Renewal by Andersen windows are known to sit at the higher end of the replacement window price spectrum. As a premium window brand, many homeowners find themselves wondering why Renewal by Andersen comes with such a steep price tag.
When considering such a major home improvement project, it’s understandable that cost is an important factor.
There are several reasons why Renewal by Andersen windows command premium pricing compared to other brands on the market. Getting into the specifics can help shed light on where that extra money goes in terms of materials, engineering, warranties, and overall value.
As the saying goes “you get what you pay for” – let’s review the reasons why Renewal by Andersen sits at the top tier for window pricing.
Reasons For Renewal By Andersen Being So Expensive
I have find four (4) reasons so far:
- Superior Materials and Engineering
- Customization and High-Quality Installation
- Incredible Warranties Included
- Brand Reputation and Consumer Trust
Let’s analyze these reasons in detail.
- Superior Materials and Engineering
One of the main reasons Renewal by Andersen costs more than average vinyl or wood windows is that they utilize superior materials, engineering, and craftsmanship.
Andersen has 110 years as an established window company behind them, so they’ve perfected the engineering of windows to be extremely durable, energy efficient, and long-lasting.
The window frames are made from a Fibrex composite material proprietary to Andersen.
Fibrex combines the strength and stability of wood with the low-maintenance benefits of vinyl. This makes the windows stronger and more durable than vinyl alternatives while retaining the elegance and aesthetic of real wood windows.
Andersen also utilizes state-of-the-art weatherstripping and intricate framing that provide excellent insulation.
When you pay extra for Renewal by Andersen, you’re investing in proven technology and materials that provide unparalleled energy savings and performance in extreme weather. This gives you incredible value over the entire lifespan of the windows.
- Customization and High-Quality Installation
Another big reason for the price premium on Renewal by Andersen is the customization options and professional installation included. Andersen still manufactures windows in the United States, allowing buyers to customize everything from the frame color, hardware finishes, glass types, trim, and more during the ordering process.
You work directly with a Renewal by Andersen representative to measure your windows and tailor the perfect product for your home. This includes an on-site professional installation by a trained Andersen technician, not simply a third party contractor.
They expertly install each window to ensure a flawless seal, operation, and aesthetic. This start-to-finish customization and installation process is unmatched in the industry.
The convenience of having personally tailored windows made in the USA that are installed by dedicated professionals adds tremendous value compared to picking a one-size-fits all window off the shelf.
With custom sizing, specific features, and meticulous installation, you end up with truly the best replacement windows money can buy.
- Incredible Warranties Included
When assessing the value of premium priced replacement windows like Renewal by Andersen, it’s also important to consider how strong the warranties are.
Cheaper vinyl windows may cost less upfront, but they won’t come with support for issues down the road.
With Renewal by Andersen windows, all of their products are backed by industry-leading warranties.
This includes a 20-year warranty that covers the glass components of the windows, as well as a limited lifetime warranty on all Fibrex frame and sash components.
These strong warranties cover repair or replacements of window components that have defects in materials or manufacturing. Having this comprehensive support for over 20 years gives enormous peace of mind and value after your initial window investment.
Even if issues popped up years later from seal failure, weather damage, or other defects, Andersen has you covered better than any competitor warranty on the residential market.
When accounting for this level of long-term product support, it makes sense why Renewal by Andersen costs more than temporary vinyl windows that may only have 5-10 years of warranty coverage.
- Brand Reputation and Consumer Trust
Although less tangible than engineering and warranties, the reputation and consumer perception of the Andersen brand also enables Renewal by Andersen to command premium pricing in the window industry.
With over a century of business behind them focused on windows and patio doors, buyers trust the Andersen name and are willing to pay extra for that brand recognition.
Homeowners know from real world experience or word of mouth that Andersen’s track record speaks for itself in terms of providing long-lasting, high-performing windows. Renewal by Andersen windows come with the seal of approval from a reputable American company that stands behind their products.
This gives buyers the confidence to pay more than they would for no-name, discount vinyl windows that lack any brand reputation.
Even if less expensive vinyl windows boast similar energy-efficiency ratings and basic features, the intangible value of brand reputation, consumer trust, and the “Andersen difference” enables Renewal by Andersen to outprice the market.
Homeowners see worth in buying windows backed by such an established, renowned household brand name in Andersen – and renewal by Andersen reaps those benefits in window sale prices.
- Lasting Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
At the end of the day, even with the high upfront investment, choosing Renewal by Andersen can save you money in the long run through energy bill savings. Replacing aging, inefficient windows has been proven to save homeowners 20-30% on heating and cooling costs.
Unlike flimsy vinyl alternatives, these savings add up year after year for decades rather than fading after a few years when cheap windows lose their seal and insulation properties. Renewal by Andersen windows retain their energy efficiency thanks to the durable construction, meaning lifelong savings on energy.
When you factor in these energy and cost saving – in addition to no longer dealing with drafts, fogging, condensation, noise, and damaging UV rays thanks to Andersen’s innovative glazing – Renewal by Andersen windows pay dividends for 10-20 years longer than inferior vinyl windows.
Even though cheaper vinyl windows may cost hundreds less per opening, Renewal by Andersen makes up for that price difference through perennial energy savings, weather and noise protection, and longevity vinyl windows simply can’t compete with.
This value holds up wonderfully in all weather extremes which vinyl, wood, or aluminum windows struggle with.
So if you take the long view beyond initial window cost, Renewal by Andersen offers more bang for your buck. Paying extra gives you back savings and benefits for the entire lifespan of your home. Ultimately this provides you greater overall value than temporary cheap windows that need frequent replacing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Renewal by Andersen is among the most expensive window replacement options, but generally not the absolute most expensive brand available. Very high-end custom wood windows with specialty glass and framing can cost even more than Renewal by Andersen’s price range in some cases.
However, when comparing mainstream window replacement companies that manufacture vinyl windows at scale, Renewal by Andersen’s prices set them above competitors. Their prices can run 2-3x higher than average vinyl or basic wood windows from big box stores. Generally they are 30-50% higher priced than mid-level window manufacturers as well.
There have been a few class action lawsuits in recent years filed against Renewal by Andersen alleging deceptive sales and advertising practices that misrepresented true costs to homeowners. Some plaintiffs stated sales representatives used bait-and-switch tactics that advertised special discounted pricing to get homeowners interested but then later revealed higher actual prices after sign-up and deposit. Others claimed false promises of lifetime warranty coverage were made verbally that exceeded the written warranties. While some settlements have been reached in a few states, complaints over sales practices still remain to varying degrees online from some customers.
For most homeowners needing full window replacement, Andersen windows are considered well worth the extra investment over cheap vinyl alternatives found at home improvement stores. You benefit from custom manufacturing in the United States, industry leading materials like Fibrex composite frames, excellent warranties and service, proven energy efficiency, and overall durability that adds value to your home. While expensive upfront, you end up saving money long-term through lower energy bills and less repairs/replacement costs over a 20-30 year window lifespan.
Andersen is the parent manufacturing company that produces the windows and patio doors sold through Renewal by Andersen. Think of Renewal by Andersen as essentially the retail sales and installation division of the larger 100+ year old Andersen corporation. Renewal by Andersen handles the distribution, customization, selling, and installation of various Andersen window and door models directly for residential projects rather than selling through third-party retailers. So “Renewal by Andersen” refers to the specifically branded division of Andersen Windows that handles getting their products directly into homes whereas Andersen generically refers to the manufacturing company itself.
Final Thoughts
When comparing Renewal by Andersen’s prices to alternative vinyl windows, the sticker shock is understandable. Their custom-made Fibrex windows sell for nearly 2-3 times more than basic vinyl replacements from big box stores.
However, this premium pricing reflects Andersen’s unmatched quality, customization, warranties, brand value, and installation. While expensive up front, you end up saving money for decades to come through lower energy bills and reduced maintenance or repairs down the road.
Ultimately for homeowners who can afford the investment, Renewal by Andersen offers superior materials, craftsmanship, and features that deliver lasting value from every dollar spent.
For those needing an affordable vinyl window alternative that satisfies their budget, Renewal by Andersen simply sits at the top of the market that values best-in-class quality over lowest cost.
