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When it comes to replacement windows, United Windows and Andersen are two of the biggest names in the business. Both companies have been manufacturing windows for over 100 years and are known for making high-quality, energy efficient windows.
But which brand is better for your home renovation project?
Here we’ll compare United vs Andersen windows to help you decide which is the right choice for you.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | United Windows | Andersen Windows |
| Frame Materials | Vinyl | Vinyl, wood, fiberglass, aluminum clad |
| Glass Options | Dual pane standard, triple pane available | Dual pane standard, triple pane available |
| Styles Available | Double hung, sliders, casements, awnings | Double hung, casements, awnings, specialty shapes |
| Energy Efficiency | Meet ENERGY STAR requirements | Excellent, exceed ENERGY STAR |
| Warranties | Lifetime limited on vinyl and hardware | 20 years on glass, 10 years on manufacturing |
| Cost | More affordable | Premium pricing |
| Customization | Colors, hardware, grilles | Wide range of design options |
| Made In | USA | USA |
Overview of United Windows and Andersen Windows
United Windows and Doors was founded in 1946 and is based out of Merrill, Wisconsin.
They manufacture a wide range of replacement windows including double hung, sliders, casements, awnings, and specialty shapes.
United is known for making vinyl windows that are affordable yet durable.
Andersen Windows, headquartered in Bayport, Minnesota, was founded in 1903.
In addition to vinyl, they also manufacture windows from wood, fiberglass, and aluminum. Andersen is one of the more premium window brands and focuses on high-end features and craftsmanship.
Both companies have a solid reputation and offer good warranties on their windows. United Windows provides a lifetime limited warranty that covers the vinyl and hardware components.
Andersen offers a 20-year limited warranty on glass and a 10-year limited warranty on manufacturing defects.
Key Differences Between United Windows And Andersen Windows
Frame Materials
A key difference between United and Andersen is the variety of frame materials they offer.
- United Windows focuses on vinyl frames. Vinyl is low maintenance, energy efficient, and provides good insulation. It won’t rot or warp like wood windows. United vinyl frames feature multi-chambered construction and welded corners for enhanced strength.
- Andersen Windows offers vinyl frames but also has options for fiberglass, wood, and aluminum-clad wood frames. Fiberglass is strong and durable yet lightweight. Wood interior frames can provide a more upscale, traditional look. Aluminum-clad wood on the exterior resists rotting, swelling and warping.
So if you want an alternative to vinyl, Andersen will provide more choices. But United’s vinyl frames are quite durable and energy efficient for their price point.
Glass Options
The type of glass used in the window unit greatly affects energy efficiency and sound transmission.
- United Windows have dual-pane glass units standard, with triple pane glass available as an upgrade. Most United Windows are filled with argon gas for added insulation. Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings are also standard to reduce heat loss.
- Andersen Windows also have Low-E dual-pane glass standard, with argon gas available. Triple pane glass is an option, as are additional Low-E coatings to increase energy savings even further. Specialty glass options from Andersen include SmartSunTM glass that tints automatically and patterned glass for privacy.
Both brands offer good glass packages for energy efficiency and noise reduction. Andersen provides a few more specialty options, while upgrades for triple pane glass and extra coatings cost less with United.
Window Styles and Options
No matter your home’s architectural style, both United and Andersen have many window designs and customizations available:
- Double hung – Both companies offer single and double hung windows that slide up and down. United’s double hung tilt in for easy cleaning while Andersen’s Narroline double hungs have a sleek, contemporary profile.
- Casements – Side-hinged casement windows from United and Andersen open wide to let in lots of fresh air. Andersen’s folding casement window provides a uniquely modern look.
- Awnings – Hinged at the top and opening outward, awnings are available from both brands. Great for ventilation overhead.
- Gliding/sliding windows – For rooms with limited space, choose sliding windows from United or Andersen’s Narroline gliding model.
- Specialty windows – Unique window styles like radius, bay, bow, and garden windows can provide architectural flair. Andersen likely has more specialty shape options.
Both companies allow you to customize your windows with exterior color, hardware finishes, glass tinting, grille patterns, and more. Andersen provides a bit more style flexibility but United Windows has plenty of customizable options as well.
Energy Efficiency
With proper glazing, gas fills, and weatherstripping, both United and Andersen Windows can meet ENERGY STAR® requirements for energy efficiency.
Several key factors determine how energy efficient a window is:
- U-factor – Rate of heat loss through the window assembly. Lower is better.
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) – Amount of solar radiation allowed through the glass. Depends on climate.
- Air leakage – Measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). Tighter construction prevents drafts.
- Condensation resistance – Ability of the frame to resist condensation.
Andersen offers windows with slightly better U-factors and SHGC ratings, especially with triple pane glass.
But both companies make windows well-suited for colder and warmer climates. United Windows price point makes them a great value for energy savings. Proper installation is also critical.
Cost Comparison
United windows are affordably priced, typically 25-50% less than comparable Andersen window models. Because United focuses on vinyl windows and fewer specialty products, their manufacturing costs are lower.
Andersen windows have a higher starting price. Being one of the top window brands, their products are in the premium price tier. But the quality materials and construction may justify the investment for some homeowners. Larger projects with many custom windows will especially see the price difference add up.
Always get an itemized, line-item quote rather than depending on rough per-window estimates. This allows you to accurately compare window costs between different brands and styles. Installation charges are also a significant portion of your total replacement window budget.
While United Windows cost less overall, the better brand comes down to your specific needs and budget. Andersen makes sense for some luxury homes but their windows are overkill for many projects.
United offers reliable windows with good warranties at reasonable price points for most homeowners.
Pros and Cons of United Windows
Pros:
- Affordable vinyl replacement windows
- Energy efficient with standard double pane Low-E glass
- Solid warranties on vinyl and hardware
- Variety of styles from double hung to sliders
- Easy to clean tilt-in sashes on double hung windows
- Good value for money
Cons:
- Mostly vinyl frame options only
- Fewer specialty window shapes than some brands
- Triple pane glass is an upgrade
- No wood interior options for a natural look
Pros and Cons of Andersen Windows
Pros:
- Many frame material choices beyond vinyl
- Fibrex® composite frames are highly durable
- Excellent energy efficiency with triple pane glass options
- Variety of specialty window styles and shapes
- Natural wood interiors for an upscale look
- Customizable with exterior colors, hardware and grilles
Cons:
- Among the most expensive window options
- Overkill for some basic home renovation needs
- More limited dealer network than some brands
- Can take weeks to get some specialty windows
FAQ About Andersen And United Windows
Some windows that are nearly as good as Andersen but more affordable include United Windows, Pella Impervia, Milgard Trinsic, and Atrium Windows. Each of these quality vinyl window brands cost 20-50% less than comparable Andersen windows while still offering features like multiple glass panes, inert gas fills, strong warranties, and excellent energy efficiency.
Some of the top window brands in the US include Andersen, Pella, Marvin, Milgard, JELD-WEN, and Kohler. Each makes quality windows from premium materials like solid wood, fiberglass, and heavy-duty vinyl. Andersen tends to rate highly for luxury custom windows while Milgard, Pella Impervia and JELD-WEN are excellent mid-priced options.
Andersen Windows is considered the #1 window brand in the United States. They’ve been manufacturing innovative windows for 120 years and remain the most recognized, premium window company nationwide. Andersen excels at high-end, architecturally accurate custom windows for upscale homes.
Andersen makes excellent, long-lasting windows, but they are very expensive compared to most other brands. For many homeowners, more affordable high-performance vinyl windows from Milgard, Simonton, or Ply Gem can provide nearly equivalent quality and energy savings for thousands less. However, large custom projects focused on authentic architectural style may warrant splurging for Andersen’s flexibility and craftsmanship.
For minor issues like broken hardware, seals, or glass, repairing existing Andersen windows often makes sense. Replacing sash balances, weatherstripping, or foggy glass panes is quite affordable. But for older Andersen windows with rotting frames, major air leaks or severe damage, full replacement may be the better value. Newer vinyl or composite Andersen windows will be much more energy efficient and durable than trying to salvage outdated units from the 1960s-1980s.
Final Thoughts
Both United Windows and Andersen are quality American-made brands, but they cater to different segments of the window market.
United offers a solid midrange vinyl window at a more affordable price point. Their double hung, slider, and casement windows feature standard double pane glass and argon gas fills for good insulation. United is an excellent value for homeowners prioritizing budget.
Andersen is a premium window designed for high-end homes. Beyond vinyl, they also offer wood, aluminum-clad, and fiberglass frames. Andersen’s specialty shapes, natural wood interiors, and architectural authenticity come at a steep price.
They are an investment for those wanting top-tier windows with maximum design flexibility.
For most renovations, the durability and energy savings of United Windows should suffice. But Andersen’s customization and craftmanship can’t be matched if cost is less important than quality and style.
Carefully weigh your project requirements against these brand differences to pick the right window for your home and budget.