What’s the difference between Andersen and Renewal by Andersen?
You asked, we're answering
Let’s clear up the confusion! We have two sides to our business, either of which could meet your needs, if you’re taking on a window replacement project. While high-quality windows and doors are a given, whether you choose Andersen or Renewal by Andersen,
there are differences that you should understand. Here's where you can find out what you need to know in order to choose the right
path for your project.
What makes Andersen and Renewal by Andersen different?
Andersen manufactures a robust portfolio of window and door products to suit any style of home and any type of project, including new construction, remodel/renovation, and replacement.
Andersen does not sell directly to homeowners or offer installation services. Instead, they work with a national network of installers, including vetted and trained Andersen Certified Contractors who purchase Andersen products from a retailer/dealer and install for you.
Renewal by Andersen specializes in window and door replacement. They’re full service, meaning they handle it all from selling to manufacturing to installing — even servicing products down the road.
By working directly with homeowners, Renewal by Andersen is able to make the process simple at every step. The windows they sell are custom manufactured to fit existing openings in your home. As a replacement-only business, their products are not for new construction homes.
How does the buying experience differ between Renewal by Andersen and Andersen Windows?
No matter if you choose Andersen or Renewal by Andersen, you can expect a profound commitment to customer experience. But if the most important thing to you is a seamless experience with one company, then Renewal by Andersen is probably your best option. They sell directly to homeowners and the Signature Service is built into the business model — no matter where in the country you might live.
How will window replacement work if I choose Renewal by Andersen?
Renewal by Andersen offers a white-glove, full-service replacement process from start to finish, called Signature Service. At each step, you will be assisted by a Renewal by Andersen-trained professional who specializes in a specific aspect of replacement. Here’s how it works:
- A design consultant will visit your home, listen to your needs, and help you select the windows and doors that meet those needs.
- A project technician will come to examine the condition of your existing windows and take the technical measurements needed to manufacture your custom windows. During this stage, you’re encouraged to ask all your questions and you’ll also be briefed on the next steps, including how to prepare for installation day.
- Once your windows have been manufactured, at the Cottage Grove, Minnesota facility, a professional installer will come to replace your windows approximately 6 to 8 weeks later. Your installation will be warrantied for 2 years.
In other words, Renewal by Andersen does the work for you. Their Signature Service makes your window replacement the most streamlined home improvement project you’ll ever take on. With locations across the country, there’s a Renewal by Andersen retailer for your community.
How will window replacement work if I choose Andersen?
First, you should expect a great full-service window replacement experience. We recommend starting here on our website where we can match you with a local-to-you contractor who specializes in Andersen products. The Andersen Certified Contractor network stretches across the country and includes trained window and door installers.
These contractors are independent businesses, but ones that are vetted and trained by Andersen. Andersen Certified Contractors offer a 2-year installation warranty backed by Andersen. If you want to work with a contractor who has deep roots in your community and brings their own style to the job, you might prefer working with an Andersen Certified Contractor. You also might benefit from taking this path if your home improvement project will include related work, like replacing siding, roofing, and more.
How does product differ between Andersen and Renewal by Andersen?
Andersen quality underlies the products, no matter if the label on your new windows read “Renewal by Andersen” or “Andersen.” Still, if you want the most design freedom, Andersen is probably your best option because of the robust product portfolio.
What products does Andersen offer?
If you are looking for unlimited options to enhance your home’s architectural style, you can find that in the Andersen product portfolio. Andersen has entry doors, big doors (oversize patio doors) and five complete product lines, which include both windows and patio doors. The product lines offer cost and design flexibility to meet any project need. Andersen uses the right materials in the right place to manufacture windows designed to achieve the right balance of strength, performance, and aesthetics. Both “replacement windows” and “new construction windows” are available and either could be right for your replacement project. Look to your contractor for product advice.
What products does Renewal by Andersen offer?
Renewal by Andersen offers Acclaim® windows made of our trademarked Fibrex® material and Ensemble® entry doors made of Fibrex material and fiberglass. Fibrex material is the ideal material for Renewal by Andersen’s replacement-specific products because it’s twice as strong as vinyl, virtually maintenance-free, and able to withstand extreme temperatures in all climates. In other words, it’s an excellent material for making windows, including custom replacement windows, which are sized within 1/16” of your existing window openings. You’ll be able to make a variety of selections related to finish, grilles, and more when you choose Renewal by Andersen products.
Andersen Windows vs. Renewal by Andersen
Although you could choose either for your replacement project, there are key differences to be aware of:
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|---|---|---|
| What types of projects can these products be used in? | Andersen® products can be used in any type of project, including new construction, remodel/renovation, and replacement. | Renewal by Andersen® products are replacement only. They are specially designed and custom manufactured to fit the existing openings in a home. |
| What is the installation experience like? | Andersen doesn’t sell directly to homeowners. Instead, they help match homeowners with a local contractor from a national network of vetted and trained installers, which includes Andersen Certified Contractors. These are independent business people who specialize in Andersen products and will take care of product guidance and installation. | Renewal by Andersen sells directly to homeowners and handles the entire replacement project from start to finish through their Signature Service. |
| What replacement products are available? | All Andersen products can be used in replacement projects. A few popular replacement options to consider include 100 Series insert replacement windows, 400 Series Woodwright® Double-Hung Windows, and 400 Series Tilt-Wash Double-Hung Windows. | Renewal by Andersen’s windows and entry doors are all specifically designed and custom built for replacement projects. Renewal by Andersen installs Andersen patio doors. |
| What materials are used? |
Materials vary by product line:
|
Materials vary by product line:
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| What are the window sizing options? | Window sizes include both standard and custom sizing to 1/8". | Windows are made to fit your existing window openings down to 1/16”. |
| Where do you actually buy windows? |
Your Andersen Certified Contractor will place your order through an independent retailer or a The Home Depot store. |
Your Renewal by Andersen retailer will be your single point of contact, managing every step including ordering. |
More FAQs about Andersen and Renewal by Andersen?
Still have questions about Andersen and Renewal by Andersen? Find answers to frequently asked questions below.
How energy efficient are these windows?
Both Andersen and Renewal by Andersen windows come standard with dual-pane glass and low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings. Low-E coatings help keep homes comfortable in all climates, and we have a variety of coatings available. Triple-pane glass improves performance even further and is available with a variety of Andersen® products and select Renewal by Andersen products.
Get more tips about how to pick out energy-efficient windows.
What is the average cost to replace windows with Renewal by Andersen?
The short answer is that the average cost to replace windows depends on the home. There are many different factors that will impact the total cost of a replacement project. The big ones include:
- Product: Window size, window type, customizations, and upgrades all make an impact.
- Project: Are you replacing all your windows or just a few? How many windows does your home have?
- Location: What is the price of labor in your area? Are there code requirements that require window upgrades?
The variability of these factors makes it challenging to give an average window cost. Instead, we suggest you request a quote from your local Renewal by Andersen retailer. They will not only give you the information needed to begin budgeting for your project, they can also tell you more about the financing options that may be available to you.
If you are considering Andersen products, the same logic applies. An answer surfaced on the internet won’t be specific to your home, location, and needs. So, if you are serious about replacing your windows, it’s best to find a contractor who can give you quote specific to your project.
If you’re not ready to request a quote, we can help you start understanding window and door costs.
Is financing available when I buy new windows?
Yes, financing options are widely available through both Andersen Certified Contractors and Renewal by Andersen retailers.
Flexible financing is available with Renewal by Andersen purchases and includes features like deferred payment and low minimum monthly payments.
Financing options may also be available when you purchase Andersen windows through an Andersen Certified Contractor. The exact options will depend on your contractor.
Find out more about financing a window replacement project.
How do warranties compare between Andersen and Renewal by Andersen?
Our warranties are among the best in the industry.
- Renewal by Andersen offers fully transferrable limited warranties. The Nation’s Best Warranty for non-coastal Acclaim® windows covers glass and Fibrex material for 20 years, hardware for 10 years, and installation for 2 years. You can view Renewal by Andersen product warranties for more information.
- Andersen limited product warranties can also be transferred from one owner to the next. While exact details vary by product line, all non-coastal Andersen product warranties offer 20 years on standard glass and 10 years on non-glass components. A separate 2-year installation warranty is offered on installations performed by Andersen Certified Contractors.
Are windows and doors offered through both Andersen and Renewal by Andersen?
Yes, Andersen and Renewal by Andersen both sell windows, patio doors, and entry doors, so you can be assured your windows and doors will match no matter which option you choose.
In addition, Andersen sells big doors, which is our name for large-scale patio doors that can open up an entire wall (think bi-folding doors, indoor/outdoor spaces, and more). Renewal by Andersen also sells some of these products in select locations.
Are the Andersen windows that are sold in The Home Depot® stores the same as Renewal by Andersen windows?
No, the Andersen windows sold at The Home Depot are manufactured by Andersen and have the “Andersen” brand label. Andersen products are also sold at independent dealer locations throughout the country.
Renewal by Andersen windows are manufactured custom to order, so you won’t find them stocked on store shelves. They are only sold through Renewal by Andersen retail locations.
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