If you’re in the market for new windows, Sun Windows and Andersen are two big names you’ll likely encounter. Both companies have been manufacturing windows for over 100 years and offer a wide selection of high-quality products.
But which brand is better for your home and budget?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Sun and Andersen windows to help you decide which is right for you. We’ll look at factors like materials, energy efficiency, cost, warranties, styles, and more. Read on to see how Sun and Andersen stack up!
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | Sun Windows | Andersen Windows |
| Materials | Vinyl, wood, aluminum, fiberglass | Fibrex composite, vinyl, wood, aluminum |
| Cost | $$ More affordable | $$$ Premium pricing |
| Warranties | Lifetime limited on vinyl & wood | 20-year on glass, 10-year on exterior finish, lifetime limited on Fibrex |
| Energy Efficiency | Meet ENERGY STAR standards | Exceed ENERGY STAR standards |
| Styles | Double hung, sliding, casement, awning, bay, bow | Double hung, casement, awning, bay, bow |
| Customization | Size, grid pattern, glass, and hardware options | Wide range of aesthetic options like color, wood species, grids |
| Quality | Well-regarded quality at mid-range price | Top-tier engineering and construction |
| Appearance | Classic, straightforward style | Broad aesthetic versatility |
| Best Use | Residential remodels and renovations | High-end residential new construction |
Sun Windows Overview
Sun Windows was founded in 1946 in Elkhart, Indiana and has grown to become one of the largest domestic window manufacturers in the US.
The company offers a full line of vinyl, wood, and aluminum windows as well as patio doors.
Sun Windows are available through a network of independent dealers throughout the United States and Canada.
Some key facts about Sun Windows:
- Owned by Sun Holdings Inc., a family-owned company.
- Operates 3 manufacturing plants in Indiana, Virginia, and Arizona.
- Offers double-hung, sliding, casement, awning, bay, and bow windows.
- Known for vinyl and aluminum product lines.
- Focuses on energy efficiency and quality manufacturing.
Andersen Windows Overview
Andersen Corporation was founded in 1903 and is headquartered in Bayport, Minnesota. They manufacture window and door products for residential and commercial use. Andersen operates factories in the United States and Canada and has distribution throughout North America.
Some quick facts about Andersen:
- Largest window and door manufacturer in North America.
- Publicly held company traded on the NYSE.
- Offer wood, vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum windows.
- Known for patented Fibrex composite window material.
- Manufactures well-known brands like Silver Line, American Craftsman, EMCO, Weiland, and MQ.
- Focuses on energy efficiency, innovation, and sustainability.
Key Features of Sun And Andersen Windows
Now that we’ve introduced both brands, let’s see how they compare across several important categories.
- Materials
When it comes to materials, both Sun and Andersen offer vinyl, wood, aluminum, and fiberglass window options.
Vinyl – Vinyl is low maintenance, energy efficient, and cost-effective.
Sun Windows vinyl line includes standard vinyl as well as an impact-modified vinyl for hurricane-prone areas. Andersen offers lightweight vinyl-clad windows.
Wood – For a classic look, both companies offer wood windows.
Sun Windows has pine, oak, and maple options. Andersen’s wood windows feature a Fibrex composite material for low maintenance.
Aluminum – For contemporary style and narrow frame profiles, aluminum is ideal. Sun’s System 3 aluminum windows feature an R-15 glass package. Andersen’s aluminum clad windows offer slim profiles.
Fiberglass – Andersen’s patented Fibrex material combines the strength and stability of wood with the low-maintenance of vinyl. Fibrex windows are highly energy efficient.
Both brands offer excellent options, but Andersen has the edge in innovative materials like Fibrex.
- Energy Efficiency
Energy efficient windows keep your home comfortable and reduce energy costs. Efficiency is measured by the U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). The lower these numbers, the better.
Sun Windows – Their triple-pane glass options offer U-factors as low as 0.22 and SHGC as low as 0.21, exceeding ENERGY STAR requirements. Sun Windows can be ordered with Low-E glass, argon gas, and foam-filled frames for better efficiency.
Andersen Windows – Andersen also offers triple-pane glass with Low-E and argon gas options. Their Fibrex material provides excellent thermal performance. U-factors go as low as 0.17 and SHGC as low as 0.18, surpassing ENERGY STAR standards.
Winner: Andersen – While both brands offer excellent energy efficient options, Andersen windows edge out Sun with slightly better U-factors and SHGC numbers.
- Costs
Window pricing depends on the type, size, glass packages, and other custom options. Professional installation is also an additional cost. Here are some average price ranges:
Sun Windows
- Vinyl double hung – $250-$500
- Wood double hung – $600-$1,000
- Sliding vinyl – $300-$600
- Casement vinyl – $350-$750
Andersen Windows
- Vinyl double hung – $500-$1,200
- Fibrex double hung – $800-$2,000
- Narroline aluminum clad – $750-$1,500
- Casement wood – $1,000-$2,000
While price ranges overlap, Sun Windows are generally more affordable, especially for basic vinyl products. Andersen windows cost more but have premium materials and engineering.
- Warranties
It’s important to consider the warranties offered on windows to understand how long they will last.
Sun Windows offers lifetime limited warranties on vinyl and wood products. This covers defects in materials and workmanship. They also provide 10-year warranties on glass units.
Andersen offers a 20-year limited warranty on glass, a 10-year warranty on exterior finish, and a 2-year warranty on installation and hardware. However, Fibrex composite windows have a limited lifetime warranty on both the glass and the Fibrex frame/sash.
For vinyl and wood windows, Sun offers better lifetime limited warranties. But for Fibrex windows, Andersen’s lifetime limited warranty is superior.
- Styles & Customization
When it comes to options and styles, both companies allow for ample customization.
Sun Windows offers double hung, sliding, casement, awning, bay, and bow windows in vinyl, wood, aluminum, or fiberglass. Size, grid patterns, glass tint, hardware, and other options can be customized. Sun provides a user-friendly online Window and Door Quote Tool to price options.
Andersen also has a wide range of styles like double hung, casement, awnings, bay and bow windows. They’re offered in wood, Fibrex composite, aluminum clad, and vinyl. Andersen’s custom options include hardware finishes, exterior color, wood species, glass types, grill patterns, and smart home connectivity. Their website helps you design and visualize options.
Both allow for total customization based on your budget and style preferences. For the best online visualizers, Andersen has an edge. But Sun makes it easy to get quotes online.
- Overall Quality & Durability
When you invest in windows, you want them to last. Here’s how Sun and Andersen compare in terms of overall quality:
Sun Windows are well-regarded for consistent quality at reasonable price points.
Their vinyl, wood, and aluminum products require minimal maintenance and many have passed stringent performance testing.
Sun Windows backs their products with strong warranties.
Andersen is known for superior engineering and top-tier manufacturing.
Their patented Fibrex material is extremely durable, stable, and energy efficient. Andersen adheres to the highest quality control standards and they back products with competitive warranties. Their windows do come at a premium cost.
Both Andersen and Sun make quality windows, but Andersen windows are generally regarded as higher-end with better construction, durability, and performance.
- Appearance
Window appearance is highly subjective, depending on your style preferences. Here are a few key differences:
Sun Windows vinyl and aluminum options come in standard colors like white, beige, and brown. Wood window interiors can be painted or stained. Sun offers basic grid patterns and trim options. Their windows have a classic, straightforward style.
Andersen windows are available in 50 exterior color options, from bright red to deep green to black. Interiors can be painted any color. They offer ornate grid patterns, decorative hardware, and attractive trim packages for a custom built look. Fibrex frames have subtle wood grain detail. Overall, Andersen offers more aesthetic versatility.
- Best Uses
What are Sun and Andersen windows best suited for?
Sun Windows provide an affordable option for most residential uses.
Their vinyl products are ideal for replacement windows. Sun aluminums work well in light commercial projects.
They offer reliable quality at mid-range prices.
Andersen is better suited for premium residential projects where budget is less of a concern.
Their architectural-grade windows and Frenchwood doors make them a favorite of builders, remodelers, and designers.
Andersen’s commercial-grade products are also used in retail, education, healthcare, and office buildings.
For most residential applications, you can’t go wrong with either brand. But if budget is no object, Andersen windows allow for the most design flexibility and use high-end materials like Fibrex.
Which Is Better For You?
So when considering Sun Windows vs Andersen, which brand comes out on top? Here are some key considerations:
- Budget – For affordable vinyl windows, Sun is the winner. Andersen fibrex and wood windows cost significantly more.
- Energy Efficiency – Andersen edges out Sun with options that meet the highest efficiency standards.
- Warranties – Sun offers better lifetime limited warranties on vinyl and wood. But Andersen’s lifetime limited warranty on fibrex is superior.
- Style & Customization – Both allow total customization. Andersen has better online visualizers. Sun makes quoting easy.
- Quality & Durability – Andersen is regarded as the higher-end premium window with top-notch engineering and materials.
- Appearance – Andersen windows have more aesthetic versatility with tons of colors, patterns, and trims.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Some brands comparable to Andersen that also offer high-quality wood, vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum windows include Pella, Marvin, Milgard, Jeld-Wen, and Kolbe. They provide similar styles, efficiency, warranties, and prestige.
Andersen and Pella regularly top lists of the best window brands along with Marvin and Milgard. For a balance of quality and affordability, look for brands like Jeld-Wen, Kohler, Atrium, and Sun Windows.
Sun Windows operates three manufacturing plants located in Indiana, Virginia, and Arizona. So their windows are made in the USA. Sun is based in Indiana and has offered American-made windows since 1946.
It’s a close call between two of the top window brands. In terms of quality, warranty, efficiency, and prestige, Pella and Andersen are on par. Pella tends to be a bit more affordable while Andersen offers more style and customization options. Consult a window professional to compare these two excellent brands.
Final Thoughts
For most budgets, Sun Windows provide an excellent combination of quality, energy savings, and durability at a reasonable price point. Their warranties are also reassuring.
If you want the absolute best in terms of engineering, warranties, energy efficiency, and design flexibility, Andersen windows are worth the significant investment. Their Fibrex material offers virtually maintenance-free durability.
Carefully weigh the pros and cons of each brand to decide what’s most important for your home and budget. Consult experienced window installers in your area for advice as well. With either Sun or Andersen, you can feel confident you’re getting well-built, energy efficient windows made in America.
