Window World vs. Pella: The Wacky Window Woman’s Guide to Save vs. Splurge

Window World vs. Pella: Can You Get Luxury Looks on a Budget?

We've had ten different window companies provide a quote for our window project of twelve windows. See the Wacky Window Woman Price Comparison Chart to see how top well-known brands stack up one against the other when you compare price, warranty, financing and energy ratings.

Window World vs. Pella: Which is Better for a Tight Budget?

If you are working with a tight budget, it's hard not to consider Window World. Window World offers the Alside 4000 series window which is known for it's budget friendly pricing. It also comes with sub-par energy ratings compared to some of the others. It is the least expensive, but you are giving up some energy ratings that may be important to you and your energy bills. The quote we received from Window World for our twelve windows was $ 10,062, about half the price of Pella.

We asked the Pella representative to price the Pella 250 which is a vinyl window. Pella offers wood and fiberglass, but because I wanted a true apples-to-apples comparison, we stuck with vinyl. I would have expected Pella's window to meet all the energy ratings, but surprisingly this window doesn't meet the Energy Star 7.0 Most Efficient ratings. Their SHGC, Air Infiltration and U-Factor ratings are good, but for the price I would have expected much more. The quote from Pella came in at $21,261 or $11,199 more than Window World.

Is Pella Really Worth the Price Tag?

Pella was the 10th company we asked to either come into our home or at the least, offer a virtual quote, like Virtual View Windows did. Pella ranks #7 out of ten companies, so definitely not the top of list for affordability.

Ultimately, my husband and I chose Virtual View Windows. They offer the entire sales process from Quote to Contract virtually, and can service most of the US. When we baked in the price, the energy ratings and topped that with the fact that we didn't have to let a weird window dude into our home for 2-3 hours, it felt like a perfect fit for us. Their quote for our window replacement project was $11,528. They are #3 list on the list, so not the cheapest, but when we compared energy ratings, specifically Energy Star 7.0 Most Efficient Ratings, for only $1,466 more we felt like we got a superior window that met our needs.

We chose Virtual View Windows. They sell the Alside Mezzo window in triple-pane. This window meets the Energy Star 7.0 Most Efficient Ratings.

Vinyl vs. Fiberglass: The Real Difference Between Window World and Pella

We didn't ask Pella to price their fiberglass window as we were only considering Vinyl Windows for our project. Based on internet research, you can expect that the same window in fiberglass will cost about $900-$1500 more per window.

There is much data to support the fact that Fiberglass is more durable and that the life expectancy is longer, but again, this isn't something we were considering this time around.

Pella offers Vinyl, Fiberglass and Wood Windows. The Wacky Window Woman Price Comparison chart includes pricing for Vinyl. Pella is ranked #7 out of ten companies.

Why are Pella Windows so expensive compared to Window World?

Both Pella and Window World spend a boatload of advertising dollars to get the attention of us consumers, so I can't say that one has a bigger budget than the other as I feel I see commercials constantly for these two brands.

The biggest different is the energy ratings of the Window World Alside 4000 budget friendly window compared to Pella's 250 Window series. The ratings are better with Pella, but neither Pella or Window World meet the Energy Star 7.0 Most Efficient ratings that husband and I were looking for.

The Pella Quote was $11,000 more than Window World. Neither brand meets the Energy Star 7.0 Most Efficient Ratings.

Who has a better warranty: Window World or Pella?

Pella's warranty is very similar to some of the others. Specifically for their Vinyl Window, they offer

1.  Lifetime on defects in base product

2. 20 Years on the Glass

3. Lifetime on working parts hardware/accessories

4. 10 Years on Exterior Finishes (paint)

5. No Warranty on interior paint finishes

6. Transfer to new homeowner - Replaced with 10 year from original date

Window World offers a Manufacturers' Warranty and then also a Repair Labor Guarantee.

1. Vinyl Parts under normal use

2. Mechanical Parts are warranted to be free from manufactured defects in material and workmanship

3. Insulated Glass Unit is warranted against defects resulting in material obstruction of vision from film formulation caused by dusk or moisture in the dead space of the unit for the life of the warranted product

4. Glass Breakage Warranty - they indicate to check the manufacturers' warranty (they didn't leave this with me)

5. Transferrable Provisions, you can transfer one by the original residential purchases to a subsequent owner within 30 days of property transfer date

Here is a picture of the Window World Quote that Walt left with my husband and I.

Window World vs. Pella: The Wacky Window Woman’s Guide to Save vs. Splurge

When I compare these two and if I had to chose one, I'd likely go with Window World and upgrade to triple pane and get as close as I could to meeting the Energy Star 7.0 Most Efficient ratings. With the Alside 4000 series that Window World sells, I don't believe with all the available upgrades added that it would even come close to getting you to the Energy Star 7.0 Most Efficient ratings that most of us are looking for.

I would feel dumb paying $11,528 more for Pella windows at my age. I'm 59 and it seems silly to pay so much more for a a window that will likely outlast me.

Be sure to see the Wacky Window Woman price comparison chart to see how ten of the most popular window brands stack up one against the other when you compare price, warranty, financing, and energy ratings. Don't let the appeal of the lowest price bid, steal your heart until you've taken into consideration all that makes a window a great window.

Regardless of where you purchase your replacement windows, tell 'em the Wacky Window Woman sent you!