You’re standing in your living room, watching the sunset through a window that’s seen better days. Maybe it’s drafty. Maybe it won’t open. Maybe the glass is foggy. Maybe you’re just tired of looking at those outdated frames. You know it’s time for new windows—but where do you even start?

Shopping for replacement windows can feel like navigating a maze. Dozens of companies promise the best quality, price, and service. But can they all live up to their promises? How do you separate the real deal from the marketing hype?

That’s where we come in. This guide will walk you through your options—from DIY projects to hiring a contractor to working with a full-service replacement company like Renewal by Andersen. We’ll also compare Renewal by Andersen directly with other window replacement companies like Pella, Marvin, Window World, and Champion Windows. By the end, you’ll understand what to look for, what makes Renewal by Andersen different, and how to move forward with confidence.

What Are Your Window Replacement Options?

Before diving into company comparisons, let’s talk about the three main paths you can take for your window replacement project: DIY, hiring a contractor, or working with a full-service company. Each has its pros and cons.

Option 1: DIY window replacement

This path involves purchasing windows from a home improvement store or online retailer and installing them yourself.

• Pros: You can lower upfront costs by not paying for labor, and you have complete control over the project timeline.
• Cons: This option can require significant skill, time, and the right tools. Improper installation can lead to drafts and lack of energy efficiency, and can cause your windows to be difficult to operate. You are also responsible for any mistakes that arise.
• Best for: Experienced DIYers with carpentry skills who are comfortable taking on a complex project and its risks. Generally, it’s recommended you have experience with this type of project if you’re going to do the install yourself.

Option 2: Hiring a general contractor

With this option, you purchase the windows separately (from a home improvement store or dealer) and hire a general contractor to install them, or you hire a general contractor and they will help choose and purchase your windows.

• Pros: You get professional installation expertise and, depending on the contractor, the flexibility to choose windows from any manufacturer.
• Cons: You may need to coordinate between the window supplier and the contractor. There’s no single point of accountability if something goes wrong, and the window warranty may not cover installation issues. Plus, you may have another warranty from the contractor—which means juggling multiple warranties and the hassle that can come with that. The windows you buy may be standard sizes and not custom made for your home’s specific openings.
• Best for: Homeowners who want professional installation and are willing to hire their own contractor for the project.

Option 3: Full-service window replacement companies

Companies like Renewal by Andersen handle everything from the initial design consultation to manufacturing, installation, service, and warranty.

• Pros: You get one-company accountability from start to finish. The process includes expert design consultation, custom-built windows made to fit your home precisely, professional installation by certified experts, and a comprehensive warranty covering both the product and installation—plus streamlined communication since you’re working with one company throughout the entire process.
• Cons: This option typically has a higher cost compared to DIY or hiring a contractor, and you have no flexibility to mix products from different manufacturers.
• Best for: Homeowners who want an easy process with one company handling everything and are willing to invest in a premium experience.

What Should I Look for When Comparing Window Companies?

Not all window companies are created equal. Here are the key factors to consider when evaluating your options.

• Material quality and durability: Look for companies that use high-quality, durable materials designed to withstand your local climate. Ask about the specific materials used in frames, glass, and hardware, as these impact long-term performance and maintenance.
• Energy efficiency: Check for ENERGY STAR^® certification and compare energy performance ratings. Ask about glass options like Low-E coatings and gas fills that can help reduce your heating and cooling costs.
• Warranty coverage: Compare the length of the warranty and what it covers—is it just the product or both product and installation? Look for transferability if you plan to sell your home and understand any exclusions. For example, some warranties cover material but not installation. Renewal by Andersen has the Nation’s Best Warranty coverage on our replacement windows, and it is fully transferable to any future homeowners.
• Installation process and service: Find out who will install your windows. Ask about their training and experience. Will you be on the hook for any damages during the installation process? Is installation included in the cost of the windows and doors or is it separate? Also, inquire about post-installation service.
• Customization options: Evaluate the range of styles, colors, and hardware available. Can the company provide custom sizing or are you limited to standard sizes?
• Customer reviews and reputation: Research customer satisfaction ratings, read reviews, and look for industry awards.

Renewal by Andersen vs. Other Companies: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to window companies, the difference can be huge. Some companies simply manufacture windows for new construction or replacement, and you use a third-party contractor or install the products yourself. Others do everything for you, from manufacturing to installation. In this section, we’ll help you understand the key differences between Renewal by Andersen and some of our competitors in product, installation, materials used, and warranty.

Products

A window and door replacement company can have the best service in the world, but it doesn’t matter if the products they sell aren’t well made with high-quality, long-lasting materials. Find out whether the company focuses on replacement or new construction. Do they specialize in a certain type of window, door, or both? What else do they make, if anything?

• Renewal by Andersen focuses on window and door replacement through its Acclaim^® replacement windows and coastal Acclaim^® Impact replacement windows. We also offer Ensemble^® entry doors, and Andersen^® patio doors.
• Pella sells new construction and replacement windows, patio doors, entry doors, and storm doors.
• Marvin focuses mainly on new construction, although they do have a line of windows intended for replacement. They sell windows and doors for commercial and residential purposes.
• Champion manufactures replacement windows, entry doors, and sliding doors. They also build sunrooms, including sunroom windows.

The bottom line: When considering which window or door company to choose, it’s important to consider not only the specific products they offer, but also their expertise and specialty. Renewal by Andersen specializes in replacement windows and doors, so you know you will be getting top-notch products and installation services tailored to your needs.

Installation

Some window replacement companies are full-service, meaning they handle everything in the process from manufacturing to installation. Other companies manufacture and sell the product but work with other companies for installation.

Consider whether you need to select installers and manage the project yourself or if the company will take care of all that. Are the installers professionally certified by the company to install that product? Ask about their training and experience.

• Renewal by Andersen is a full-service replacement-window company. Every project starts with a free in-home design consultation. Someone will sit down with you and go through your options. Then your windows are built to order—not pulled from a shelf. That means a perfect fit for your home. An install project manager takes precise measurements to make sure each window will be custom made to fit the exact opening in the wall.
  
  When it’s time for installation, you can count on our Certified Master Installers. They’ll remove and dispose of your old windows and doors, install the new ones with precision, and clean up before leaving—so the only thing you’ll notice is how much better your home looks.
• Pella manufactures their replacement windows, and you can either choose your own contractor to install them or work with a Pella^® Certified Contractor from their network. It’s not always a one-company solution like Renewal by Andersen.
• Marvin focuses mainly on new construction. For replacement window services, they work through a dealer network, not Marvin itself. Your windows are not custom built for your home.
• Window World has in-house installers, but it operates as a franchise model with independent dealers. Each franchise is independently owned and operated, so service quality can vary significantly between locations.
• Champion handles the design, manufacturing, and installation of their replacement windows.

The bottom line: The process at Renewal by Andersen is almost as important as our product itself. Our Signature Service is designed to help take the stress out of window and door replacement. From your free in-home consultation to the final installation, every step is guided by trained experts who listen carefully, plan thoughtfully, and work with precision.

Materials

What makes one type of window frame material better than another? Which frame materials should you consider, given your budget, the style of your home, time required to maintain, and your geographic location?

Look for companies that use high-quality, durable materials designed to withstand your local climate. Ask about the specific materials used in frames, glass, and hardware, as these impact long-term performance and maintenance. Learn more about how other replacement window materials compare to Fibrex^® composite material.

• Renewal by Andersen Acclaim^® and Acclaim^® Impact windows are made of our exclusive Fibrex composite material, which combines the strength of wood with the low maintenance of vinyl.
• Pella offers wood, vinyl, and fiberglass windows.
• Marvin primarily offers wood and clad-wood windows, along with some fiberglass options.
• Window World makes windows with vinyl window frames.
• Champion makes windows with vinyl window frames.

The bottom line: When it comes to window frame materials, it’s about more than price. Fibrex composite material is a unique replacement window material. Think of it as the best of both worlds in window technology—it combines the natural strength and insulating properties of wood with the low-maintenance qualities of vinyl.

Warranty

• Renewal by Andersen: Our clear and easy-to-understand warranties on Acclaim^® replacement windows translates to 20 years of coverage on standard glass and Fibrex^® materials, two years of coverage on professional installation, and 10 years on locks, hinges and other non-glass components. Best of all, our warranties are fully transferable, so the next homeowners can have the same protection if you decide to sell.
• Pella offers a limited lifetime warranty that varies by product line and is typically not transferable.
• Marvin’s limited warranty coverage varies by product and dealer.
• Window World’s limited lifetime warranty details and support quality can vary by franchise.
• Champion offers a limited lifetime warranty with less transparent details.

The bottom line: Renewal by Andersen’s customers get the top-quality product we’re known for, and our Signature Service—plus the Nation’s Best Warranty coverage. At Renewal by Andersen, we believe that a warranty should be more than just a length of time; what and how our products are covered matter. 

Compared to top-selling window competitors in warranty coverage quality for transferability; required maintenance; geographic restrictions; labor, installation; clarity of terms; and additional benefits, Renewal by Andersen is an industry leader. So you can have peace of mind that we stand behind our products and service. Whatever the issue is, we’ll take care of it for you.

Learn more about the Renewal by Andersen warranties and do a side-by-side comparison with the competitions’ warranties here or see below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Here are answers to some of the most common ones homeowners ask.

Is Pella or Renewal by Andersen better?

While both are reputable, Renewal by Andersen comes out ahead in several key areas: material superiority with our Fibrex^® composite material, a more trusted brand reputation*, a seamless one-company service approach, and a more comprehensive warranty covering both product and installation. For superior performance and long-term value, Renewal by Andersen is the better choice.

Is Marvin or Renewal by Andersen better?

Similar to Pella, Marvin is a well-respected brand in the window industry. However, when comparing Marvin and Renewal by Andersen, a lot stands out. Renewal by Andersen’s Fibrex^® material offers superior durability and energy efficiency compared to traditional wood or vinyl windows like those offered by Marvin. Our one-company approach enables a smooth installation process and comprehensive warranty for both product and labor. In terms of overall value and performance, Renewal by Andersen stands out as the better option between the two brands.

Can I just do it myself?

As we mentioned earlier, window installation generally goes better when you have experience with these types of projects. Even small errors can lead to drafts, lack of energy efficiency, and difficult-to-operate windows. Unless you’re an experienced DIYer, professional installation is worth the investment. With Renewal by Andersen, you get expert installation and comprehensive limited warranty coverage without the added stress.

How do I know which window company is right for me?

Ask yourself what’s most important: material quality, energy efficiency, warranty, or budget? Are you looking for the lowest upfront cost or long-term value? Do you want a seamless experience or are you comfortable coordinating contractors? Renewal by Andersen is the right choice if you value superior materials, a hassle-free process, comprehensive warranty coverage, and excellent energy efficiency.

What Do Homeowners Say?

_{^bBased 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 design consultation or installation project completed.}

Don’t just take it from us. Over 1.5 million homeowners recommend Renewal by Andersen.^b Take it from Chuck, a homeowner from Minnesota:

“We have now had all of our windows replaced by Renewal by Andersen. The quality of the windows, the installation, and the staining of the trim were all done well. In price comparison with other companies, Renewal by Andersen is more expensive, but we have found it to be worth every penny. The windows we just had installed were to replace the Marvin windows we’d had installed after our original windows. We should have gone with RbA then. Their quality is second to none.”

Read more real-life testimonials from people who tried other companies and ended up choosing Renewal by Andersen.

What Sets Renewal by Andersen Apart?

Choosing new windows is a significant investment. You deserve a company you can trust. With Renewal by Andersen, you’re not just buying windows—you’re investing in beautiful, high-performance products custom-crafted for your home, expertly installed, and backed by warranties that give you total peace of mind.

Here’s what sets Renewal by Andersen apart:

• Superior material: Our exclusive Fibrex^® material composite is stronger and more durable than vinyl. Fibrex material won’t crack, rot, pit, corrode or warp, and it never needs to be painted. Plus, maintenance is minimal.
• Comprehensive service: Our Signature Service means one-company accountability from design through installation.
• Unmatched warranty: Our Nation’s Best Warranty covers both the product and the installation.
• Trusted reputation: We have more five-star reviews than our competitors.*

Ready to see the difference for yourself? Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today. Your home deserves the best, and with Renewal by Andersen, that’s exactly what you’ll get.

_{^{*Based on 2024 Andersen brand surveys of U.S. contractors, builders, architects & homeowners. 
‡ Review aggregator survey of 5-star reviews among leading national full-service window replacement companies. January 2024 Reputation.com .}}