Pella 450 vs Andersen 200 series windows or other?

10 years ago

We just purchased a house and the windows need to be replaced. I currently have quotes from Lowes/HD for Pella 450 ($270 with in pane grille and screen) and Anderson 200 Series ($354 with in pane grille and screen). we can get about 15% off those prices through bulk purchasing, but thats what I am going off of for now.

How are the Pella 450 and Anderson 200 series thought of? I realize they are maybe a step above builders grade, but they seem like decent windows when I played around with them in the store (Andersen 200 felt a little better). Do you guys recommend I look into another brand? The Pella is cheaper, but will it be as good as the Andersen?

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Tech First
Original Author

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

See I really don't get comments like yours winkster. First of we are not claiming Pella or Andersen 200s are top of the line. My folks have Andersen 200s in their custom $650k home and never had issues with air leakage (living in MD so fairly cold winters and pretty hot/humid summers) from the windows. A couple of the windows did fog/glaze up, but Andersen sent out replacements in a matter of days.

I got a quote on the 400 series and they are about $950 each. I'm sorry but I don't have $12k to blow on some top of the line window. There is a rational to buying quality windows, but there is a point of diminishing returns when you just end up paying for options you don't need. The average customer just wants a good solid window that won't blow the budget.

I ended up buying the 200 series windows and putting them in myself, was careful to properly seal and insulate around windows while installing. Paid about $3000 for 10 windows (Model # DH3049), with grille and bug screens (had a 10% off coupon HD honored and used my 5% discount with card). temps have been in the mid/upper 90s for two weeks and we just had a MASSIVE rain storm a week ago with winds up to 50 mph. No discernible water or air leakage. AC is running noticeably less too, and I don't notice a temp difference when I pass by a window like I could before! Its early still but I'm very happy with my Andersen 200s.

I have to replace a double exterior french door and am thinking about trying the 200 series for that too.

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Comments (9)

PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
10 years ago
The Andersen 200 isn't a bad little window in my opinion. I have always found it to be in pretty good shape and pretty sturdy.
Tech First
Original Author
10 years ago
Any opinions on the Pella 450? The brand seems to be having some issues, but I was curious what people thought of that particular line of windows.
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millworkman
10 years ago
Anything Pella in general will get poor reviews from most any pro I am aware of.
freeoscar
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
who will be installing the windows, and what do they think? We faced the same choice and went with Andersen because our contractor used them more frequently. He was fine if we chose the Pella, but unless I really care about something, we default to what he is most comfortable with.

In general it seems that Pella have questionable reviews and lots of bad experiences.

I would add that the Pella 450 being less expensive than the Andersen is unusual in my experience. The Andersen 200s were about 20% less.
Tech First
Original Author
10 years ago
our GC likes simonton windows, but I don't like the feel of vinyl windows. Even the more expensive ones just feel kinda flimsy and cheap.

Any other thoughts on good vinyl clad wood windows? is the 200 series the best value out there right now or is there any other recommendations?
User
10 years ago
I'm in the same boat. I need some new windows and I have Anderson coming out soon. My husband had a Pella slider door installed about 10 years ago and it has preformed great. It wasn't cheap (2000k installed) but I'm happy with the quality so I'd give Pella a shot at the windows if they are cheaper than Anderson.

Here's how I look at it - I'm in a 90s builder grade home with the original windows. They have been just find for the last 16-17 years... And the original windows are just above "builder grade" so I'm sure Pella or Anderson will be a nice step up and perform just fine. I don't need nor want top of the line. I want decent quality at an affordable price. I don't care much about energy savings. In other words, I'm not spending lots of extra money for energy saving windows if it's going to take 10 years to break even.
User
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
First off, both the pella 450 and andersen 200 are builders grade in my opinion. Unlesss of course you prefer air leakage.

if you get an andersen, at least get the 400 series. Avoid tilt wash.

Your notion about taking 10 years to recoup your savings is complete hog wash. Perhaps a paper savings but what about the intangable savings you get by being more comfortable in your home. Would you rather feel the savings in comfort or just see it on some utility bill? What good is that ?

Especially on very hot and very cold days. Those 2 producrs wont do much for that.

this is a typical consumers rationale. Of course after a few years everyone complains about their new, cheap windows but never seem to blame themselves for their poor choice.
User
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
No offense tech first, but i find your claims very hard to believe. I grew up in this industry and stand by my comments.