cozy bungalows to sprawling modern builds, and one question always pops up: which windows should I choose? When it comes to Andersen Windows, the A-Series and 400 Series are two heavyweights that spark a lot of debate.
My goal here is to walk you through a detailed comparison of these two series, sharing insights from my own experiences and research.
Whether you’re a homeowner planning a remodel or just curious about premium windows, this article will break down their features, pros, cons, and differences to help you decide which fits your vision.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | A-Series | 400 Series |
| Material | Wood interior, Fibrex/fiberglass exterior | Wood interior, vinyl exterior (Perma-Shield®) |
| Customization | Extensive (custom sizes, 12 hardware finishes, 11 exterior colors) | Moderate (7 exterior colors, 3 interior colors, custom sizes) |
| Energy Efficiency | Superior (triple-pane glass option) | High (double-pane, Low-E4® glass) |
| Price Range | $1,200–$2,500+ per window | $579–$1,800+ per window |
| Styles Available | Double-hung, casement, awning, picture, specialty | Double-hung, casement, awning, gliding, bay, bow |
| Warranty | Owner-to-Owner Limited Warranty | Owner-to-Owner Limited Warranty |
| Best For | Architectural precision, high-end homes | Versatile, cost-effective performance |
Why I’m Comparing These Two Series?
As someone who’s stood in showrooms, flipped through catalogs, and installed windows in my own home, I know choosing the right series can feel overwhelming. Andersen’s A-Series and 400 Series are both top-tier, but they cater to different needs.
The A-Series is like the bespoke suit of windows—tailored, premium, and designed for architectural flair. The 400 Series, meanwhile, is the reliable, stylish workhorse that fits most homes without breaking the bank.
I’ve seen both in action, and I’ll share what makes each shine, along with where they fall short, so you can make an informed choice.
Understanding Andersen’s A-Series
When I first encountered the A-Series, I was struck by its attention to detail. These windows are Andersen’s architectural crown jewel, designed to meet the demands of high-end homes or historic renovations.
The A-Series is all about customization and performance, blending aesthetics with cutting-edge engineering.
Key Features of The A-Series
The A-Series boasts a wood interior, typically available in six species like pine, oak, or maple, which you can stain or paint to match your home’s vibe.
The exterior uses Fibrex—a composite of 40% reclaimed wood fiber and 60% PVC—or fiberglass, both of which are twice as strong as vinyl and resist warping.
I love how Fibrex feels like a sustainable choice, using recycled materials without sacrificing durability.
Energy efficiency is a standout here.
The A-Series offers double-pane and triple-pane glass options, filled with argon gas for insulation.
Coatings like Low-E4 or SmartSun reduce heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter, which I’ve noticed makes a real difference in energy bills.
You can also choose from 11 exterior colors, 7 interior colors, and 12 hardware finishes, plus custom sizes down to 1/8-inch increments. This level of flexibility is a dream for anyone aiming for a specific architectural look, like recreating a Victorian-era window or a sleek modern design.
I once helped a friend spec out A-Series windows for a Craftsman-style home. The ability to match the exact grille patterns and wood stains to the original design was a game-changer. These windows also come with a window opening control device for safety, which is great if you’ve got kids or want extra security.
Pros of the A-Series
- Unmatched Customization: With so many colors, finishes, and sizes, I can make these windows fit any design vision, from historic to ultra-modern.
- Superior Energy Efficiency: Triple-pane glass and advanced coatings keep my home comfortable year-round, cutting down on HVAC costs.
- Durable Materials: Fibrex and fiberglass exteriors are low-maintenance and won’t fade, peel, or rot, even in harsh climates.
- Architectural Authenticity: Perfect for high-end or historic homes where details matter. I’ve seen these elevate a property’s value and curb appeal.
- Sustainability: The use of recycled wood fiber in Fibrex feels like a win for the environment.
Cons of the A-Series
- Pricey Investment: At $1,200–$2,500+ per window, these can strain a budget. I’ve had to weigh whether the customization justifies the cost.
- Not for Every Style: If your home doesn’t need intricate detailing, the A-Series might feel like overkill.
- No Gliding Windows: If you love sliding windows, you’re out of luck here, which was a bummer for one project I worked on.
- Longer Lead Times: Custom orders can take 4–8 weeks, so I’ve had to plan ahead carefully.
Exploring The 400 Series
The 400 Series is Andersen’s best-selling line, and I can see why. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of windows—versatile, reliable, and widely recommended by contractors.
I’ve installed these in my own home and helped clients choose them for everything from new builds to replacements. They strike a balance between quality and affordability, making them a go-to for many.
Key Features of The 400 Series
The 400 Series features a wood interior, typically pine, with a vinyl exterior clad in Andersen’s Perma-Shield® system, developed in 1966 to protect wood from weather damage.
This vinyl cladding is low-maintenance, resisting dents and water, which I’ve found ideal for rainy or humid climates.
You get seven exterior colors (like black or forest green) and three interior options, plus custom sizing in most styles.
Energy efficiency is solid, with double-pane glass and options like Low-E4 or SmartSun coatings.
I’ve noticed these windows keep my home cozy in winter and cool in summer, though they don’t quite match the A-Series’ triple-pane option.
The 400 Series offers a wide range of styles—double-hung, casement, awning, gliding, bay, bow, and specialty shapes—making it adaptable to most homes. Hardware options include traditional and contemporary folding locks, plus an exclusive Estate Lock & Keeper for double-hung windows.
I remember installing 400 Series casement windows in a suburban home. The tilt-wash feature, where the sash folds inward for easy cleaning, was a hit with the homeowners, especially since they didn’t need to climb a ladder to clean the exterior.
Pros of the 400 Series
- Cost-Effective Quality: Priced at $579–$1,800+ per window, these deliver premium performance without the A-Series’ hefty price tag.
- Versatile Styles: From gliding to bay windows, I’ve found a style for nearly every project, making it a flexible choice.
- Low Maintenance: The Perma-Shield® vinyl exterior means I only need a yearly wash to keep them looking sharp.
- Proven Durability: I’ve seen 400 Series windows last decades with minimal wear, thanks to the vinyl cladding.
- Wide Availability: Shorter lead times (4–8 weeks) and broad contractor support make these easier to source.
Cons of the 400 Series
- Limited Customization: With fewer color and wood options, I’ve sometimes struggled to match specific design aesthetics.
- No Triple-Pane Option: While energy-efficient, they don’t reach the A-Series’ insulation levels, which I notice in extreme climates.
- Less Architectural Focus: These are great all-rounders but lack the A-Series’ precision for historic or custom builds.
- Vinyl Exterior: Some purists (like a client I worked with) prefer fiberglass or Fibrex for a more premium feel.
Head-to-Head Comparison of Andersen Windows A-Series And 400 Series
Let’s break down the key differences that matter when you’re standing in a showroom or planning your budget. I’ve wrestled with these choices myself, so I’ll share what I’ve learned to help you weigh your options.
- Materials and Construction
The A-Series uses Fibrex or fiberglass for its exterior, which I find more robust and modern compared to the 400 Series’ vinyl Perma-Shield®.
Fibrex’s recycled content gives it an eco-friendly edge, and its strength allows for slimmer frames, letting in more light.
The 400 Series’ vinyl is durable and low-maintenance, but I’ve noticed it can feel less premium in high-end homes.
Both series have wood interiors, but the A-Series offers more wood species and stain options, which I love for creating a custom look.
- Energy Efficiency
If you’re like me and cringe at high utility bills, energy efficiency is a big deal. The A-Series takes the lead with its triple-pane glass option, which I’ve found reduces heat transfer significantly in cold or hot climates.
The 400 Series, with its double-pane Low-E4 glass, is still excellent—my 400 Series windows cut my heating costs noticeably—but it doesn’t match the A-Series’ insulation in extreme conditions.
Both use argon gas and advanced coatings, but the A-Series feels like the overachiever here.
- Customization and Aesthetics
Customization is where the A-Series flexes its muscles. With 11 exterior colors, 7 interior colors, 6 wood species, and 12 hardware finishes, I can tailor these windows to any style, from colonial to contemporary.
The 400 Series, with 7 exterior colors and 3 interior options, is more limited. I once tried to match a 400 Series window to a historic home’s unique green trim, and the limited palette was a challenge.
If you want architectural precision, the A-Series is your pick; for standard homes, the 400 Series usually suffices.
- Price and Value
Price is often the deciding factor, and I’ve felt the sting of sticker shock with the A-Series. At $1,200–$2,500+ per window, they’re a significant investment, especially for large projects.
The 400 Series, ranging from $579–$1,800+, is more budget-friendly while still offering premium quality. For my own home, I chose the 400 Series because it gave me 80% of the A-Series’ benefits at half the cost.
But for a high-end renovation, I’d splurge on the A-Series to get that perfect look.
- Styles and Functionality
The 400 Series wins on versatility, offering gliding, bay, and bow windows that the A-Series lacks. I’ve used 400 Series gliding windows in tight spaces where casements wouldn’t work.
However, the A-Series’ custom sizing (down to 1/8-inch increments) is a lifesaver for odd-shaped openings in older homes. Both series offer tilt-wash features on double-hung windows, which I find incredibly practical for cleaning.
- Durability and Maintenance
Both series are built to last, but I give a slight edge to the A-Series for its Fibrex and fiberglass exteriors, which resist warping and fading better than vinyl in extreme conditions.
The 400 Series’ Perma-Shield® is no slouch, though—I’ve seen these windows withstand years of rain and sun with just a quick wash. Maintenance is minimal for both, but the A-Series feels like it’s built for the long haul in harsher climates.
My Personal Experience With Both
A few years ago, I helped a friend renovate a 1920s Tudor-style home.
We chose A-Series windows for their ability to replicate the original leaded glass and custom grille patterns.
The result was stunning—every detail matched the home’s historic charm, and the energy efficiency was a bonus.
But when I redid my own mid-century ranch, I went with the 400 Series.
They were easier on my wallet, and the black exterior with pine interior gave my home a modern yet warm feel. Both experiences taught me that the “best” series depends on your home’s needs and your budget.
When To Choose The A-Series?
I’d recommend the A-Series if you’re working on a high-end or historic home where architectural authenticity is non-negotiable.
If you want maximum energy efficiency (especially in extreme climates) or need custom sizes and finishes, the A-Series is worth the splurge. It’s also ideal if you’re aiming to boost your home’s value with premium materials like Fibrex.
When To Choose The 400 Series?
The 400 Series is my go-to for most homes. It’s perfect if you want reliable performance, a classic look, and a price that doesn’t make you wince. I’ve seen these work beautifully in new constructions, replacements, or remodels where versatility and affordability are key.
If you don’t need intricate customization, the 400 Series delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It depends on your needs. The A-Series is best for customization and energy efficiency, while the 400 Series offers great value and versatility.
Absolutely. They’re durable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective, making them a solid choice for most homes.
Yes, Andersen offers multiple series like 100, 200, 400, A-Series, and E-Series, each with varying materials, customization, and price points.
The 400 Series is generally better for wood interiors and more style options, while the 100 Series is a budget-friendly Fibrex option with less customization.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between Andersen’s A-Series and 400 Series comes down to what you value most. If you’re like me and love tailoring every detail to perfection, the A-Series will make your heart sing with its customization and energy efficiency.
But if you want a window that performs beautifully, looks great, and keeps your budget in check, the 400 Series is hard to beat. I’ve used both in projects, and they’ve never let me down.
Take a moment to think about your home’s style, your climate, and your wallet—then you’ll know which series is your perfect match.