Renewal by Andersen Vs. Window World for Replacement Windows
- The Wacky Window Woman
- Aug 10
- 5 min read
Compare Renewal by Andersen vs. Window World for replacement windows—see how they stack up on window cost, quality, and overall value for your home.
I’ve had both Renewal by Andersen and Window World into my home to give me a quote on my replacement window project of twelve windows. These two companies do pretty much everything different and you’ll also learn how much they vary in pricing.
Be sure to see the Wacky Window Window Comparison Chart to see how many of the well-known Replacement Window Companies compare when they quote the same project using the same window specs.
Window World in-home Demonstration
Walt of Window World was in our home for about 22 minutes to complete his full window presentation of his Alside 4000 series window. He pulled out a Window World quote sheet and began to fill in the blanks of what he was pricing and items that could be deleted if we wanted to decrease the overall price.
As I began to research the Alside 4000 window to other Alside Window lines, I soon realized, the Alside Mezzo window is a a more energy efficient window and comes with a lesser price tag when purchased from Virtual View Windows. The Mezzo can meet the new 2023 most efficient Energy Star ratings 7.0 and offers very competitive energy efficient numbers for any of the climate zones in the US.
Renewal by Andersen in-home Demonstration
The window rep from RbA did the full blown window presentation complete with heat lamp and full demo of the Fibrex frame that they are known for. The rep made it very clear up front that they would not be the least expensive and that in his opinion, the frame was so important that he put it on the top of the list with the quality of insulated glass unit in second place.
Renewal by Andersen was in my home for about one and one-half hours and didn't seem surprised when we told him he was 3X's the price of some of the others we had quotes from.
Window World and Renewal by Andersen, who is the most affordable?
That’s an easy question to answer if your shopping by price alone. On the Wacky Window Woman Comparison Chart, Window World is one-third of the price of Renewal by Andersen. However, as you begin to really compare the Alside 4000 Series Window that Window World offers to the custom designed Fibrex Window that Andersen offers, they are vastly different.
The most affordable option on the chart is Virtual View Windows. Virtual View Windows also sells an Alside Window, but a much better version than what you get with Window World. The 4000 series by Window World, is often considered a more budget-friendly option, with solid construction and performance. It has a traditional design but has a slightly bulkier frame compared to the Quattro series that you get from Virtual View Windows. Bulkier frame means less square inches of glass and light.
If you’re looking for a more energy-efficient, sleek design: The Alside Mezzo Window would likely be the better choice. It’s a higher-end, more modern option with a greater focus on energy performance.
Renewal by Andersen, hits hard on the fact that their window is much more than a traditional vinyl window. Their Window Representative stated that, in his opinion, vinyl windows are weak and that Renewal by Andersen’s Fibrex material, which is what they use in lieu of vinyl, is comprised of 60% reclaimed wood fiber blended with 40% polymer. This material makes the Andersen window extremely heavy compared to the vinyl windows I had seen the others bring into my home, and based upon their sales pitch, a much more durable material than Vinyl, but with more durable material comes a hefty price tag.
Renewal by Andersen talks a lot about their Fibrex material, claiming it’s far superior to vinyl. And sure, the frame matters—but let’s not forget the real MVP of energy efficiency: the glass.
It’s actually the Low-E coatings and argon gas fills that do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to keeping your home comfortable and your energy bills in check. The frame—whether it’s Fibrex, vinyl, wood, or unobtanium—isn’t the main player in stopping heat loss or keeping out the cold. It’s like praising the picture frame for the quality of the artwork inside.
So while Fibrex may be a solid, durable choice, if you’re comparing windows, don’t get too caught up in the frame material alone. Pay close attention to what’s in the glass unit itself—that’s where the real performance happens.
Window Replacement Prices
If you have the budget and can afford to pay three-times more for a high quality window then go for it. However, I would guess most of us can’t afford or just don’t want to spend 300% more than necessary for a good quality replacement window. Specifically, if you know you won’t be in your home forever, or if you are making improvements so you can sell at top-dollar, there isn’t a real need to go overboard on the make-up of the window.
If you plan to sell your home, just being able to say “energy efficient replacement windows” along with a transferable warranty is sufficient per my friends in the Real Estate Industry.
I’ve had several Replacement Window companies into my home to quote my window project of 12 windows. I asked each to price the same window specs, so we can get to an apples to apples comparison. So far, on my comparison chart, Renewal by Andersen is at the bottom of the list and Window World is ranked #2 based on price, although their window doesn’t stand up to the Alside Quatrro that Virtual View Windows offers at a lesser price, which is why they are #1.
Renewal by Andersen Vs. Window World Replacement Windows
If you are truly comparing Window World to Renewal by Andersen, you are going to have decide if you are in the market for a window that might last forever or are you looking for a traditional, basic vinyl window at a competitive price? It's likely that you don't want either. If you are like my husband and myself, you want a high performing, energy efficient window at an affordable price.
For us, Virtual View fit the bill. Once we realized that we could get a quote virtually and that they didn't require an in-home demo or appointment, we definitely wanted to throw them into the mix with the others we were considering.
Be sure to see the Wacky Window Woman Price Comparison Chart to see how the larger players stack up one against the other when you do a true apples to apples comparison. On the chart, they all priced white vinyl, double-hung and double-pane windows. When I could get it I also asked for the upgrade to triple-pane so that we could weigh the benefits of the $600 tax credit against the additional cost. The quotes ranged in price from just under $10K to over $34,000 with Renewal by Andersen.
