NewSouth Windows Vs. Andersen Windows For Your Home

If you’re in the market for new windows, two big names you’ll likely come across are NewSouth and Andersen. Both companies have been around for decades and are known for making high-quality windows.

But which one is better for your home and budget?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare NewSouth and Andersen windows to help you decide which is the right choice for your replacement or new construction windows. We’ll look at factors like durability, energy efficiency, cost, warranties, styles and more.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	NewSouth Windows	Andersen Windows
Pricing	Mid-range, affordable	Premium, expensive
Main Product Line	Vinyl replacement windows	Series 100 & 400 (vinyl and wood)
Energy Efficiency	Very good, meets ENERGY STAR® standards	Excellent, especially Series 400
Warranties	Lifetime limited on vinyl and parts	10-20 years on components
Installation	DIY-friendly	Recommended professional installation
Service Area	Southeast states only	Available nationwide
Styles Offered	All essential styles	More specialty and custom options
Manufacturing Location	Tampa, Florida	Multiple U.S. manufacturing plants

NewSouth Windows Overview

NewSouth Windows opened its doors in 1949 under the name Earl M. Palmer Company.

They specialized in aluminum windows before transitioning to manufacturing vinyl windows in 1986.

Today, NewSouth offers a full line of vinyl windows including single hung, double hung, slider, picture and architectural shapes.

Their windows come in white or beige vinyl with optional woodgrain laminate interior finishes.

Some key facts about NewSouth Windows:

• Based in Tampa, Florida and have a manufacturing facility located there. Windows are made in the USA.
• Offers midlevel pricing, competitive with other brands like Pella and Milgard.
• Known for having a good balance of quality, energy efficiency and value.
• Focuses heavily on the replacement window market.
• Provides lifetime warranties on vinyl and moving parts, 10 years on glass, and 5 years on screens.

Andersen Windows Overview

Andersen Windows originated in Andersen, South Carolina in 1947.

They were one of the pioneers in vinyl window manufacturing.

Today, Andersen has two product lines: their Series 100 windows focused on affordability and Series 400 for maximum performance and customization.

Some quick facts about Andersen Windows:

• Available nationwide through a network of dealers/distributors.
• Tend to be on the higher end for pricing. Their Series 400 line is premium-priced.
• Known for having excellent energy efficiency and innovative features.
• Caters more towards upscale custom homes and historic renovations.
• Offers a 20 year warranty on glass, 10 years on non-glass parts, and 10 years on exterior paint finish.

Key Differences Between NewSouth And Andersen Windows

Now that we’ve introduced both brands, let’s take a detailed look at how they compare on key window performance factors.

Durability and Longevity

When comparing the durability of NewSouth vs Andersen windows, both brands are very comparable.

They both use premium, heavy-duty vinyl frames and sashes that resist shrinking, swelling, cracking, peeling and corrosion. Vinyl requires very little maintenance compared to wood windows.

For glass, NewSouth offers double-pane insulated glass units filled with argon gas. Andersen uses a similar double and triple-pane glass construction. They both use warm edge spacers between panes to prevent condensation.

Hardware-wise, NewSouth windows have a concealed balance system that allows sashes to slide up and down smoothly. Andersen offers the same high-performance hardware.

One difference is Andersen has their proprietary Fibrex material on higher end models. Fibrex combines wood fibers and vinyl to increase strength.

When it comes to durability, NewSouth and Andersen are on fairly equal ground. Both make windows that will last at least 20-30 years with proper care.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is an important factor to consider for new windows. Reduced air leakage means lower energy bills and a more comfortable home.

Both NewSouth and Andersen offer excellent energy efficiency, but Andersen does come out slightly ahead.

Here are some key comparisons:

• Glass – NewSouth has double pane insulated glass as a standard with optional triple pane upgrades. Andersen also has double pane standard but most of their Series 400 windows come with triple pane glass. The added third pane further reduces heat/cool loss.
• Gas Fills – Both companies offer argon or krypton gas filled glass units which improves insulation. Andersen has the added option of using xenon gas in some premium Series 400 models.
• Frames – NewSouth framing includes weatherstripping and dual compression bulb seals to reduce air infiltration. Andersen also has weatherstripping but uses a triple weatherstrip system on many Series 400 models.
• U-factor – This measures heat transference. NewSouth’s U-factor ratings range from 0.27 to 0.31. Andersen Series 400 products have U-factors between 0.23 and 0.28, so slightly better at preventing heat transfer.
• SHGC – This measures solar heat gain. Again, NewSouth’s ratings are good at 0.28 to 0.32. But Andersen Series 400 is a bit lower at 0.23 to 0.30 range meaning better at blocking sunlight heat.

So while both brands offer high performance options, Andersen edges out NewSouth a bit particularly on their Series 400 products. This makes Andersen windows better suited for very cold climates.

Cost Differences

When it comes to cost and overall value, NewSouth Windows tends to offer better bang for your buck over Andersen.

Here are some factors that impact the pricing:

• Base pricing – NewSouth has lower base pricing for their standard window models, making them a midlevel brand. Andersen is premium-priced across the board.
• Series options – With NewSouth your only option is vinyl. Andersen’s 400 Series adds a lot of customization and high end features that increase cost.
• Installation – Andersen recommends professional installation which adds labor costs. NewSouth has a DIY-friendly installation process that saves on labor.
• Product line – NewSouth focuses on vinyl replacements for existing homes. Andersen also accommodates brand new luxury custom builds which increases cost.
• Warranties – The lifetime warranties on vinyl and parts from NewSouth are better than Andersen’s 20 year coverage.

For the same quality vinyl window, you can expect to pay 10% to 15% less with NewSouth over comparable Andersen models. And you get longer warranties.

However, if budget isn’t a concern and you want fully customized or premium energy efficient windows, Andersen Series 400 models can provide that.

Window Styles and Options

When choosing replacement windows, you likely want your new windows to match your existing style.

Here’s how NewSouth and Andersen compare in offerings:

• Single/double hung windows – The most common style. Both companies have these traditional vertically opening sash options.
• Sliding windows – Another popular style, these have horizontally sliding sashes. Offered by both brands.
• Casement windows – Side hinged windows that open outward. NewSouth and Andersen have casement options.
• Awning – Top hinged windows that open outward. Available from both companies.
• Glider – Combination of fixed and operable sashes in one frame. Offered by both.
• Specialty shapes – Things like trapezoids, triangles, arches, etc. Andersen has a much wider selection of custom shape windows than NewSouth.
• Mulling – Joining separate units together. Both brands allow mulling so you can combine windows into larger configurations.

As you can see, both NewSouth and Andersen provide all the typical window styles. Andersen does pull ahead with more customization and specialty shape offerings due to catering more to custom homes.

Service Area and Availability

One of the biggest differences between NewSouth and Andersen is their sales and distribution area. This can impact your purchasing options.

NewSouth windows are sold directly through their website or via local distributors.

They serve customers in the Southeast U.S. – Georgia, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee.

So you’ll have limited availability outside this region.

Andersen windows are sold nationwide through a network of authorized dealers.

This gives Andersen much wider geographical availability vs NewSouth’s regional sales territory.

Both companies do offer professional installation. For NewSouth, you’ll likely use local independent installers. Andersen partners with factory-trained installers wherever they have dealers.

So Andersen will be the better option if you don’t live in the Southeast states. But within that area, NewSouth will have more inventory availability and likely faster installation timelines.

Warranties

The warranty coverage is another area where NewSouth Windows surpass Andersen in terms of coverage length.

NewSouth’s warranties include:

• Lifetime limited warranty on vinyl parts and screens.
• Lifetime limited warranty on moving parts including balances and hardware.
• 10 years on glass and glass defects.
• 5 years on labor should anything need repair.

Andersen‘s warranties include:

• 20 years on glass parts and units.
• 10 years for material and workmanship on window parts and components.
• 10 years on exterior paint finish.

As you can see, NewSouth provides longer assurances against vinyl and component defects. Andersen does have slightly better glass coverage at 20 years but otherwise their warranties are shorter.

This gives NewSouth an edge when it comes to peace of mind on your window investment.

Customer Reviews

If we check credible customer review sites, both NewSouth and Andersen rate very well overall:

• NewSouth – 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 500+ reviews on Google. Customers praise easy installation, quality and good value. Some complaints about getting accurate delivery dates from local distributors.
• Andersen – 4.4 out of 5 stars across 1,200+ reviews on Google and other sites.Reviewers mention excellent quality, energy savings and noise reduction. Complaints about high prices from dealers and occasional damage during delivery.

So both companies get high marks and positive feedback from actual homeowners. This shows they make a quality product that satisfies customers.

NewSouth And Andersen Windows: Which Is Better?

Based on our detailed comparison, here’s a quick summary of which brand comes out ahead:

• Durability – Roughly equal, both make solid vinyl windows.
• Energy efficiency – Andersen is slightly better.
• Cost – NewSouth offers more affordable pricing.
• Styles – Andersen has more specialty and custom options.
• Availability – Andersen is sold nationwide while NewSouth is regional.
• Warranties – NewSouth provides longer limited warranties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts

For Southeast homeowners wanting quality, affordable vinyl replacement windows, NewSouth is an excellent choice providing better value. Their distribution is limited however.

For the highest performing windows and the most customization – or if you don’t live in the Southeast – Andersen windows are worth the investment. You’ll pay more but get better energy savings potential. Their nationwide network of dealers makes them more accessible.

Ultimately it comes down to your budget, where you live and the specifics of your window needs. For typical vinyl replacement windows, NewSouth is hard to beat on price and warranties. But if cost is no concern, Andersen offers top tier windows and nationwide availability.

Hopefully this detailed side-by-side assessment helps you pick the right brand for your next window project!