When it comes to replacement windows, Marvin Infinity and Renewal by Andersen are two of the biggest names in the business. Both companies offer high-quality windows with excellent energy efficiency, durability, and aesthetics.
But which one is right for your home?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Marvin Infinity vs Renewal by Andersen windows to help you make an informed decision. We’ll look at the key factors to consider like cost, efficiency, warranties, styles, customization options and more.
By the end, you’ll have all the details to determine which brand is better for your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Comparison | Marvin Infinity (Elevate) | Renewal by Andersen |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Efficiency | Excellent, meets/exceeds ENERGY STAR | Excellent, meets/exceeds ENERGY STAR |
| Warranty | 20 years on glass, 10 years on materials/workmanship, 10 years on finish | 20 years on glass, 10 years on materials, limited lifetime on installation |
| Styles | More styles and customization options | Good style selection but less customization |
| Installation | DIY or hire local contractor | Done by Andersen’s installers |
| Frame Material | Ultrex fiberglass | Fibrex composite |
| Brand Reputation | Very good | Excellent |
| Overall Value | Better for most buyers | Excellent but overpriced for some |
Marvin Infinity Windows Overview
Marvin Windows and Doors has been manufacturing windows since 1912. Infinity is their premium line of replacement windows, made from ultrex fiberglass composite for low maintenance and durability.
Key features of Marvin Infinity windows include:
- Ultrex fiberglass frame and sash for strength and thermal performance
- Optional stainless steel hardware for maximum durability
- Insulated glass units with IntelliCoat spacer technology
- Meets ENERGY STAR® requirements in all 50 states
- Numerous style options like double hung, casement, awning, gliders
- Extensive customization of sizes, finishes, glass, hardware
- Made in the USA
Marvin offers some of the best-performing windows in terms of air infiltration, water resistance, structural integrity, and ability to withstand extreme weather. Their precision-welded corners and integrated sash-to-frame seal create an airtight barrier.
Infinity windows come with a 20-year warranty on glass, a 10-year warranty on manufacturing materials and workmanship, and a 10-year warranty on the Ultrex finish.
Renewal by Andersen Windows Overview
Renewal by Andersen is the exclusive Andersen replacement window division, focused solely on window replacements.
Key features of Renewal by Andersen windows:
- Fibrex composite material for low-maintenance, strength, and insulation
- High-performance insulated glass with triple pane options
- Meets ENERGY STAR® requirements in all climate zones
- Many style choices like double hung, casement, awning
- Limited customization of sizes and finishes
- Most windows made-to-order and professionally installed
- Warranty includes 20 years on glass, 10 years on non-glass parts
Renewal by Andersen windows are also designed for superior thermal performance and tight construction. The Fibrex frame absorbs less heat and cold than traditional materials. Their dual-pane or triple-pane glass helps regulate indoor temperatures.
The company handles the entire installation process using their own factory-trained professionals. This allows them to offer a limited lifetime warranty on installation to go along with the product warranty.
Cost Comparison
Both Marvin Infinity and Renewal by Andersen windows are premium products, so they are more expensive than builder-grade windows from home improvement stores. Exact pricing can vary quite a bit based on your specific window sizes, styles, and options.
However, on average, Marvin Infinity windows tend to cost less than comparable windows from Renewal by Andersen. There are a few reasons for this:
- Material costs – Fibrex composite from Andersen is proprietary and more expensive than Ultrex fiberglass from Marvin.
- Manufacturing – Marvin’s larger manufacturing scale helps them produce windows more efficiently.
- DIY installation – Marvin windows are designed for do-it-yourself or contractor installation, avoiding Andersen’s professional installation fees.
- Customization – Marvin’s wider range of product lines, styles, and customization options provides more budget-friendly choices.
Of course, pricing should not be the only deciding factor. The quality, warranty, efficiency, and overall value of the windows matter too. But all things being equal, Marvin Infinity windows tend to cost less than Renewal by Andersen for comparable window models.
Efficiency Comparison
Energy efficiency is a crucial consideration for any replacement window. Efficient windows keep your home comfortable while saving money on heating and cooling.
Both Marvin Infinity and Renewal by Andersen offer excellent thermal performance. All of their windows meet or exceed ENERGY STAR requirements. This means they adhere to strict standards for insulating U-factors and solar heat gain coefficients (SHGC).
Marvin Infinity windows with triple-pane glass can achieve U-factors as low as 0.16, far below the 0.27 to 0.32 range required by Energy Star. Their SHGC ratings are also among the best-in-class. So Infinity windows are exceptional at reducing heat loss in winter and blocking solar gain in summer.
Similarly, Renewal by Andersen windows with triple-pane glass have U-factors around 0.18 to 0.22 and excellent SHGC ratings. Multiple pane options, warm edge spacers, insulated frames, and tight construction result in first-rate efficiency.
Overall, the window technologies from Marvin and Andersen are comparable, so you can expect about the same energy savings from Infinity and Renewal products. Both represent a major efficiency boost over old single-pane windows.
Your climate zone and specific glass package will determine which provides marginally better thermal performance.
Warranty Comparison
The warranty coverage is another significant difference between these premium window brands. Both offer strong assurances, but Marvin Infinity windows come with longer warranties overall.
Here’s how the warranties stack up:
Marvin Infinity
- 20 years on insulated glass
- 10 years on materials and workmanship
- 10 years on Ultrex finish
Renewal by Andersen
- 20 years on insulated glass
- 10 years on non-glass parts
- Limited lifetime warranty on installation
While Andersen offers that unique lifetime installation warranty, Marvin provides an extra 10 years of coverage on the frame and finish. The Ultrex fiberglass finish is highly durable and unlikely to have issues, but it’s reassuring to have that long-term protection.
The glass coverage is identical at 20 years for both brands. All other components have the same 10 years of warranty protection from each manufacturer.
Overall, Marvin Infinity offers longer assurances on the window materials themselves, while Andersen focuses its warranty on the installation experience.
Styles and Customization Comparison
Style preferences often play a major role in choosing replacement windows. Renewal by Andersen and Marvin Infinity each offer a wide selection of operating styles.
Marvin has an edge in terms of customization though. Their Infinity line is available in far more configurations of sizes, finishes, hardware, and glass.
Here is an overview of style and customization options from each brand:
Marvin Infinity
- Double hung
- Casement
- Awning
- Glider
- Picture windows
- Specialty shapes
- Custom sizes in 1/8″ increments
- 7 exterior finish colors
- 11 interior wood finishes
- Hardware and screen options
- Triple pane and specialty glass
Renewal by Andersen
- Double hung
- Casement
- Awning
- Glider
- Picture windows
- Bay and bow windows
- Limited custom sizing
- 6 exterior finish colors
- 2 interior finish options
- Limited hardware options
- Triple pane glass
As you can see, Marvin Infinity offers far more ways to customize your windows. Their wider product range, incremental sizing, and interior wood finishes provide more choices to match your home’s style.
Of course, Andersen still gives you popular styles and quality components. But Marvin delivers more possibilities to create a truly custom window design.
Installation Process Comparison
Here is a quick rundown of what the installation process looks like from each brand:
Marvin Infinity
- Consultation with Marvin dealer
- Window specifications finalized
- Windows ordered and manufactured
- Installation scheduled with local contractor
- Windows delivered and contractor handles installation
- Installer cleans up and hauls away old windows
Renewal by Andersen
- In-home consultation with Andersen representative
- Windows ordered and manufactured
- Installation scheduled with Andersen’s in-house team
- Renewal by Andersen installation crew handles entire process
- Old windows removed and new windows installed
- Company cleans up work area after install
The main difference is that Marvin leverages local contractors for installation, while Andersen uses their own factory-certified installation crews.
Many homeowners appreciate having the full process handled by Andersen technicians. But you may also get satisfactory results with an experienced local contractor at a lower cost.
Pros and Cons Comparison
To summarize the key positives and downsides of Marvin Infinity vs Renewal by Andersen:
Marvin Infinity Windows
Pros
- Lower cost for comparable window
- More energy efficient glass options
- Longer warranties on frame and finish
- Greater customization of styles and sizes
- DIY or contractor installation
Cons
- Less brand recognition than Andersen
- More responsibility on homeowner to manage install
Renewal by Andersen Windows
Pros
- Excellent brand recognition and reputation
- Professional installation with limited lifetime warranty
- Fibrex material resists heat transfer
Cons
- More expensive than comparable Marvin window
- Less frame warranty coverage
- Limited customization and style options
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
In many ways, Marvin Infinity windows are better than comparably priced Andersen windows. Marvin offers more energy efficient glass, wider style selection, greater customization, and longer warranties for less money. But Andersen remains an outstanding premium window with perks like professional installation.
Marvin has rebranded the Infinity line as the Marvin Elevate collection. Elevate windows have the same construction as Infinity, featuring Ultrex fiberglass, precision-welding, and high-end components. The Elevate name helps differentiate them as Marvin’s top-tier wood replacement window.
Marvin Elevate windows are considered as good or better than Andersen’s Renewal line. Other brands like Pella, Milgard, Simonton, and Jeld-Wen also offer comparable quality and performance to Andersen at lower prices. As a premium brand, Andersen commands a price premium that not all homeowners find necessary.
Many customers do feel that Renewal by Andersen windows are overpriced compared to other brands. Part of this cost premium goes toward their professional installation. But you can likely find equal quality windows from Marvin, Pella, or Milgard for 10-15% less cost while still getting professional installation. However, Andersen’s excellent reputation and warranty may justify the added cost for some homeowners.
Final Thoughts
When weighing all the factors and features between these two window giants, there are good arguments for either brand depending on your priorities.
If customization and getting the most window for your money is critical, Marvin Infinity represents the better overall value. Their exceptional energy performance, extensive style options, and cheaper cost make them hard to beat.
On the other hand, if you want a simple experience backed by Andersen’s excellent reputation and warranty, Renewal by Andersen is a fantastic choice. You pay more but get white-glove installation and great efficiency.
Ultimately, Marvin Infinity windows tend to be the better option for most homeowners needing replacement windows. But there are certainly situations where Andersen’s expertise and reliability justify the higher investment.
Carefully consider how each brand aligns with your goals to make the right window choice for your home.
