When it comes to replacement windows, Feldco and Andersen are two of the biggest names in the business. Both companies have been around for decades and sell vinyl, wood, fiberglass and composite windows.
But how do you decide which brand is right for your home and budget?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Feldco and Andersen windows to help you make an informed decision. We’ll look at the key features of each brand, pros and cons, prices and more.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Comparison | Feldco | Andersen |
| Frame Materials | Vinyl, wood, fiberglass | Fibrex, vinyl, wood |
| Warranty | Lifetime (vinyl, wood), 20 years (fiberglass) | Limited lifetime |
| Energy Efficiency | Good, optional upgrades | Excellent, advanced glass |
| Cost | Budget to mid-range | Mid-range to premium |
| Installation | Included | Not included |
| Styles | More operating styles | More shape options |
Key Takeaways:
- Feldco offers an excellent mix of value, quality, and selection at relatively affordable prices.
- Andersen windows are premium products featuring cutting-edge materials like Fibrex composite and advanced glass packages. But they come at high price points.
- Both brands offer outstanding energy efficiency that will drastically reduce heat loss compared to old windows.
- Vinyl windows tend to be the most budget-friendly options, while composites like Fibrex provide maximum strength and insulation.
- Include the cost of professional installation when comparing, as Feldco includes it but Andersen does not.
- For most homes, Feldco likely makes more financial sense, providing great windows without overspending.
- Ultimately, think carefully about your needs, budget and priorities before deciding between the two brands. Both make excellent products that will serve your home well.
Feldco Windows Overview
Feldco is a family-owned home improvement company that has been selling windows since 1976. They offer a wide selection of replacement windows including double hung, sliding, picture, bay, bow, garden and specialty windows.
Key Features:
- Materials: Vinyl, wood, fiberglass
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty on vinyl and wood windows, 20 years on fiberglass
- Energy efficiency: Insulated glass standard, Low-E coatings and argon gas optional
- Hardware: Standard fold-down handles, optional decorative hardware available
- Install: Professional install included
Feldco vinyl windows feature a multi-chambered frame design and fusion-welded corners for strength.
Their fiberglass windows contain an internal structural component called Fibrex which combines wood fibers and thermoplastic polymers.
Some of the pros of Feldco windows are:
- Good mix of affordability and quality
- Large selection of window types and custom options
- Standard professional installation
- Locally available in the Midwest
Potential cons to consider:
- Mostly serves local markets, limited nationwide
- Not as many cutting-edge technological features as some brands
Overall, Feldco is a solid mid-range option combining value, selection and quality.
Andersen Windows Overview
Founded in 1903, Andersen is one of the oldest and most recognizable window brands in America. They offer a wide variety of vinyl, wood, fiberglass and composite windows.
Key Features:
- Materials: Fibrex composite, vinyl, wood
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
- Energy efficiency: High-performance Low-E4 glass, argon gas standard
- Hardware: Durable, low-maintenance hardware options
- Install: Professional installation not included
Andersen is best known for its Fibrex material which consists of wood fibers and a thermoplastic polymer. This composite material offers the strength and insulation of wood with the durability and low-maintenance of vinyl.
Here are some of the pros of Andersen windows:
- Excellent energy efficiency with advanced glass packages
- High-quality materials and construction
- Industry-leading innovation and technology
- Sophisticated style options and customization
Some potential downsides to consider:
- Premium windows come at a premium price
- Professional installation not included
- Limited local availability, not sold through home centers
Andersen windows are on the high-end of the market in terms of technology, aesthetics and pricing. They are best for homeowners who prioritize performance and contemporary styling.
Comparing Window Frame Materials
When evaluating Feldco vs Andersen, one of the biggest differences is the frame materials each use. Let’s take a closer look at how vinyl, wood, fiberglass and composites like Fibrex compare:
Vinyl
- Pros: Affordable, energy-efficient, durable, low maintenance
- Cons: Can warp or discolor over time, not as strong or insulating as other materials
Wood
- Pros: Natural insulation, attractive traditional look
- Cons: Expensive, high-maintenance, susceptible to rotting and insects
Fiberglass
- Pros: Strong, durable, energy efficient, low maintenance
- Cons: Moderate cost increase over vinyl
Fibrex (Fiberglass + Wood/Resin Composite)
- Pros: Strength and insulation of wood, durability of vinyl
- Cons: Only used by Andersen so limited competition/pricing
Overall, composites like Fibrex and fiberglass provide the best mix of strength, insulation, durability and low-maintenance. Vinyl is more affordable but comes with some performance tradeoffs.
So if your priority is the best build quality, Fibrex would be the premium choice. But vinyl and fiberglass from either brand are still excellent options that balance cost and performance.
Window Energy Efficiency Comparison
Energy efficiency is another important factor when selecting replacement windows.
Both Feldco and Andersen offer windows with:
- Insulated glass with air space between panes
- Low-E coatings that reflect heat
- Argon gas between panes for better insulation
But Andersen takes it a step further with their High-Performance Low-E4® glass coating, which allows in more free solar heat in the winter while blocking heat in the summer.
So if maximizing energy savings is your top concern, Andersen wins out with more standard features and optional upgrades to boost efficiency.
But either brand still provides a dramatic improvement over old single-pane windows.
Cost and Budget Comparison
There’s no getting around the fact that Andersen windows come at a premium price. Their Fibrex composite windows cost 2-3x times more than comparable vinyl or fiberglass windows from Feldco.
Here are some approximate window costs for basic double-hung models:
- Feldco Vinyl: $250 – $700
- Feldco Fibrex: $800 – $1,500
- Andersen Vinyl: $500 – $1,200
- Andersen Fibrex: $1,500 – $3,000+
So Feldco will generally give you more value overall, with vinyl models offering the most budget-friendly options. Andersen Fibrex is the top-tier choice but comes with a luxury price tag.
However, don’t just shop on price alone. Make sure to factor in the cost of professional installation too. Feldco windows come with installation while Andersen’s do not. This can add $200 or more per window with Andersen.
Window Styles and Customization
Both brands offer an impressive selection of window types and customization options:
Feldco
- Double hung, sliding, bay, bow, specialty, garden windows
- Custom sizes, interior/exterior colors, hardware
- Glass designs, privacy options, divided light grids
Andersen
- Double hung, casement, awning, specialty windows
- Arch, circle top and custom geometric shapes
- Interior wood species, exterior colors, divided lights
- Built-in blinds, decorative glass, hardware upgrades
Andersen offers more exterior shape customizations while Feldco has better selection of operating styles. Both allow you to tailor your windows to match your home’s aesthetics.
Warranties Compared
The warranty coverage is comparable between both brands.
Feldco offers:
- Lifetime warranty on vinyl and wood window materials
- 20-year warranty on fiberglass components
- 10-year glass coverage
Andersen warranties:
- Limited lifetime warranty on Fibrex and vinyl materials
- 20-year coverage on glass seal failure
- 10 years on workmanship and hardware
So both provide reassuring lifetime limited warranties on frame materials and at least 10 years on glass.
Feldco has a longer 20-year fiberglass warranty but otherwise the coverage is similar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Still have some questions? Here are answers to some of the most common questions about Feldco and Andersen windows:
Yes, Feldco windows are very good quality and a great value overall. Their vinyl, wood and fiberglass windows feature robust construction with multi-chambered frames, fusion-welded corners and durable weatherstripping. They provide excellent insulation, durability and weather-resistance.
Some brands that offer comparable quality and features to Andersen include Pella, Marvin, Milgard and Jeld-Wen. But no one brand uses the exact Fibrex composite Andersen developed. For Andersen’s tier of premium windows, Feldco is the more affordable yet still highly competent alternative.
According to most experts and consumer reviews, some of today’s top window replacement brands are Andersen, Pella, Marvin, Milgard, Jeld-Wen, Kohler, Simonton, and Feldco. Shoppers should consider the product quality, features, cost, warranties and reputation of both the manufacturing brand and installer.
The main downside of Andersen’s Fibrex composite is the premium price, often costing 2-3 times more than comparable vinyl or fiberglass windows. However, Fibrex requires very little maintenance, provides excellent insulation, and has outstanding durability – so many homeowners feel the investment is worthwhile.
Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve compared the key factors, here are some final recommendations on which brand may be better for your home and budget:
Choose Feldco windows if you want:
- An affordable mix of value and quality
- Wide selection of styles and customizations
- Included professional installation
Choose Andersen windows if you want:
- Top-of-the-line materials and energy efficiency
- Sophisticated contemporary style
- Don’t mind paying a premium price
Choose either brand if you want:
- Dramatically improved energy savings
- A lighter, brighter home with more glass
- Low-maintenance exteriors that stand the test of time
Ultimately, Feldco and Andersen both make excellent replacement windows that will serve your home for decades to come. Think about which features and priorities matter most for you and choose the brand that best fits your needs and budget.