When it comes to replacement windows, Harvey and Andersen are two of the biggest names in the industry. Both companies have been manufacturing windows for over 100 years and are known for making high-quality, durable products.
But which brand is right for your home?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Harvey and Andersen windows side-by-side so you can weigh the pros and cons of each. We’ll look at factors like materials, energy efficiency, warranties, styles, and cost.
Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading the windows in your existing home, this guide will help you decide between Harvey and Andersen.
Now, let’s dive into the details!
A Brief Comparison Table
| Factor | Harvey | Andersen |
| Materials | Vinyl, wood, aluminum, composite | Wood, fiberglass, vinyl, aluminum, composite |
| Energy Efficiency | Quad-pane glass, low U-factors and SHGC | High-Performance Low-E4 glass, low U-factors and SHGC |
| Warranties | Lifetime limited, 20-year glass breakage | 20-year limited, 10-year glass breakage |
| Styles | Double hungs, casements, gliders, picture windows | Custom shapes, double hungs, casements, bays, bows |
| Made In | USA | USA |
| Years in Business | Over 100 | Over 100 |
| Popular Options | Triple-pane glass, noise reduction, built-in blinds | SmartSun glass, triple-pane, blinds-between-the-glass |
Materials Comparison of Harvey And Andersen Windows
The materials used to construct the window frame and sashes impact appearance, durability, energy efficiency, and cost.
Wood
Both companies offer wood windows made from pine, oak, and maple.
The wood is harvested from managed forests and kiln-dried.
Wood windows have a classic aesthetic and can be painted, stained, or protected with a clear coat.
Andersen has more wood window options while Harvey’s selection is more limited.
Pros
- Beautiful, natural appearance
- Can be painted or stained
- Excellent durability
Cons
- More expensive
- Requires regular maintenance
Vinyl
Harvey is best known for their vinyl replacement windows. In fact, vinyl makes up over 80% of their sales. Their vinyl is thick, dual-pane, and provides insulation. Andersen has a smaller selection of vinyl options in white or beige colors.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Low maintenance
- Energy efficient
- Resists rot, swelling, and warping
Cons
- Can discolor over time
- Not as strong or durable as wood
Aluminum
Both brands offer aluminum-clad wood windows. The aluminum protects the exterior while wood frames the interior. Andersen’s clad windows feature a fiberglass liner for added durability.
Pros
- Very strong and durable
- Resists dents and scratches
- Sleek, contemporary look
Cons
- Conducts cold in winter
- Can transfer outdoor noise
Composite
Harvey and Andersen both manufacture composite windows made from a blend of materials.
Harvey uses vinyl mixed with wood fiber, resulting in the durability of wood with the low-maintenance benefits of vinyl. Andersen’s Fibrex composite is a mix of wood fiber and thermoplastics.
Pros
- Blend the best properties of mixed materials
- Very durable and long-lasting
Cons
- More expensive than vinyl
Fiberglass
Andersen has an extensive line of fiberglass windows. Their fiberglass is 8x stronger than vinyl. It won’t chip, peel, crack or warp. Harvey only offers fiberglass as cladding, not for full frame construction.
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Low maintenance
- Resists moisture, rot, and pests
Cons
- Can be more expensive than vinyl or wood
Energy Efficiency Comparison
Energy efficient windows keep your home comfortable and reduce energy bills. Harvey and Andersen both offer excellent energy conservation options.
Key factors that impact window energy efficiency:
- Glazing – The number of panes, coatings, and gases used in the glass unit.
- Frame – Materials like wood, vinyl, and fiberglass act as insulators.
- Weatherstripping – Prevents air leaks around the sashes.
- Spacers – Plastic or foam spacers slow heat transfer between glass panes.
- U-factor – Rate of heat loss through the window’s frame, glass, and spacer. Lower is better.
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient – How well the window blocks heat from sunlight. Lower SHGC is better in hot climates.
Harvey windows shine when it comes to energy efficiency. Their quad-pane glass with krypton gas fill insulates better than double or triple pane options. They also use warmer edge spacers and insulated frames.
Andersen offers excellent efficiency too. Their High-Performance Low-E4® smart glass provides industry-leading insulation. It has invisible coatings that reflect heat back into your home.
Both brands offer low U-factors and SHGC options. Harvey and Andersen make it easy to find the perfect glass package and frames tailored to your climate.
| Feature | Harvey | Andersen |
| Glazing | Quad-pane units standard | High-Performance Low-E4® glass available |
| Frame | Vinyl, wood, composite, fiberglass | Vinyl, wood, composite, fiberglass |
| Weatherstripping | Fin seal weatherstripping | Dual perimeter weatherstripping |
| Spacers | Warmer edge spacers | Foam spacers standard |
| U-factor | As low as 0.16 | As low as 0.22 |
| SHGC | As low as 0.20 | As low as 0.22 |
Also Read: Comparison of Pella And Thompson Creek Windows.
Warranties Comparison of Andersen And Harvey Windows
It’s reassuring to buy windows from brands that stand behind their products with strong warranties.
Harvey offers some of the best warranties in the industry:
- Lifetime Limited Warranty – Covers vinyl and aluminum components. Includes free replacement parts and free repair labor.
- 20-year Glass Breakage Warranty – Covers sealed glass units.
- 10-year Screen, Hardware & Balance Warranty – Covers any defects in screens, hardware, and balance systems.
Andersen also provides excellent warranty coverage:
- 20-year Limited Warranty – Covers glass seal failure, manufacturing defects, and exterior color finish.
- 10-year Glass Breakage Warranty – For glass breakage from defects.
- 10-year Limited Warranty on Exterior Color Finish – For fading, chalking, cracking, peeling, and loss of adhesion.
While both warranties are strong, Harvey provides more coverage for vinyl parts and labor. For serious buyers, Harvey’s lifetime limited warranty is hard to beat.
Comparison of Window Styles
When choosing replacement windows, you’ll want to match the style of your existing windows or complement your home’s architecture.
Here are some of the most popular styles offered by Harvey and Andersen:
- Double Hung – Harvey’s double hungs feature solid vinyl sashes that lift up and down for ventilation. Andersen’s tilt-in double hungs allow you to tilt the sashes inward to clean both sides of the glass.
- Casements – Casements are hinged windows that swing open to the side. Harvey’s folding crank handles nest neatly into the frame. Andersen’s casements have a wash mode for easy cleaning.
- Awnings – Awnings are casement-style windows hinged at the top. Great for letting air in above eye level while keeping out the rain.
- Gliders – Gliders have two sashes that slide horizontally past each other to open. Harvey’s triple-pane gliders provide excellent insulation.
- Picture and Fixed – Picture windows are stationary panes that don’t open. Andersen has more custom shapes like circles and arches. Harvey’s slim frame gives a modern, unobstructed view.
- Bays and Bows – Bay and bow windows have angled panes that project outward from the home. They give a room more space and character. Andersen has more bay and bow options.
- Sliders – Slider windows have two or more sashes that roll horizontally on tracks. Great for patios, decks, and balconies.
Harvey and Andersen both offer these popular styles along with more obscure designs like garden windows. You’re sure to find replacement windows that match your existing setup or design vision.
Cost Comparison
Window prices can vary drastically based on the brand, materials, size, and options. Andersen wood windows are quite expensive, often costing 2-3x more than vinyl or fiberglass. Their specialty shapes also add cost.
Harvey windows are generally more budget-friendly for the quality you receive. Their vinyl prices are very competitive, and their composite falls nicely in the mid-range.
Always get an exact quote tailored to your project. But in general, Harvey offers more competitive pricing while still delivering fantastic products.
Also Read: Comparison of Pella And Universal Windows Direct Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Still debating between Harvey and Andersen? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Yes, Harvey is an excellent window brand that makes very high-quality replacement windows. Their windows feature beefy vinyl construction, fusion-welded corners, multi-chamber frame design, and foam-filled sashes. Plus, their quad-pane glass units are some of the most energy efficient you can buy. Harvey windows will absolutely keep your home comfortable while reducing energy costs.
Andersen makes fantastic wood windows, but they are very expensive. If you want windows that rival Andersen’s quality and performance at a more affordable price, Harvey windows are an excellent alternative. Harvey offers comparable energy efficiency, noise reduction, durability, warranties, and style options as Andersen. Other brands like Pella, Marvin, and Milgard also make windows comparable to Andersen.
With proper care and maintenance, Harvey windows can easily last 25-30 years or longer. Their vinyl, composite and aluminum-clad windows are highly resistant to warping, rotting, cracking, and seal failures. Harvey windows are built to last decades with minimal upkeep required. Their warranties guaranteeing against defects speak to the long lifespan of their windows.
It’s hard to single out one brand as the absolute “best.” Andersen, Harvey, Pella, and Marvin are all highly reputable window manufacturers. The right windows for you depend on your budget, climate, and project requirements. Andersen makes exceptional wood windows. Harvey offers outstanding vinyl windows at accessible prices. Pella has unique integrated shades and blinds. Marvin blends modern style with superior craftsmanship. Any of these top brands are likely to give you the best quality and performance.
Wrapping Up
Hopefully this detailed Harvey and Andersen comparison has helped narrow down the right brand of windows for your home.
Both companies make exceptional replacement windows that will serve you for decades. Andersen windows excel in wood construction, custom shapes, and innovative glass coatings.
Harvey windows shine for their vinyl performance, energy efficiency, competitive pricing, and outstanding warranties.
Think about your budget, efficiency needs, climate, and style preferences. When you weigh all the factors, you can confidently choose between Harvey and Andersen.
With either of these top window brands, you’ll gain big upgrades in aesthetics, comfort, and energy savings.
