Pella vs Andersen Windows [Your Ultimate Resource]

When shopping around for windows and doors, there are certain things you need to look out for. It’s not just about who installs your windows, it’s about who makes them as well. You need credibility and experience, quality products, and a wide range of glass options. 

Pella and Andersen are manufacturers that have been around for decades and they tick all the right boxes. But if you had to choose one of them for your next window replacement, would you know who to pick? 

Consider this a crash course in both companies and hopefully, it’ll bring you closer to a decision. We’ll look at what makes Pella and Andersen similar and what sets them apart while considering their backgrounds and comparing their products. 

At Demers Glass we have helped thousands of homeowners choose, install, and service every type of window imaginable—from custom floor‑to‑ceiling walls of glass to budget‑friendly vinyl replacements. Two brands come up on nearly every project brief: Pella® and Andersen®. Both manufacturers have been innovating for roughly a century, and each offers a deep catalog that can feel overwhelming the first time you dive in.

This guide breaks down the similarities and the critical differences so you can move from research paralysis to a confident purchase. We’ll translate technical jargon, compare real‑world pricing, and share insider tips we’ve learned on job sites across Arizona’s punishing desert heat and Northern high‑country cold.

If you're still early in your window buying journey, check out our guide on types of windows to get familiar with key styles and terms.

Andersen Corporation

Founded in 1903 in Hudson, Wisconsin, Andersen began as a family lumber enterprise before pivoting to window frames in 1908. By 1913, operations had expanded to Bayport, Minnesota, where Andersen’s flagship factory still hums today. Fast‑forward to 2025 and the company employs 13,000+ people at 35 facilities, posting $4.3 billion in 2024 sales (This Old House). Its portfolio includes the Andersen®, Renewal by Andersen®, and EMCO® brands.

Pella Corporation

Pella’s story starts in 1925 when Peter and Lucille Kuyper purchased the Rolscreen insect‑screen company. Relocating to Pella, Iowa, they steadily expanded into full‑fledged window production, officially rebranding as Pella Corporation in 1992. Today Pella runs 19 manufacturing plants across the U.S. and Canada, employs about 8,000 team members, and generated roughly $1.5 billion in 2024 revenue (EcoWatch). Key sub‑brands include EFCO® and Duratherm®.

Demers Insight: Large national brands can invest heavily in new technologies and maintain broad parts availability—an advantage when your window needs service 20 years down the road. But scale alone doesn’t guarantee local follow‑through; that’s where a trusted regional partner like Demers Glass steps in to bridge the gap.

If you’re considering a full renovation, read our whole-house window replacement guide to see what it takes to modernize your home efficiently.

Sources: The Spruce, This Old House

What Stands Out

• Material innovation: Andersen’s proprietary Fibrex® composite (60 % reclaimed wood fiber + 40 % polymer) expands 70 % less than vinyl, reducing seal failures. Pella counters with Impervia® fiberglass, prized for its impact resistance and slim sightlines.
• Design flexibility: Need to match a 1920s bungalow? Pella’s Reserve line offers authentic putty‑glaze profiles. Working on a modern desert retreat? Andersen’s E‑Series delivers 50+ exterior colors and virtually any geometric shape.

Trying to decide between window types for your style or space? Explore our comparison of single vs. double-hung windows for a closer look.

Arizona homeowners juggle triple‑digit summers and frosty high‑country winters, so thermal performance is more than a buzzword. 

For more on how efficient windows can impact your home’s performance and utility bills, we break it all down in our energy-efficient windows guide.

Both brands carry ENERGY STAR® labels, but numbers vary.

Data: ExpertWindows.ie & NFRC certificates.

2025 Incentive Alert: ENERGY STAR Most Efficient windows qualify for up to $600 in federal tax credits, plus local utility rebates. Ask your Demers estimator to stack every available incentive so you don’t leave money on the table.

Figures pulled from O’Donnell Roofing and 2024 HomeAdvisor averages.

Why the Gap? Andersen leans on dealer networks and its Renewal franchise model, which bundles design consult, manufacturing, and installation into one turnkey price. Pella’s in‑house showrooms and strong vinyl presence create a lower entry point.

Demers Tip:

If you’re comparing windows on a budget, make sure to factor in frame construction too. Our article on thermally broken vs. non-thermally broken windows explains a key difference that affects performance and cost.

What It Means for You

• A longer parts warranty sounds great, but if it isn’t transferable you may not recoup value at resale.
• Labor coverage is critical. Glass failure on a 20‑ft‑high picture window can cost more in scaffolding than in parts.
• Demers Glass technicians are factory‑trained on both brands, and we handle the paperwork so your claim doesn’t fall through the cracks.

• Pella: Sold through 200+ Pella Window & Door Showrooms, Lowe’s, and independent dealers. Installers may be Pella‑certified crews or third‑party contractors.
• Andersen: Available at lumberyards and big‑box stores, but its signature experience is Renewal by Andersen, a start‑to‑finish service with in‑house installers.

Reality Check:

• Structural strength: Andersen’s fully‑extruded Fibrex frames resist warping in 115 °F summers. Some Pella aluminum‑clad wood windows can sweat in high humidity, though proper weep management mitigates most issues (This Old House).
• Aesthetics: Pella’s narrow sash lines create a clean, modern sightline; Andersen’s thicker profiles trade minimalism for muscle.
• Color & Finish: Need dark bronze or black? Both brands deliver, but Andersen’s baked‑on coatings carry a 20‑year finish warranty versus Pella’s 10.
• Warranty Transfer: Andersen’s coverage follows the window to the next homeowner, a plus for resale. Pella limits lifetime coverage to the original purchaser (Architect & Reserve excepted).
• Distribution: Pella’s factory stores offer one‑stop convenience; Andersen’s dealer web is wider, handy for remote areas.

Who is more expensive in 2025—Andersen or Pella?

After factoring installation, Andersen averages 15–25 % higher than comparable Pella models (O'Donnell Roofing). Premium Andersen lines like A‑Series can exceed that spread.

Which brand offers better patio doors?

Consumer Reports’ 2024 lab tests put Andersen’s A‑Series Hinged Patio Door at the top for structural integrity, while Pella’s Lifestyle Sliding Patio Door earned the highest energy score (This Old House).

Do Andersen Fibrex windows fade?

Color pigments run through the Fibrex composite, so fading is minimal. Andersen backs exterior color for 10 years, matching most paint warranties.

Can I buy Pella windows at Lowe’s?

Yes—Lowe’s stocks Pella 150® and ThermaStar® vinyl lines for DIY installation. For custom sizes, ordering through a Pella showroom or Demers Glass dealer account shortens lead times. 

1. Collect three bids. Each should list window series, glass package, hardware finish, and labor scope. If a quote is vague, your final bill may not be.
2. Check NFRC labels. A low U‑factor matters in high‑country Flagstaff; low SHGC is king in Phoenix.
3. Mind your egress. Bedroom windows must meet fire‑escape dimensions—something we see overlooked in DIY replacements.
4. Plan for lead times. Custom colors can add 4–6 weeks. Order early if you’re coordinating with a remodel.
5. Protect your warranty. Register products within 90 days and keep proof of installation. Demers handles registration for every window we install.

Both Andersen and Pella deliver quality windows; otherwise they wouldn’t survive in such a competitive market. Andersen shines in design flexibility and transferable warranties. Pella wins on entry‑level affordability and showroom convenience. The right choice depends on your climate, budget, and style goals.

Since 1977, Demers Glass has stood for trust, craftsmanship, and a customer‑first approach. We install—and service—both brands statewide, so our advice is brand‑agnostic and project‑specific. If you’re ready to replace a single picture window or tackle a whole‑house upgrade, our team will walk you through options, maximize rebates, and back the work with Arizona’s strongest labor warranty.