Renewal by Andersen (RbA) is the replacement window division of longtime industry titan Andersen Windows & Doors. RbA only installs replacement windows made by Andersen.
But these windows are some of the highest quality and technologically advanced available on the market. If your home needs upgraded, customized replacement windows, RbA might be a good choice.
We’ve compiled this in-depth Renewal by Andersen review to help you understand the details of the company’s products, services, price points, and overall reputation before investing.
| Our Rating | 74.5 / 100 |
| Year Founded | 1995 |
| State Availability | 48 states |
| Financing Options | Yes |
| Energy-Efficient Products | Yes |
| Warranty | 20-year glass/framing, 10-year hardware, and 2-year installation warranties |
| Price Range | $1,200+ per window |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
Our Review of Renewal by Andersen
Total Score: 74.5 / 100 points
Renewal by Anderson is a high-end window replacement company with top-notch products and a well-thought-out service process. If you’re willing to pay a little extra for white-glove service and high-quality materials, RbA could be a good choice for you. The company earns particularly high marks for its service and reputation.
However, like any company, RbA has some drawbacks. The big one is price: Its windows are more expensive than many competitors, which might drive away buyers on a tight budget. The company has a more narrow product line than some other window installers, meaning that RbA might not be the best choice if your home has custom-designed windows to replace. RbA also offers a less-than-generous limited warranty on its window products.
Continue reading the sections below for a deeper look at each scoring factor.
Renewal by Andersen Product Offerings
Score: 28 / 40 points
What we like
RbA offers seven replacement window styles with one framing option, contributing to its lower score here. However, the product lineup includes the most common residential window styles, so you’ll likely find what you need. We like that RbA offers a lot of customization, allowing you to design your windows from the grilles to the hardware.
What we don’t like
RbA’s lower score in this category stems from its limited selection of frame materials and window styles. While some companies offer two or three frame options, RbA only offers one. The company also sticks to seven standard window styles, while some competitors offer 10 or more.
The important thing to remember when shopping with RbA is that the company has a very specific goal – to provide high-quality replacements for existing windows – which is likely why it doesn’t branch out into multiple product options.
Renewal by Andersen Service Offerings
Score: 9 / 10 points
What we like
RbA is serious about providing customers top-notch service. The company offers a “Signature Service” process that carries homeowners through window consultation, design, installation, and post-install support. If you like white-glove treatment and don’t want to worry about the job at all, RbA is a good option. After your RbA-certified crew has installed your new windows, they’ll dispose of any leftover debris and walk you through maintenance tips.
What we don’t like
A downside of RbA’s service is that it doesn’t use all in-house contractors. The company operates nationwide through a network of retailers and installers, which means your service may vary depending on where you shop.
Renewal by Andersen Affordability
Score: 20 / 25 points
What we like
While RbA is undoubtedly more expensive than some of its competitors, the company does provide a beginning-to-end installation process with white glove service. Plus, it offers a few different flexible financing options to help make your investment more manageable.
What we don’t like
While window shopping, you’ll likely notice that RbA has one of the higher price points in the market. With costs sometimes exceeding $1,200 per window, the company isn’t the most affordable option for every homeowner.
Renewal by Andersen Warranty Support
Score: 5 / 10 points
What we like
Although RbA’s warranty seems shorter than competitors, it’s designed to cover the windows for their entire lifespan. The Andersen window brand has been around for over a century, which points to quality, long-lasting products that shouldn’t need warranty support. If post-installation support needs arise, RbA’s website includes a vast library of maintenance guides and resources to help customers keep their new windows in shape.
What we don’t like
Many top window companies offer lifetime warranties for their window products. RbA offers a 20-year warranty for framing and glass materials, making it one of the least generous companies for warranty support. RbA provides only 10-year and 2-year warranties for hardware and installation, which means you’ll lose warranty coverage for those items after that time.
Renewal by Andersen Company Reputation
Score: 12.5 / 15 points
What we like
RbA boasts an A+ score with the Better Business Bureau, a significant indicator of responsible business practices and reliable customer service. The company has only received 387 customer complaints in the past three years, which is impressive for a company of RbA’s size.
What we don’t like
RbA operates through a nationwide franchise network, a plus for homeowners seeking service in their area. However, the franchises are usually independently owned and operated, so your customer service experience may vary from location to location. We suggest researching reviews and ratings of your local RbA retailers to find the best one.
How Much Does Renewal by Andersen Cost?
Our research shows that Renewal by Andersen windows typically cost between $1,200–$3,000 per window.
However, the company doesn’t list cost information on its website, likely because product prices will vary significantly depending on the type of window and customizations you choose or where you purchase your RbA windows. Even the company’s How Much Do Replacement Windows Cost page lacks pricing information and instead urges customers to schedule a free consultation for accurate cost information.
Renewal by Andersen Financing Options
RbA offers customers multiple financing options to help them afford replacement windows. The company has financing programs with zero upfront fees, deferred payments, low monthly costs, and credit lines up to $55,000. You can pay for your RbA windows using cash or credit card, or come up with a custom plan with financing options for the most manageable investment. You can also check RbA’s Special Offers page for occasional discounts and deals on window and door products.
What Types of Windows Does Renewal by Andersen Offer?
Renewal by Andersen offers seven window styles to meet various functional and aesthetic needs. The company sticks to the basics, offering replacements for only the most popular window types. While this may be sufficient for those seeking run-of-the-mill window styles, those seeking glass block or garden windows must look elsewhere. If you need single-hung or pass-through windows, you can shop with RbA’s parent company, Andersen Windows.
Check the sections below for brief descriptions and common use cases of RbA’s available window products.
Double-hung
Double-hung windows are a classic option used in many residential settings. These windows open from the top and bottom via maneuverable sashes. The sashes overlap and tilt inward in the middle to allow airflow through both ends of the window.
Casement
Casement windows open on a hinged side like a door. Casement windows open with a hand crank, making them an excellent option for hard-to-reach spaces. When the window is fully open, fresh air will flow through the entire window sash area for superior ventilation.
Bay/Bow
Bay windows add a grand statement and some additional space to their room. They’re sometimes called “projection windows” because they bow past the home’s exterior to form a nook-like space.
Picture
Picture windows include fixed frame units that don’t open or close. Instead, these large windows offer an unobstructed view of the outside world, all while allowing natural light to flow into the home.
Sliding/Gliding
Sliding windows are essentially sliding patio doors in window form. They typically involve a fixed sash and a maneuverable one that opens horizontally on a gliding track. RbA allows you to have one or both sashes slide.
Specialty
Specialty windows are fixed models that come in various shapes and sizes. Some homeowners opt for one specialty window as the centerpiece of a room, while others combine specialty windows with standard ones for added appeal. RbA offers 16 customizable specialty shape options.
Awning
Awning windows are hinged at the top and open outward from the bottom. Much like a traditional awning, these windows provide shelter from the rain, allowing the homeowner to use them even in wet weather. Their smaller size and easy opening make them ideal for high-up, cramped, or hard-to-reach spaces.
What Materials Does Renewal by Andersen Use In Its Windows?
Renewal by Andersen window frames are made of the company’s proprietary Fibrex® composite material. The company boasts that this blend of plastic and wood gives you twice the strength of vinyl while being much more efficient than aluminum. Fibrex® comes in a wide selection of colors.
RbA says Fibrex® uses reclaimed polymers and wood products, making it a little more eco-friendly. The product also has a solid 20-year life span.
You should consider shopping with another company if you want vinyl, wood, or aluminum replacement windows. While Fibrex® offers many benefits of other material types, it may not provide the classic look of wood or the affordability of vinyl you’re seeking.
Learn more about RbA’s Fibrex® frame material in the video below:
Renewal by Andersen Windows Series
Renewal by Andersen is the replacement window product series of Andersen Windows. For this reason, RbA doesn’t offer multiple series and just sticks with one product line of Fibrex replacement windows. If you’re interested in learning about the main brand’s six series options, read this comprehensive Andersen Windows review.
Does Renewal by Andersen Offer Window Customization?
RbA offers vast customization options to help you tailor-design your replacement windows. The brand offers 49 color combinations, 11 hardware finishes, and multiple grille patterns for a truly custom look.
The table below lists some of RbA’s most popular customizations:
| Customizable Item | Options |
|---|---|
| Interior Colors | White Canvas Sandtone Terratone Pine Oak Maple Dark Bronze Black |
| Exterior Colors | White Canvas Sandtone Terratone Cocoa Bean Dark Bronze Forest Green Red Rock Black |
| Hardware Finishes | White Stone Distressed Nickel Distressed Bronze Bright Brass Antique Brass Satin Nickel Oil Rubbed Bronze |
| Grilles | Farmhouse Colonial Prairie Modified Prairie |
How Energy-Efficient Are Renewal by Andersen’s Windows?
Renewal by Andersen makes Energy Star-certified windows designed to minimize thermal loss and lower energy bills. The windows do this with insulated frames and glass that keep cool air in during summer and cold air out during winter, helping to reduce the amount your home will need to heat or cool.
Andersen has designed a solid selection of energy-efficient glass and window film products available in its Renewal by Andersen product line:
- Enhanced Triple-Pane Glass
- SmartSun™ Glass
- Enhanced Triple-Pane with SmartSun™ Glass
- SmartSun™ Glass with HeatLock® Technology
- Sun Glass
- Low-E4® Glass
Soundproofing & Insulation of Renewal by Andersen Windows
RbA windows feature dual-pane glass with insulative argon fills between the panes. While this feature greatly reduces energy loss from the windows, it also helps reduce noises that enter your home.
To determine the soundproofing power of a window, you must assess its Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating. STC ratings range from 18 to 38, with higher numbers indicating better sound-blocking capabilities. Most of RbA’s dual-pane replacement windows have STC ratings of 34, meaning they provide excellent sound reduction. If you’re seeking more ways to reduce the noises infiltrating your home, read our guide to soundproofing your windows.
Renewal by Andersen Consultation Process
RbA offers in-person and virtual consultations options to fit individual homeowner needs. They’re free of charge with no attached obligation, meaning you won’t be locked into any purchases just for meeting. The consultation is simply a time to scope out the company and explore its products, prices, and services firsthand.
RbA consultations include the following steps:
- A sales representative will assess your home’s current windows to identify any steps that need to be taken before installing new ones, and to understand what replacement types you need.
- The design consultant will provide multiple window options that fit your home aesthetically and functionally.
- You’ll receive project pricing estimates and free quotes to start budgeting for your new windows.
Renewal by Andersen Installation Process
If you decide to purchase RbA replacement windows, a representative will revisit your home to get detailed measurements and specifications that will eventually become custom-sized, tailor-made windows.
Once that’s done and your windows are ordered, the company has a set installation process that works like this:
- Team arrives: A crew of RbA’s Certified Master Installers arrives at your home with a “rolling workshop” equipped to handle any challenges that arise.
- Pre-installation check-in: The installation crew chief reviews the process with you and answers any pre-installation questions.
- Area prep and cleaning: The crew places drop cloths around the project area and removes the old windows from the opening.
- Installation: The team installs the new window, ensuring it’s fully sealed, insulated, and sized for the opening.
- Test the new window: The crew tests the new window to ensure everything is operating properly.
- Clean up: The team thoroughly cleans the project area, disposing of old window parts, and clears all debris.
- Final walkthrough: The crew chief walks you through a product demonstration, provides maintenance and care tips, and answers any questions.
Watch this video for a first-hand look at RbA’s installation process:
Does Renewal by Andersen Offer a Good Warranty?
On its website, RbA claims to have the nation’s best warranty coverage for windows and doors. Unfortunately, we found this statement a little misleading after comparing RbA’s warranty with competitors. RbA offers a 20-10-2 warranty structure with the following terms:
- 20-year warranty coverage for glass and Fibrex materials
- 10-year warranty coverage for locks, hinges, and other hardware components
- 2-year warranty coverage for professional installation
If your glass or Fibrex framing has manufacturing or workmanship defects during the 20-year warranty period, RbA will replace or repair the window at no cost to you. The same treatment applies to the other warranty items and their specific lengths. After the periods pass, those items will no longer qualify for RbA’s warranty coverage, and you must handle any repair or replacement costs out of pocket.
RbA’s logic in establishing a limited warranty is that with high-quality products and expert installations, the windows will last for decades, and you likely won’t need to use the coverage. However, some customers need the peace of mind that comes with a lifetime warranty – especially considering how big of an investment new windows are.
If you’re one of these buyers, RbA might not be your best choice. You should instead shop with popular window manufacturers like Champion and Castle Windows that offer transferable lifetime warranties on their products.
Renewal by Andersen Customer Reviews
One of the best ways to vet a company before buying its products is to explore reviews from real customers. We scoured the web to see what RbA customers have to say about this long-standing industry figure. We included some reviews – good and bad – below to help you decide if the company is right for you.
Positive Reviews of Renewal by Andersen
Many customers express high satisfaction with RbA’s consultation and installation processes, noting impressive customer care and personalized service. Customers also rave about the quality of the replacement windows, calling the products beautiful and superb.
Read the following testimonials for a firsthand look at RbA customer satisfaction:
Negative Reviews of Renewal by Andersen
Despite its generally positive reputation, RbA isn’t perfect. In fact, some dissatisfied customers have left poor reviews pointing to spotty communication and unreliable post-installation support. See some comments below:
How Does Renewal by Andersen Compare to Its Competitors?
Curious about how RbA stacks up to industry competition? The table below shows side-by-side comparisons of top window companies’ average price ranges, financing options, warranties, and BBB ratings.
| Renewal by Andersen | Champion | Window Nation | Universal Windows Direct | Window World | Castle Windows | |
| Our Rating | 3.7 | 4.3 | 3.8 | 4 | 4.1 | 3.9 |
| Average Price Per Window | $1,200+ | $850+ | $550+ | $350+ | $550+ | $550+ |
| Offers Custom Financing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 20-year glass/parts, 10-year hardware, 2-year installation | Limited Lifetime Warranty | Lifetime Plus Warranty | True Lifetime Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty | Lifetime Warranty |
| BBB Rating | A+ | NR | NR | A | A+ | A+ |
*BBB ratings accurate as of April 2023
So, Is Renewal by Andersen Worth It For Your Home?
Renewal by Andersen is a solid choice if you seek high-quality window replacements from a trusted brand. Its Signature Service installation is a huge asset for homeowners without the expertise or time to complete DIY window installations. You’ll get a professional crew of window installers and a 20-year warranty to back up any defects in your new windows’ materials.
Although RbA is one of the costlier options on the market, you can explore its custom financing options to determine if a payment plan will make the investment manageable. You can also compare RbA’s prices with other top window companies to find the best fit for your home and budget. We’ve recommended some of the best window companies below to start your search.
FAQs About Renewal by Andersen
Does Renewal by Andersen Install Windows?
Renewal by Andersen only does window replacements. The company doesn’t add windows to new constructions or install a window where there wasn’t one before.
Where Are Renewal by Andersen Windows Made?
RbA’s custom windows are made at the Andersen Corporation manufacturing plant in Minnesota.
Does Renewal by Andersen Make Doors?
Along with its custom replacement windows, RbA specializes in replacement patio doors. The company offers French doors and sliding glass doors with various customization options.
Is Renewal by Andersen a Good Company?
Renewal by Andersen is a trusted window replacement company with nearly 30 years of industry experience. Its expertise is backed by its parent company, Andersen Windows, which has been making and selling windows for over one hundred years. RbA has an A+ Better Business Bureau score, which indicates trustworthy business practices and reliable customer service.
Note: The quality of your experience with RbA may depend on the franchise near you. The company operates through an expansive network of retailers, so you may find that sales tactics and service quality vary by RbA location.
Methodology: How We Reviewed Renewal y Andersen
At Today’s Homeowner, we strive to bring you the most transparent, accurate information for your home improvement projects. Our window company ratings emphasize what matters most to you—a wide range of well-designed products with reliable installation and great curb appeal.
Our ratings are based on publicly available information about each company, secret shopping online and over the phone, customer-review analysis, and discussions with renovation and building experts.
A company can earn a maximum of 100 points across five categories, converted to a five-star scale. We researched dozens of windows installation and replacement companies to develop the following formula:
- Product Offerings (40 points): Window installers can earn the maximum point value in this category if they offer a wide variety of window styles, frame materials, hardware designs, and glass and coating options. Companies earn more points if they design custom windows for your home. We also score the quality and energy efficiency of the windows each company installs.
- Service Offerings (10 points): When evaluating this category, we consider factors such as consultations, post-installation cleanup, and additional product offerings. We also look at each company's installation team structure – including whether it uses certified window installers or subcontractors to complete work – as this can cause variances in quality.
- Affordability (25 points): Our affordability rating considers the provider’s average window prices and how they align with industry averages, as well as discounts and payment plans.
- Warranty and Support (10 points): A best-in-class window installer will back up its work with a solid warranty to give you added peace of mind. Companies receive the maximum point value in this category if they offer lifetime warranties for their products and workmanship.
- Company Reputation (15 points): To ensure we’re recommending worthwhile installers, we check each company’s reputation and standing with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). We also consider how many years of experience it has in the window industry.
We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.
