If you’re in the market for new windows, two big names you’ll likely encounter are Pella 250 and Andersen 100 series. Both Pella and Andersen are leading window manufacturers that offer premium products.
But how do their popular Pella 250 and Andersen 100 windows compare?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the key differences between Pella 250 and Andersen 100 windows to help you decide which is best for your home improvement project.
We’ll compare performance, features, cost, aesthetic options, warranties, and more.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Comparison Criteria | Pella 250 Windows | Andersen 100 Windows |
| Frame Material | Wood interior, aluminum-clad exterior | Fibrex (composite) |
| Energy Efficiency | Very good, U-factor down to 0.18 | Excellent, U-factor down to 0.16 |
| Air Infiltration | PG50 rating | PG50 rating |
| Glass Options | Wide selection of insulated, Low-E, specialty glass | Smart glass like SmartSun available |
| Style Versatility | All major operating styles available | All major operating styles available |
| Frame Colors | Over 20 exterior color options | 10 exterior color options |
| Interior Finish | Real wood in pine or oak | Fibrex composite |
| Typical Price Range | $600 – $1,000 installed | $800 – $1,200 installed |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty | 20/10 limited warranty |
Overview of Pella 250 and Andersen 100 Windows
The Pella 250 series and Andersen 100 series are both considered midrange to high-end window options from their respective brands.
Pella 250 windows feature a wood interior and aluminum-clad exterior.
The 250 series is highly customizable and made with quality craftsmanship.
Pella touts these windows for having excellent thermal performance and sound insulation.
Andersen 100 series windows have a Fibrex (composite) frame material made of 40% reclaimed wood fiber and 60% thermoplastics. The 100 series has a wide array of styles and options.
Andersen promotes the 100 series windows as being durable, energy efficient, and providing superior protection.
Key Differences Between Pella 250 And Andersen 100 Windows
Both window lines are marketed as premium products with advanced engineering and technologically advanced glass. But there are differences between the Pella and Andersen offerings. Keep reading as we explore how they compare on several key factors.
- Performance and Energy Efficiency
When shopping for new windows, most homeowners want maximum energy efficiency and performance. So how do Pella 250 and Andersen 100 windows stack up in these categories?
Thermal Performance
Pella 250 windows can be customized with a variety of different insulated glass options. Some choices like triple pane glass provide excellent thermal insulation. Pella 250 windows with triple pane glass can have a whole window U-factor as low as 0.18, which indicates superb thermal resistance.
Andersen 100 series windows are also available with different glass types based on energy efficiency needs and climate. Top choices like triple pane glass have U-factors as low as 0.16, making them slightly better insulators than comparable Pella 250 windows.
Both window product lines can meet strict energy codes for any region. But Andersen 100 series windows edge out Pella 250 in terms of maximum thermal performance.
Air Infiltration
Air leaks through poorly insulated windows lead to energy loss and discomfort. Pella 250 windows undergo air infiltration testing to ensure minimal leaks. They are rated up to a PG50 level, which indicates excellent airtightness.
Likewise, Andersen 100 series windows are tested for air infiltration and can achieve airtightness ratings up to PG50. Both window lines utilize advanced sealing, precision-welded frames, and top quality weatherstripping to prevent air leakage.
When properly installed, Pella 250 and Andersen 100 windows can both provide outstanding protection against air infiltration. Neither has a clear advantage in this area.
- Glass Options
The types of glass used impact the insulation, clarity, solar control, security, and aesthetic value of windows.
Insulated Glass
As mentioned previously, both Pella 250 and Andersen 100 windows are available with different insulated glass units. Double pane glass is standard, providing good insulation. Upgrading to triple pane glass boosts efficiency even further.
Both brands offer options like argon gas filled glass and Low-E coatings for optimal thermal performance. Specialty glass types like laminated glass for sound insulation are also available.
Pella and Andersen provide all the top insulated glass technologies to transform their windows into energy efficient barriers.
Glass Clarity and Coatings
Clarity refers to how crisp and distortion-free views through the window glass are.
Both Pella and Andersen use premium glass selections that provide exceptional clarity.
Special coatings can also be added to the glass surface.
Low-E coatings improve insulation but can slightly reduce visible light transmittance.
Pella’s most transparent Low-E coating transmits over 70% of visible light. Andersen offers similar highly transparent Low-E options.
Other coatings like tints and reflective solar control films can also impact clarity. Overall, there are many ways to fine-tune glass performance with both brands while maintaining crisp, undistorted views.
Smart Glass
Some advanced glass technologies from Pella and Andersen add unique benefits like light control, security, and privacy.
Pella offers Vivid View Screen privacy glass that can switch between opaque and clear states with the flip of a switch. Andersen has SmartSun glass that uses a responsive photochromic technology to tint in response to sunlight intensity.
Overall, both brands give homeowners ample ways to customize their windows with innovative glass products to control views, light, heat, and more.
- Aesthetic Options
Windows play a big role in home aesthetics, so appearance customization is important. Here’s an overview of the aesthetic flexibility of Pella 250 and Andersen 100 windows:
Frame Colors
Pella 250 windows come with an aluminum cladding on the exterior that is available in over 20 frame colors. Everything from traditional white to bold hues like brick red, olive green, and cobalt blue are offered.
Andersen 100 series window frames are a solid Fibrex material. There are 10 exterior frame finish options in an array of colors from black to sandtone.
Both Pella and Andersen provide ample color choices. Pella edges out Andersen with their particularly diverse color selection.
Interior Finishes
The interior frame of Pella 250 windows is real wood (pine or oak), which can be stained or painted. Andersen 100 series windows have a Fibrex interior that accepts stains well.
Pella offers a bit more interior customizability for a true wood look, but Andersen’s composite interior can also blend in beautifully when stained.
Styles
Style versatility is a strength of both Pella 250 and Andersen 100 series windows. All standard operating styles like single hung, double hung, casement, awning, and sliding windows are available. Specialty shapes like arched windows are also an option.
Both window lines can be configured into everything from contemporary to old world classic looks. There are no major limitations on styles with either brand.
- Window Hardware
The hardware features also contribute to the form and function of windows:
Frames
As discussed, Pella 250 windows have aluminum-clad exteriors and wood interiors. The metal cladding offers durability and low maintenance, while the wood provides aesthetic benefits.
Andersen 100 series window frames are entirely Fibrex. This composite is highly impact resistant and maintains its shape and color better than pure wood.
Both window frames are rot resistant and provide long-lasting performance in any climate. Pella offers a more traditional look and feel with real wood interiors, while Andersen’s composite frames offer exceptional stability.
Joinery
Precision welding creates clean lines and robust corner joints for both Pella 250 and Andersen 100 series windows. The frame corners won’t loosen or leak over time.
Hardware Finishes
Exposed hardware like locks, hinges, and handles can be found in numerous finishes to match other interior décor. Brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze, satin nickel, and white are just some of the possibilities.
Overall, Pella and Andersen offer similarly diverse and durable hardware options to suit any preferences.
- Cost Comparison
Pella and Andersen windows are both sold in the premium price range. Exact prices depend on the window specifications chosen.
Expect Pella 250 series windows to have an installed cost between $600 – $1,000 per window. Andersen 100 series windows range from about $800 – $1,200 installed.
Andersen 100 series windows do tend to cost more than comparable Pella 250 windows. The price difference may be worthwhile for some homeowners based on Andersen’s brand recognition and specific window performance.
Various factors like frame material, glass packages, specialty hardware, and installation costs can impact the final price. Be sure to get an itemized quote from window dealers to understand how choices affect the overall investment.
- Warranties
The warranty coverage provides peace of mind that manufacturers will stand behind their windows long-term.
Pella 250 series windows come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty. This covers the glass, window frames, and hardware against defects, although some limitations apply.
Andersen offers a similar 20/10 Limited Warranty on 100 series window components for 20 years on glass and 10 years on manufacturing materials and workmanship.
Both warranties represent industry standards for premium windows. In the unlikely event of defects arising, Pella and Andersen will repair or replace window components as needed.
Which Is Better?
Now that we’ve compared Pella 250 and Andersen 100 series windows in depth, which brand comes out on top?
While both window lines are excellent choices overall, a few key differences help make the better option clear:
- Energy efficiency – Andersen 100 series windows achieve marginally better thermal performance ratings than comparable Pella models.
- Glass technology – Andersen offers advanced smart glass options like photochromic glass not available from Pella.
- Price – Andersen 100 series windows do cost noticeably more than similar Pella 250 windows in most cases.
- Aesthetics – Pella windows showcase more frame color choices and natural wood interiors for exceptional visual customization.
For superior insulation and advanced glass features, Andersen 100 series windows edge out Pella. But Pella 250 windows provide excellent performance and unbeatable aesthetic versatility for less cost.
Ultimately, picking between these two premium window lines comes down to energy priorities versus aesthetic priorities combined with budget. Homeowners seeking the utmost efficiency may prefer Andersen, while those focused on cost and appearance customization may favor Pella.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Pella and Andersen are both leading window brands that make exceptional products. Overall quality and construction is comparable between the two manufacturers. Performance factors like energy efficiency are also similar, though Andersen rated slightly better in testing. Ultimately, Pella offers great quality and performance nearly on par with Andersen but typically at a more affordable price point.
In most cases, yes. When comparing windows with similar specifications, Pella 250 series models are almost always less expensive than comparable Andersen 100 series windows. Exact pricing depends on the window specifications, but Pella tends to retail for 15-30% less than Andersen.
No, Renewal by Andersen windows are generally more expensive than Pella. As the premium tier Andersen line, Renewal by Andersen windows retail for 15-40% more than comparable Pella 250 series models. Renewal by Andersen is the most costly option of the three.
Yes, Andersen 100 series windows are an excellent quality product. As Andersen’s midrange window line, they offer great energy efficiency, durability, appearance, and functionality. While expensive, many homeowners find the superior insulation and advanced glass options of the 100 series windows worthwhile. They represent some of the best windows on the market.
The Bottom Line
Pella and Andersen both produce outstanding windows, and models from their 250 and 100 series lines are great options for any home. Andersen 100 series windows do come out slightly ahead in terms of maximum energy efficiency and advanced glass technology.
But Pella 250 windows offer comparable quality and performance for less cost, along with more aesthetic customization.
Carefully weigh this Pella and Andersen windows comparison when making your window purchase decision. Be sure to get quotes from authorized dealers to understand exact pricing based on your specific window needs.
Either of these premium window lines will enhance your home for years to come.