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Resource Article

Renewal by Andersen vs. Pella: Which is better?

Key Takeaways:

  • Renewal by Andersen uses its exclusive Fibrex® composite material, while Pella offers vinyl, wood, fiberglass, and aluminum.
  • Both Renewal by Andersen and Pella offer full-service window and door replacement.
  • Renewal by Andersen manages the project from start to finish and has Certified Master Installers.
  • Pella allows you to hire your own contractor or install the windows yourself.

What’s the difference between Renewal by Andersen and Pella? Which company is a better fit for your window replacement project?

After replacing more than 12 million windows in nearly two million homes, we’ve seen that the right choice depends on what’s most important to you. Both Renewal by Andersen and Pella are among the top options nationwide, but they’re not the same—and the better choice depends on your priorities.

Some homeowners prioritize lower upfront costs or improving their home’s value. Others prioritize warranty coverage, material options, or energy efficiency.

Renewal by Andersen uses a full-service replacement model from start to finish, while Pella offers both full-service options and flexibility in how homeowners purchase and install their windows.

In this guide, we’ll compare Renewal by Andersen and Pella across materials, installation, and warranties to help you decide which company is best for you. Let’s dig in.

A tidy room featuring a window and a desk, creating a bright and organized workspace.

How Should You Compare Window and Door Companies?

There’s a lot to consider when it’s time to replace your windows. You’ll compare costs, material quality, durability, energy efficiency, warranty coverage, installation process and service, customization options, and the company’s reputation.

In general, the cost of replacing windows and doors varies. According to the Cost vs Value report, 10 double-hung windows (3x5-foot) using vinyl frames can be $22,073 and $2,435 for an entry door made of steel.

The cost to replace your windows or doors with Renewal by Andersen or Pella depends on the materials, size, style, glass options, and installation needs.

What Do Renewal by Andersen and Pella Offer?

Renewal by Andersen focuses on window and door replacement in existing homes with Acclaim® replacement windows, Acclaim® Impact replacement windows, Ensemble® entry doors, and Andersen® patio doors.

Pella offers new construction and replacement windows, patio doors, entry doors, and storm doors.

Window frame materials

New windows are often a long-term investment, and choosing the right window materials can make all the difference. Let’s compare the best window materials, including wood, composite material, aluminum, fiberglass, and vinyl.

Vinyl is often the most affordable window replacement material, and the price of composite material can be in the mid-to-high range.

Renewal by Andersen manufactures Acclaim® and Acclaim® Impact windows with Fibrex® material, a composite made of reclaimed wood fiber and thermoplastic polymer that’s fused together. For front entry doors, Renewal by Andersen uses a bonded dual-composite frame with fiberglass and Fibrex material.

Fibrex material offers the strength and insulating value of wood with the low maintenance features of vinyl.*

A bright kitchen featuring white cabinets and a large window allowing natural light to illuminate the space.

Pella offers windows that are made of vinyl, fiberglass, or aluminum-clad wood.

Deciding between windows made of vinyl, clad wood, or composite material often comes down to saving money in the short term or choosing higher upfront costs for long-term durability.

  • Consider vinyl windows if you prefer lower upfront costs and don’t live in a climate with either extreme heat or cold, which could affect vinyl’s durability over time.
  • Consider wood windows if you want a natural, traditional look with the ability to paint or stain to match your home’s style.
  • Consider composite material if you have a higher budget and want long-term durability and the strength and beauty of wood with less maintenance. Fibrex® material continues to be 2x stronger than vinyl after 30 years in a home.**

Energy efficiency

In fact, replacing old windows with ENERGY STAR® certified windows lowers household energy bills by an average of 13% nationwide. Good thing Renewal by Andersen and Pella offer energy-efficient windows and doors.

Both companies offer glass options for hot and cold climates, including insulating glass and low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings that limit heat transfer and help block harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Both also offer ENERGY STAR® certified products and triple-pane window glass for climates with extreme heat or cold.

For energy efficiency, one of the biggest differences between Renewal by Andersen and Pella is the frame materials available. Beyond proper installation, the frame materials are one of the most important factors for maximizing energy efficiency in new windows or doors.

Renewal by Andersen’s Fibrex® material stays energy efficient using high-quality insulation that helps limit thermal expansion, the temporary expansion or contraction of material that occurs when outdoor temperature changes.

Pella uses fiberglass, aluminum-clad wood, and vinyl frame materials.

What’s the best window glass for each region?

The right window glass for your home can depend on where you live.

  • Best for warm climates: Double-pane glass.
  • Best for cold climates: Triple-pane glass.
  • Best for warm and cold climates: Low-E glass.

Both Pella and Renewal by Andersen offer double-pane, triple-pane, and Low-E window glass. Our parent company, Andersen, is the leader in energy-efficient window and door solutions.†

Comparing warranties

A window warranty tells you a lot about how much a company stands behind its product. Before you sign anything, find out how long the warranty coverage lasts, what it covers, and whether it transfers to the next owner if you sell your home.

Both companies offer 20-year glass coverage on standard glass for some seal issues on qualifying products, and the warranty coverage varies by product. For warranties, the main difference between Renewal by Andersen and Pella is what happens over time and after the windows or doors are installed.

Renewal by Andersen has the Nation’s Best Warranty coverage on our replacement windows, and it’s fully transferable to any future homeowners. The limited warranty includes 20 years on standard glass and Fibrex® material, 10 years on hardware, and two years on professional installation. The limited warranty is fully transferable, which means if you sell your home, the next owner inherits the same coverage.

Pella offers a non-transferable limited lifetime warranty coverage for:

  • Certain non-glass components of vinyl windows and patio doors.
  • Duracast® material in Impervia® windows and doors.
  • Certain wood window and patio door products for the original homeowner.

For many Pella products, the limited lifetime warranty may convert to a transferable 10-year warranty when your home changes ownership under certain conditions. The company’s warranty for labor costs can be limited to two years. Keep in mind that labor coverage isn’t a one-size-fits-all for all of Pella’s products. Some of its product lines offer shorter coverage periods or have limited labor provisions compared to others.

What’s a claim of warranty? A claim of warranty is a formal request you submit to a manufacturer to repair or replace defective parts under your warranty agreement.

Installation process and service

Installation can make or break a window or door replacement project. Fortunately, both Renewal by Andersen and Pella have a strong track record with homeowners. For installation, the biggest difference between the two companies can be who replaces the windows and doors—you, the company, or a contractor you hire separately.

Pella also offers in-home consultations and ongoing support for warranty coverage. For installation, you can find your own contractor or hire a Pella-certified contractor. Pella offers a few ways to buy windows and doors if you’d rather install them yourself: online, at a partner retailer, or one of its showrooms. If you buy through a local showroom, Pella can handle the installation for you.

Renewal by Andersen handles all aspects of your window or door replacement and installation. Our Signature Service includes a free in-home design consultation, precise measurements, and custom manufacturing, installation, and ongoing support as needed for your limited warranty coverage. Renewal by Andersen’s Certified Master Installers are required to demonstrate their knowledge of construction materials, building codes, and installation methods.

More About Our Certified Master Installers and Their Unique Qualifications

Hear from CMI Warren in our Meet The Team: Certified Master Installer video and get answers to the questions you might not have even thought to ask!

We discuss what to expect on installation day, and what makes a Renewal by Andersen replacement window installation job so special.

Which Window Company is Best for You?

Choosing between Renewal by Andersen and Pella comes down to how you prioritize materials, the installation process, and the warranty over time.

Renewal by Andersen offers full-service window and door replacement from start to finish and long-lasting Fibrex® material, which has the benefits of vinyl and wood. Pella offers more material options and flexibility in where you purchase your windows and how the work gets done.

Consider Pella if you want more material options and more flexibility to replace windows or doors yourself. Consider Renewal by Andersen if you want the Nation’s Best Warranty coverage on replacement windows and a company that will handle your project start to finish.

If you want to learn more about Renewal by Andersen, schedule a free consultation.

What Do Homeowners Say About Renewal by Andersen?

More than 1.5 million homeowners recommend Renewal by Andersen.†  Explore our customer reviews to see what homeowners from Florida to British Columbia have to say about their experience with us.‡

“I am moving to a new residence. Its windows are Pella wooden casement windows ca. 1975. I already contacted Renewal by Andersen for an estimate to replace them!”

Susan H.
Tennessee
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is Better: Renewal by Andersen or Pella?

Neither company is better than the other. Renewal by Andersen and Pella support different homeowner needs. Renewal by Andersen is a full-service replacement company with in-house installation, custom-built windows made with its Fibrex® composite material, and a single limited warranty covering both the product and its installation. Pella offers more frame material options, including vinyl, wood, fiberglass, and aluminum, along with more flexibility in how you purchase and install your windows, such as working with your own contractor or handling the installation yourself in some cases. The better choice depends on what matters most to you in a replacement window company. 

When Should I Replace My Windows?

If you're experiencing any of these problems, it may be time to consider replacing your windows:

  • Drafty windows: This is one of the most common signs that your windows need to be replaced. Drafty windows can make your home uncomfortable and can also lead to higher energy bills.
  • Cracked or damaged glass: Cracked or damaged glass can be a safety hazard and can also allow water or other elements to seep into your home.
  • Difficulty opening or closing: If your windows are difficult to open or close, it may be time to replace them. Windows that are difficult to operate can be especially troublesome for elderly people or those with mobility issues.
  • Increased energy bills: If your energy bills have been increasing steadily, it may be due to drafty windows. Replacing your windows with energy-efficient ones can help you save money on your energy bills.

Is Financing Available?

Renewal by Andersen, Pella, and many window replacement companies offer financing. If you finance with a window company, you can save time with an easy application and a quick lending approval process—sometimes in minutes. Renewal by Andersen offers a variety of flexible financing options to help make your project more affordable and fit your budget.

 

* See Renewal by Andersen® Products and Installation Transferable Limited Warranties for details.

** Six window units were tested in a Minnesota home 30 years after installation. Visit renewalbyandersen.com for warranty information.

† 2024 Andersen brand survey of U.S. homeowners.

‡ Based on Medallia homeowner satisfaction surveys of Renewal by Andersen customers January 2019-December 2025. Average scores between 9 and 10 using Net Promoter Score methodology on all survey questions after installation project completed.

Our Hassle-Free Process

Meet with your design consultant in-home or virtually to design a replacement solution that works for you. You’ll get options that fit your home, your timeline, and your bottom line.

Step 1

Design Consultation

Meet with your design consultant in-home or virtually to design a replacement solution that works for you. You’ll get options that fit your home, your timeline, and your bottom line.
Your project technician will assess your home, take detailed window and framing measurements, and answer any last-minute questions before sending in the order for custom-built windows.

Step 2

Measure and Manufacture

Your project technician will assess your home, take detailed window and framing measurements, and answer any last-minute questions before sending in the order for custom-built windows. 
Our installers treat your home as if it were their own. They come prepared with a “rolling workshop,” take time to answer any of your questions, and clean up thoroughly when done.

Step 3

Installation

Our installers treat your home as if it were their own. They come prepared with a “rolling workshop,” take time to answer any of your questions, and clean up thoroughly when done.
A robust limited warranty is backed by a commitment to making sure your windows function as expected. We will be here for you today, tomorrow, and decades down the road.

Step 4

Customer Care

A robust limited warranty is backed by a commitment to making sure your windows function as expected. We will be here for you today, tomorrow, and decades down the road.