What Andersen Makes and How It Fits Into Your Home
Andersen is a manufacturer of residential windows and doors — the frames, glass, and hardware that go into exterior openings of houses. The company makes both replacement windows (which fit into existing openings) and new construction windows (which go into walls during building). They also make exterior doors, interior French doors, and sliding glass doors. You encounter Andersen products when you're replacing old windows that leak or rattle, upgrading to more energy-efficient glass, or installing new doors during a renovation.
Andersen operates in the mid-to-premium price range. Their products cost more than the cheapest big-box options but less than ultra-high-end custom manufacturers. The company has been in business since 1903 and operates factories in the United States, which affects both cost and lead time — custom orders can take weeks to arrive.
The brand matters mainly because window and door quality affects heating and cooling costs, noise levels, and how long you go before needing repairs. A cheap window might need caulking or reglazing in ten years; a quality window can last twenty-five to thirty years with minimal maintenance.
Key Takeaways
- Andersen makes windows and doors in different product lines — Renewal (replacement only), 100 Series (entry-level new construction), 200 Series (mid-range), and 400 Series (premium) — and the line you choose affects price and performance.
- Replacement windows fit into your existing frame opening, while new construction windows are built into walls during renovation or new building, and you cannot use one type where the other is needed.
- Energy ratings like U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) tell you how much heat escapes in winter and how much sun heat enters in summer, which directly affects your heating and cooling bills.
- Andersen windows typically come with a ten-year warranty on parts and labor, though some components have longer coverage, and the warranty is non-transferable if you sell the house.
- Installation quality matters as much as the product itself — a poorly installed window will leak and perform below rating, so hiring a certified installer is worth the cost.
The Different Andersen Product Lines and What They Cost
Andersen organizes its windows into product lines based on frame material, glass options, and performance level. Renewal windows are replacement-only and use wood frames with aluminum cladding on the outside — they fit into existing openings without removing the old frame. Renewal is the most common choice for homeowners replacing old windows because it avoids the cost and mess of removing the original frame.
The 100 Series, 200 Series, and 400 Series are all new construction windows, meaning they install into the rough opening during building or major renovation. The 100 Series is the entry-level option with vinyl frames and basic glass. The 200 Series adds better insulation and more glass options. The 400 Series uses fiberglass frames and the highest-performance glass packages. Price increases with each step — a 100 Series window costs roughly half what a 400 Series costs for the same size opening.
Andersen also makes patio doors (sliding glass doors that open onto decks or patios) and entry doors in wood and fiberglass. Entry doors come in standard sizes or custom dimensions, and pricing depends on material, glass type, and hardware finish. A basic fiberglass entry door runs less than a wood door with sidelights and transom windows above it.
Understanding Energy Ratings and How They Affect Your Bills
Every Andersen window carries two main energy ratings: U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). The U-factor measures how much heat escapes through the window in winter — lower numbers are better, and a U-factor of 0.30 or below is considered high-performance. SHGC measures how much of the sun's heat enters through the window in summer — again, lower is better if you're in a hot climate, higher is better if you want solar gain in winter.
These numbers matter because they directly affect heating and cooling costs. A window with a U-factor of 0.35 will let more winter heat escape than one rated 0.25, which means your furnace runs longer. In a cold climate, choosing windows with U-factors below 0.30 can reduce heating costs by 10 to 15 percent compared to older single-pane windows. In a hot climate, low SHGC ratings reduce air conditioning load.
Andersen publishes these ratings on every product specification sheet. You can compare them side by side when deciding between product lines or between Andersen and other brands. The ratings are tested by independent labs and certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), so you can trust the numbers across different manufacturers.
Replacement Windows Versus New Construction Windows
Replacement windows are designed to fit into the existing frame opening of your current window. The installer removes the old sash (the moving part) and sometimes the frame, then slides the new window into the space. This approach avoids tearing into walls, removing exterior siding, or dealing with asbestos in old glazing compound. Replacement windows are faster and cheaper to install than new construction windows.
The trade-off is that replacement windows are limited by the size of your existing opening. If your current window is 36 inches wide, your replacement window will be roughly 36 inches wide — you cannot make it larger without expanding the opening itself. Andersen Renewal windows come in standard sizes and can be custom-ordered, but the opening size is the constraint.
New construction windows are built to install into the rough opening of a wall during framing or major renovation. They have a nailing fin (a flange around the perimeter) that fastens to the wall framing before drywall and siding go on. New construction windows allow you to change the size and shape of openings — you can make a window larger, smaller, or move it to a different location. They're necessary when you're adding a new window where none existed or when you're doing a major renovation that involves opening up walls.
You cannot use a replacement window in a new construction opening, and you cannot use a new construction window in an existing frame. Choosing the right type depends on whether you're replacing existing windows or creating new openings.
What the Warranty Covers and What It Does Not
Andersen windows come with a ten-year warranty on parts and labor. This means if the window fails due to a manufacturing defect within ten years, Andersen will repair or replace it at no cost, including labor. The warranty covers the frame, glass, hardware, and seals — essentially everything except damage from accidents, weather events, or improper installation.
The warranty does not cover normal wear, maintenance issues, or damage from impact. If a window seal fails after eight years and moisture gets between the panes, that's covered. If you hit the window with a baseball, that's not. If the frame warps because you painted over the drainage holes and water backed up, that's not covered either.
One important limitation: the warranty is non-transferable. If you sell your house, the new owner does not inherit the warranty. This matters if you're planning to sell within a few years — the warranty protection ends with you. Some homeowners factor this into the decision to upgrade windows, since the resale value gain may not justify the full cost if you're not staying long.
Installation and Why It Matters as Much as the Product
A high-quality window installed poorly will leak, rattle, and perform below its energy rating. Installation quality determines whether the window is truly sealed against air and water infiltration. Poor installation — gaps around the frame, missing caulk, incorrect flashing — can cost you hundreds of dollars in heating and cooling losses over the window's life.
Andersen maintains a network of certified installers who have completed training on proper installation techniques. You can find certified installers through the Andersen website or by asking local contractors. Certified installers understand how to flash windows correctly, seal gaps, and handle different wall types (brick, vinyl siding, stucco). The labor cost for certified installation is higher than hiring a handyman, but the difference in performance and warranty coverage is significant.
If you're replacing windows, ask the installer for references and verify they've done similar work. Ask about their process for flashing and sealing. A good installer will explain why they're doing each step and will stand behind their work with a separate labor warranty.
Andersen Doors: Entry Doors, Patio Doors, and French Doors
Andersen makes entry doors in wood and fiberglass. Wood doors are traditional and can be stained or painted any color, but they require regular maintenance — repainting every few years and occasional caulking. Fiberglass doors mimic the look of wood but require less maintenance and are more durable in harsh climates. Both types come in standard sizes (36 inches wide is most common) and can be ordered in custom dimensions.
Patio doors are sliding glass doors that open onto decks or patios. Andersen makes them in vinyl and fiberglass frames, with options for single-slide (one moving panel) or double-slide (two moving panels). Patio doors come in standard widths — 60, 72, and 96 inches are common — and can be custom-ordered. The glass can be clear, tinted, or low-E (energy-efficient).
French doors are hinged doors with multiple glass panes. Andersen makes interior French doors (which separate rooms) and exterior French doors (which open onto patios). Interior French doors are mainly for aesthetics and light transfer. Exterior French doors function like entry doors but with a more traditional appearance. All door types come with hardware options — handles, locks, hinges — that affect both function and style.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get Andersen windows after I order them?
Standard sizes typically ship within two to four weeks. Custom sizes and special glass options can take six to eight weeks or longer. Lead times vary by product line and current demand. Ask your installer or dealer for a specific timeline when you place the order, and factor this into your renovation schedule.
Can I install Andersen windows myself, or do I need a professional?
Replacement windows can be installed by a handy homeowner if you have basic carpentry skills and the right tools, but improper installation will void the warranty and cause leaks. New construction windows require framing knowledge and understanding of flashing and sealing. Most homeowners hire a professional installer to may support the warranty is honored and the windows perform as rated.
What's the difference between low-E glass and regular glass?
Low-E (low-emissivity) glass has a microscopic coating that reflects heat back into your home in winter and reflects sun heat away in summer. It costs more than regular glass but reduces heating and cooling costs. In cold climates, low-E glass is standard on mid-range and premium windows. In hot climates, low-E glass with a low SHGC rating is the better choice.
Do Andersen windows come in colors other than white?
Yes. Andersen offers interior colors (white, almond, and others) and exterior cladding colors (white, tan, bronze, and others). Wood windows can be stained or painted. Custom colors are available but cost more and may have longer lead times. Ask your dealer what colors are in stock versus custom-order.
What should I do if a window starts leaking after installation?
Contact the installer first — the leak is usually a flashing or caulking issue, not a window defect, and the installer should fix it under their labor warranty. If the installer is unresponsive, contact Andersen directly with photos and details. Andersen will investigate whether the leak is a manufacturing defect (covered under warranty) or an installation issue (the installer's responsibility).