Windsor Windows Vs. Andersen Windows For Your Home

If you’re in the market for new windows, you’ve likely come across two big brand names: Windsor and Andersen. Both companies have been around for decades and are known for making high-quality windows.

But which is better for your home and budget?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Windsor and Andersen window models head-to-head so you can make an informed decision. We’ll look at factors like materials, energy efficiency, warranties, styles, cost and more.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	Andersen Windows	Windsor Windows
Materials	Fibrex (vinyl/fiberglass blend), wood, aluminum cladding	Vinyl, wood, aluminum cladding
Price range	$600 – $2000+ per window	$300 – $1200 per window
Warranty	20 years (vinyl), 10 years (wood)	Lifetime limited (vinyl), 10 years (wood)
Efficiency ratings	Very good. Excellent air tightness and light transmittance.	Very good. Slightly lower air tightness and light transmittance versus Andersen.
Style options	Very broad selection	Slightly smaller selection versus Andersen
Availability	Through certified Andersen dealers	Through independent local dealers
Brand reputation	Industry leader for over 100 years	Lesser known, family-owned company (since 1946)
Customer reviews	Mostly positive. Complaints about high cost.	Mostly positive. Complaints about mixed customer service.

Windsor Windows Overview

Windsor windows are manufactured by Windsor Windows & Doors, a family-owned and operated company founded in 1946. They specialize solely in windows and doors.

Windsor offers both vinyl and wood window models to suit homes of varying styles and budgets. Their most popular lines are the Next Dimension vinyl windows and the Legend wood windows.

Pros of Windsor Windows:

• Wide range of customization options for styles and colors
• Vinyl windows are very energy efficient and low maintenance
• Wood windows can match historical homes or luxury estates
• Good warranty coverage
• Generally affordable pricing

Cons of Windsor Windows:

• Lower visibility and reputation than Andersen
• Quality and consistency varies across dealers
• Mixed reviews on customer service response

Windsor windows range in price from about $300 on the low end to over $1000 for complex custom jobs. They offer a comprehensive lifetime limited warranty covering the vinyl and hardware against defects.

Andersen Windows Overview

Andersen windows are manufactured by one of the most established names in windows. Andersen Corporation was founded in 1903. They offer vinyl, wood, and fiberglass window options.

Their most popular vinyl model is the 100 Series, and the popular wood model is the A-Series. Andersen is also known for their Fibrex material (a hybrid of fiberglass and wood) used in Renewal by Andersen windows.

Pros of Andersen Windows:

• Excellent brand recognition and reputation
• Very good energy efficiency ratings
• Large selection of stylish window styles
• Durable and long-lasting construction
• Strong warranties on parts and glass

Cons of Andersen Windows:

• Much more expensive than Windsor
• Mixed reviews of customer service
• Mainly sold through dealers, not big box stores

Andersen windows can cost anywhere from $600 on the very low end to over $2000 per window depending on materials, features, and size. Most styles and options land in the $800 to $1200 range.

The limited warranties vary but are generally 20 years on vinyl components and 10 years on glass.

Key Differences Between Windsor And Andersen Windows

Now that we’ve covered the key background on each brand, let’s compare them across some major factors:

Materials

The materials used in manufacturing are one of the biggest differences between these two brands.

Windsor:

• Vinyl – Windsor’s Next Dimension vinyl windows are built using a premium vinyl called Invincible 5X. It’s thicker and more rigid than typical vinyl.
• Wood – Their Legend wood windows use a pine interior and are either primed or clad with aluminum on the exterior. Premium options include an oak or mahogany interior.

Andersen:

• Vinyl – Andersen’s 100 Series windows use their Fibrex material for the frame. This vinyl/fiberglass blend aims to be durable and strong.
• Wood – Their A-Series windows use a pine interior and are either primed or clad with aluminum on the exterior. Higher end woods are available.
• Fibrex – For Renewal by Andersen insert windows, Fibrex material is used throughout the entire frame and sash for maximum durability.

Both companies use high quality glass, insulation, and weatherstripping in their window constructions. Low-E coated glass and argon gas are standard to improve efficiency.

Overall, the material quality of both brands is excellent. Andersen offers more material options with their Fibrex product, but Windsor’s Invincible vinyl aims to be very durable and rigid.

Efficiency

Energy efficiency is important for both brands. Here’s how they compare:

• U-factor – This measures heat conduction. Lower is better. Windsor’s vinyl windows can get as low as 0.27. Andersen’s are also around 0.27.
• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) – This measures solar radiation blocked. Lower is better. Both brands offer SHGC down to around 0.20.
• Visible Transmittance – This measures daylight transmitted. Andersen offers VT as high as 0.63, while Windsor is around 0.52 at best.
• Air Infiltration – Windsor windows are tested to resist up to 15mph winds. Andersen can be tested to resist winds over 110 mph.
• Condensation Resistance – Important in humid climates. Windsor offers a max CRC of 82. Andersen has a similar CRC around 75.

Overall, while both brands offer very good efficiency, Andersen windows tend to rate slightly better for air tightness and transmitting light. But Windsor still performs very well.

Both companies’ top vinyl models meet ENERGY STAR qualifications in all climate zones when proper glass and gas fills are selected.

Styles

Style preferences often drive window buying decisions. Here are some quick comparisons:

• Double Hung – Offered by both. Windsor windows tilt in for easy cleaning. Andersen’s have continuous cord sash movement.
• Casement – Offered by both. Windsor uses fold-down hardware. Andersen uses wash mode.
• Gliding – Offered by both. Windsor offers triple sash options. Andersen has bother interior and exterior color options.
• Awning – Offered by both. Windsor awnings are top-hinged. Andersen uses chain actuators.
• Specialty – Both offer bay windows, garden windows, etc. Andersen likely has a broader specialty selection.

Both companies can fulfill virtually any style preferences. Andersen likely has a slight edge in terms of variety. But Windsor offers attractive options for most needs.

Warranties

The warranties provide peace of mind on your substantial window investment. Here’s how they compare:

Windsor Warranties:

• Lifetime Limited – Covers vinyl and hardware against defects. Includes 10 years glass coverage. Available for original owner.
• 10-Year Limited – For wood windows. Covers materials and workmanship. Includes 10 years glass. Transferable.

Andersen Warranties:

• 20/10 Limited – Covers vinyl windows for 20 years and glass for 10 years. Transferable.
• 10 Year Limited – For wood windows. Covers material and workmanship for 10 years. Transferable.

The warranties are fairly comparable. Both offer good coverage against defects, though Andersen provides twice the vinyl window coverage duration. Overall coverage is sufficient on both brands.

Costs

There is a fairly wide price discrepancy between these brands. Here are some averages:

• Windsor Vinyl – Roughly $300 to $800 per window. More basic versions around $300. Higher-end more complex windows up to $800.
• Andersen Vinyl – Approximately $600 to $1200 per window. More basic around $600. Luxury versions $1000+.
• Windsor Wood – About $800 to $1200 on average. Historic styles can be $1500+.
• Andersen Wood – Around $1200 to $2000+ per window. FibrexRenewal models $2000+.

While ranges can vary, Andersen windows are often 50-100% more expensive than comparable Windsor windows. Part of this cost difference is the brand equity that comes with being an industry leader for over 100 years.

Overall, Windsor offers excellent quality at notable value, while Andersen offers premier quality at premium prices.

Customer Reviews

Looking at customer feedback for both window brands shows:

• Windsor – Reviews are very positive overall. Customers praise the quality, appearance, value, and warranty. Some complaints of leaks and condensation. Customer service satisfaction is mixed.
• Andersen – Reviews are mostly positive. Customers love the quality, performance, and style options. Common complaints are the very high prices and so-so customer service. Professional installation is recommended.

Both brands earn strong customer satisfaction, but have some negative feedback around customer service. For the premium prices, buyers expect white glove service from Andersen.

Availability

These two brands use different distribution models:

• Windsor – Sold primarily through local independent window dealers across the U.S. Limited big box store availability. Cannot be purchased direct.
• Andersen – Sold through certified Andersen dealers. Renewal by Andersen windows are sold directly to homeowners through company sales reps. Limited big box availability.

This means you’ll need to work with local dealers to shop, price, and install both of these brands’ windows. Andersen likely has greater geographical availability while Windsor may have fewer certified options in some areas.

Which Brand Is Right For Your Home?

With the major comparisons covered, which of these window brands is better for your situation?

For homeowners on a tight budget who still want very good quality, Windsor is likely the better choice.

You can get robust vinyl windows installed at $300 to $500 per window – a great value.

Even their wood windows are priced lower than Andersen equivalents with competitive features and warranties.

There are more affordable options over Andersen’s products.

For historical homes or luxury estates where budget is less of a concern, Andersen windows should be strongly considered. Their top-tier wood window styles provide classic architectural aesthetics.

And their Fibrex material offers extremely durable performance and tighter air sealing. Andersen’s superior reputation and sleeker style options make the higher prices more palatable for upscale homes.

Ultimately, you can feel confident choosing either of these reputable brands. Use the factors we covered to decide which aligns best with your budget, style preferences, and needs.

For the right home, Andersen or Windsor windows can enhance your property for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Closing Remarks

In summary, Andersen and Windsor are both reputable and quality window brands. Key differences are:

• Andersen windows are 50-100% more expensive, but offer premier materials like Fibrex, broader style selection, and an industry-leading reputation.
• Windsor windows are very competitively priced, offer excellent energy efficiency, and have good warranties. Brand recognition lags behind Andersen.
• For high-end homes, Andersen provides classic style and durability worthy of the investment.
• For budget-conscious homeowners, Windsor offers great performance and warranties at accessible price points.

Ultimately, choosing between Andersen vs. Windsor windows depends on your specific budget, style needs, and priorities. Either can deliver an outstanding window replacement project with professional installation.

Doing thorough research is advised to make the right purchase decision for your home.