If you’re in the market for new windows, you’ve probably come across two popular options from Pella—the Impervia and Lifestyle series. Both offer high-performance, energy-efficient windows made by one of the top brands in the industry.
But what’s the difference between Pella Impervia and Lifestyle windows?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Pella Impervia and Lifestyle windows side-by-side on key factors like materials, efficiency, cost, warranties, and more.
Read on to learn which Pella windows are the best choice for your home improvement project.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Pella Impervia | Pella Lifestyle |
| Frame Material | Fiberglass | Vinyl or Fiberglass |
| Glass | Advanced3 Low-E, triple pane optional | Standard Low-E, triple pane optional |
| Efficiency | Superior insulation, lower U-Factors | Very good, meets ENERGY STAR |
| Warranty | 20 years glass/parts, 10 years exterior finish | 10 years glass/parts, 10 years exterior |
| Cost | Premium price, 25-40% more | Mid-range price point |
Pella Impervia Windows Overview
Pella Impervia windows are Pella’s top-of-the-line, premium window series. Marketed as “Pella’s best performing window,” Impervia windows feature:
- Fiberglass construction – The fiberglass frame and sashes make Impervia windows strong, durable, and dimensionally stable. Fiberglass holds up well in all climates and won’t swell or warp like wood or vinyl.
- AdvancedLow-E insulating glass – Impervia windows use Pella’s most advanced Low-E glass coating to reduce heat loss in winter and block heat gain in summer. This boosts energy efficiency.
- Argon gas fill – The gap between the panes is filled with argon gas, which further improves thermal efficiency.
- Optional triple pane glass – For maximum efficiency, Impervia windows can be upgraded to triple-pane glass.
- Tight construction – Pella uses its EnduraGuard wood protection to seal all exposed wood surfaces. Foam insulation seals the frame and sashes tightly.
- High performance ratings – Impervia windows meet ENERGY STAR® requirements in all 50 states. They exceed criteria for the strictest energy codes.
- Premium exterior finishes – Choose from multiple woodgrain finishes, along with painted exterior colors. The durable finishes withstand weathering and keep their good looks over time.
In summary, Pella Impervia offers a truly premium window with the best glass, materials, and construction techniques Pella has to offer. They’re built to last for decades while providing superior energy savings.
Pella Lifestyle Series Windows Overview
Pella Lifestyle series windows sit one tier below Impervia in Pella’s lineup. Key features include:
- Vinyl or fiberglass frames – Lifestyle windows come in both vinyl and fiberglass frames. Fiberglass is more durable but vinyl costs less. Both resist swelling, rotting, and warping.
- Low-E insulating glass – Pella’s standard dual-pane Low-E glass comes standard. It blocks heat gain and controls heat loss.
- Argon gas fill – Just like on Impervia, argon fill between the glass panes adds insulating value.
- Optional triple pane glass – Triple pane glass can be added to boost efficiency further.
- Moisture barriers – Lifestyle vinyl windows get a 3-layer moisture barrier. Fiberglass models get Pella’s EnduraGuard protection.
- ENERGY STAR compliance – Performance meets or exceeds ENERGY STAR requirements in all climate zones.
- Affordable price point – As a mid-range series, Lifestyle windows are priced below Impervia models. More homeowners can afford them.
The Pella Lifestyle series hits a sweet spot between performance and price. The fiberglass and vinyl frames don’t offer the ultimate longevity of Impervia, but Lifestyle windows still deliver attractive, energy-efficient windows with Pella’s quality.
Key Differences Between Pella Impervia And Lifestyle Windows
Now that we’ve covered the highlights of each Pella window series, let’s do a detailed comparison.
Materials Comparison
One of the biggest differences between Pella Impervia and Lifestyle is the frame material:
Pella Impervia
- Fiberglass frames and sashes
Pella Lifestyle
- Vinyl or fiberglass frames
- Vinyl sashes
Fiberglass is the clear performance winner when it comes to frame materials. Fiberglass has exceptional strength and durability. It won’t swell, shrink, rot, or warp like wood or vinyl. Maintenance is minimal. Fiberglass withstands weather extremes beautifully in all climates. It will look great for decades.
Impervia’s fiberglass construction gives it a leg up over Lifestyle’s vinyl models. However, Lifestyle fiberglass frames offer similar durability and performance.
Vinyl windows like Lifestyle are affordable, energy-efficient, and perform well in most climates. Extreme heat can make vinyl windows sag a bit. Cold weather makes vinyl prone to becoming brittle. Overall, vinyl requires less maintenance than wood but doesn’t match fiberglass for durability and dimensional stability.
On materials alone, Pella Impervia is the clear winner thanks to its full-fiberglass construction. But Lifestyle vinyl windows still perform admirably if fiberglass is beyond your budget.
Glass Comparison
Both Impervia and Lifestyle windows use high-performance Low-E insulated glass. But there are some key differences:
Pella Impervia
- Advanced3 Low-E glass
- Optional triple pane
Pella Lifestyle
- Standard dual-pane Low-E
- Optional triple pane
Impervia windows come with Pella’s most advanced triple-layer Low-E coating. This blocks heat gain and reduces heat loss even better than standard Low-E glass.
Both window lines offer triple pane glass as an upgrade. The extra pane further lowers U-Factors (improves insulation). It also blocks more noise.
Overall, while Lifestyle windows have good glass, Impervia wins again with its top-tier Low-E coating. Triple pane upgrades are excellent for either line if you want maximum efficiency.
Efficiency Comparison
Let’s look at some key efficiency specs:
Pella Impervia
- U-Factor down to 0.17 (vinyl), 0.16 (fiberglass)
- SHGC as low as 0.19
- ENERGY STAR certified in all climate zones
Pella Lifestyle
- U-Factor down to 0.27
- SHGC as low as 0.22
- ENERGY STAR certified in all climate zones
U-factor measures how well a window insulates. The lower the U-factor, the better the insulation. Impervia windows go down to 0.16 thanks to triple pane upgrades, beating out Lifestyle’s lowest 0.27 U-factor.
SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient) is the fraction of heat from sunlight transmitted through a window. Lower SHGC is better to reduce heat gain. Lifestyle and Impervia have similarly good SHGC ratios.
Both window lines achieve ENERGY STAR certification in all climate zones. But Impervia exceeds requirements by a wider margin.
Overall, Impervia offers better thermal efficiency, while Lifestyle still performs very well. Both will cut energy bills substantially compared to old windows.
Cost Comparison
With their premium construction and materials, Pella Impervia windows are one of Pella’s most expensive window lines. Lifestyle windows cost significantly less.
According to Pella, you can expect to pay around 25-40% more for Impervia versus comparable Lifestyle windows. The exact price difference depends on the size, options chosen, and location.
Here are some example price ranges:
- Basic Lifestyle vinyl double hung window: $300-$500
- Similar Impervia window: $500-$800
- Large Lifestyle fiberglass picture window: $1,000-$1,500
- Similar Impervia window: $1,500-$2,500
While not cheap, Lifestyle windows are a good value that makes Pella quality more affordable. The exceptional durability and performance of Impervia commands a premium price.
When choosing, weigh the higher cost of Impervia against benefits like longevity, resale value, energy savings, and added comfort. It’s often worth investing more upfront.
Warranties
The warranty coverage reflects the materials and construction of each Pella window series.
Pella Impervia
- 20-year coverage on glass, hardware, parts, and labor
- 10-year coverage for exterior finish and screens
- Lifetime limited warranty on fiberglass components
Pella Lifestyle
- 10-year coverage on glass, hardware, parts, and labor
- 10-year coverage for exterior finish and screens
- Lifetime limited warranty on fiberglass components
- 10 years coverage on vinyl components
Impervia warrants all components for twice as long as Lifestyle, showing the confidence Pella has in their durability.
For ultimate peace of mind, choose Impervia. But Lifestyle warrants all materials appropriately based on expected lifespans.
Appearance
Both Impervia and Lifestyle windows combine bold, clean lines with attractive finish options:
Pella Impervia Exterior
- Rich woodgrain fiberglass finishes
- Custom factory-painted colors
- Simulated divided lite (grids between panes)
Pella Lifestyle Exterior
- Woodgrain vinyl finishes
- Factory-painted vinyl
- Simulated divided lite
For interior woodgrain, Pella uses pine for both window lines. And identical hardware options are available.
Overall, appearance is similar for both series. But Impervia looks a bit more graceful and upscale thanks to the finer detail of real woodgrain fiberglass.
Which Is Better Overall?
When comparing Pella Impervia vs. Lifestyle windows, Impervia is the clear winner in most categories. The full fiberglass construction, Advanced3 Low-E glass, and premium warranties make Impervia a top choice if you want Pella’s very best windows.
However, Pella Lifestyle windows still perform very well. The vinyl and fiberglass frames are durable and energy-efficient. Just expect a shorter lifespan compared to Impervia fiberglass.
Lifestyle windows cost significantly less than Impervia, making them a great option if you want better performance than builder-grade vinyl windows without breaking the budget.
Here’s a quick recap comparing Pella Impervia and Lifestyle windows:
Pella Impervia
- Best for: Ultimate durability, energy efficiency, sound insulation, and premium performance
- Material: Fiberglass frame and sashes
- Glass: Advanced3 Low-E, optional triple pane
- Price: Expensive, 25-40% more than Lifestyle series
Pella Lifestyle
- Best for: Good performance and features at an affordable price
- Material: Vinyl or fiberglass frame, vinyl sashes
- Glass: Standard Low-E, optional triple pane
- Price: Mid-range, costs significantly less than Impervia
In most cases, if your budget allows, choosing Pella Impervia gets you the very best windows Pella offers.
But you can save substantially with Lifestyle windows while still getting better-than-average efficiency and quality.
Is Pella As Good As Andersen Windows?
Pella and Andersen go head-to-head as two of the biggest U.S. window brands. Both companies make excellent windows. But how do they compare?
Andersen is best known for wood windows, using a Fibrex composite material for low maintenance. But Andersen’s vinyl-clad and 100% vinyl windows are also popular choices.
Key strengths of Andersen windows:
- Reputation for quality craftsmanship and attention to detail
- Broad range of customization options
- Innovative technologies like silicone-infused Fibrex
- Outstanding acoustic insulation for a quiet indoor environment
Pella windows shine with:
- Innovative edge-sealing systems like EnduraGuard wood protection
- Wide range of Low-E coatings optimize for energy efficiency
- Tight construction prevents leaks, even in challenging installations
- Their strongest lines like Impervia offer exceptional durability
Both companies offer excellent performance testing. Andersen and the best Pella lines meet or exceed ENERGY STAR guidelines in all climate zones.
For noise reduction, Andersen windows rate slightly better. Pella’s top fiberglass models edge out Andersen for durability. Both come with strong warranties.
Overall, Andersen and Pella are on par for quality, features, and performance. Key differences come down to:
- Styles – Andersen has more traditional wood windows, while Pella leads for fiberglass.
- Price – Pella tends to cost less than comparable Andersen windows.
- Installation – Pella makes installation easier in many cases.
For most homes, you can’t go wrong with either brand. Choose Andersen for more wood window options and quietest performance. Go with Pella for greater value and easier installation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The main differences between Pella Impervia and Lifestyle windows are:
Frames – Impervia has fiberglass frames while Lifestyle offers vinyl or fiberglass
Glass – Impervia uses Pella’s most advanced Low-E coating
Efficiency – Impervia has lower U-Factors and better insulation
Warranties – Impervia warranties are twice as long
Price – Impervia costs 25-40% more than comparable Lifestyle windows
Impervia represents Pella’s best performing and most durable windows. Lifestyle provides an affordable mid-range option.
Pella Lifestyle is a series of vinyl and fiberglass windows that sits between Pella’s most affordable and most premium offerings. Key features include:
1. Vinyl or fiberglass frames
2. Standard dual-pane Low-E glass
3. Argon gas fill
4. Optional triple pane upgrades
5. Meets or exceeds ENERGY STAR requirements
6. More affordable than Pella Impervia
Lifestyle windows hit a sweet spot between cost and performance. They offer quality construction and good energy savings at a reasonable price point.
Yes, Pella Impervia windows are extremely energy efficient. Key reasons include:
1. Advanced triple-layer Low-E coating on glass
2. Optional triple pane glass upgrades
3. Tight construction prevents air leaks
4. Foam insulation in frame
5. Fiberglass construction resists temperature transfer
Impervia windows meet or exceed ENERGY STAR guidelines in all climate zones. They can achieve U-Factors as low as 0.16 with triple pane glass. This makes them one of Pella’s most energy efficient window lines.
Pella and Andersen windows are both top window brands that make high-quality products. Key differences:
1. Andersen offers more wood window options
2. Pella Impervia windows edge out Andersen for durability
3. Andersen windows rate slightly better for sound insulation
4. Pella windows tend to cost less than comparable Andersen windows
For most homes, you can’t go wrong with either Pella or Andersen windows. Choose based on your preferred materials, features, and budget.
Closing Remarks
Pella Impervia represents the pinnacle of performance and quality from Pella, with full fiberglass construction, advanced glass coatings, and robust warranties. Pella Lifestyle windows cost significantly less while still providing energy efficiency and quality in an attractive product.
For most homes, Pella Lifestyle hits the sweet spot combining value, aesthetics, and thermal performance. However, if your budget allows, Pella Impervia is a worthwhile investment to get Pella’s ultimate windows.