Renewal by Andersen® vs. Big Box Stores: The Right Choice for Your Home's Replacement Windows

When it’s time to replace your home's windows, you’ll encounter two very different approaches: the big-box retail model and the full-service, custom-built solution from Renewal by Andersen®. For homeowners in areas with demanding climates—from the salt air of coastal Rhode Island and Connecticut, to the intense heat of Arizona, the high altitudes of Colorado, and the severe weather in Texas and Oklahoma—the choice is more than just about price. It’s about long-term performance, durability, and getting a solution engineered specifically for your home and your region. While retail stores offer the convenience of off-the-shelf products, Renewal by Andersen^® provides a comprehensive, start-to-finish replacement experience with a single point of accountability. Understanding the fundamental differences in products, installation, and warranties is key to making the best investment for your home.

Why are Renewal by Andersen® windows not at Big Box Stores?

Renewal by Andersen® windows are not sold at big-box retailers because the two entities operate on fundamentally different business models. Retail stores sell mass-produced, standardized windows from various manufacturers. Their model is based on volume, offering a range of off-the-shelf products at competitive prices.

In contrast, Renewal by Andersen® is a full-service window replacement company. We don't just sell a product; we provide a complete, start-to-finish experience. This includes:

• In-Home Design Consultation: A Project Consultant comes to your home for free and at no obligation to understand your needs, assess your existing windows, and help you design the perfect replacements.
• Custom Manufacturing: Every window is custom-built to the exact measurements of your home's openings, ensuring a precise fit.
• Professional Installation: Our Certified Master Installers handle the entire installation process. While retail stores may offer products using various materials, our installation is an inseparable part of the product, order, and warranty.
• Single Point of Accountability: Because we manage the entire process, you have one company to call for any questions or warranty service.

What is the difference between Renewal by Andersen® and retail windows?

The core difference lies in customization, material technology, and the integration of professional installation. Big-box stores offer standard-sized windows made from various materials. While some manufacturers offer composite options at retail, Renewal by Andersen® differentiates itself by making our professional installation, custom-ordering, and unified warranty a core part of the product itself.

Renewal by Andersen^® windows are distinguished by:

• Custom-Built for a Perfect Fit: Every window is manufactured to the precise dimensions of your existing window openings.
• Exclusive Fibrex® Material: While the Andersen® 100 series is available at some retailers, Renewal by Andersen^® utilizes proprietary Fibrex^® material designed for the custom-replacement market. Our material is twice as strong as vinyl, offers the insulating value of wood, and resists warping and cracking.
• Climate-Specific Glass Packages: While high-performance glass is available across the industry, our Project Consultants can make specific suggestions during your consultation regarding which rooms would require which specific glass packages to maximize your home's efficiency.

Is Renewal by Andersen® worth the cost compared to Big Box DIY?

While Renewal by Andersen® windows may have a higher upfront cost, their long-term value often makes them a more sound financial investment.

Consider these factors:

• Energy Savings: Custom-fit windows with climate-specific glass can significantly reduce your heating and cooling bills. For a homeowner in Phoenix, the energy savings from our SmartSun™ glass, which can reduce heat gain by up to 70%,² can be substantial over the life of the windows.
• Durability and Lifespan: In harsh environments, standard-grade windows might last 8–12 years in a mild climate, but that lifespan can be cut in half in more extreme environments. For example, intense heat in Arizona can cause vinyl to become brittle and fail in as little as 7 years.
• Resale Value: A comprehensive, transferable warranty from a trusted brand is a significant selling point.

Why should I choose professional window installation over DIY?

The quality of the installation is just as important as the quality of the window itself. Big-box stores often use a rotating network of third-party installers, which can fragment accountability.

Renewal by Andersen® uses Certified Master Installers (CMIs). Because we are responsible for the product, the installation, and the warranty, you have a single point of contact and complete accountability. Our lifetime installation warranty is fully transferable, providing lasting peace of mind for you and future homeowners.

How much do replacement windows cost in my city?

The cost of a window replacement project varies widely. While a retail window might range from $1,000 to $2,000 for the product only, the best way to get an accurate price for your specific project is to schedule a free, in-home consultation where a Project Consultant can assess your needs and provide a detailed, down-to-the-penny quote that is valid for one year.

How long do replacement windows last in my climate?

A window's lifespan is tied to the quality of its materials. A standard-grade window might last 8–12 years in a mild climate. However, the intense UV radiation in the South can cause vinyl to fail in as little as 7 years.

Renewal by Andersen^® windows, made with our exclusive Fibrex^® material, are designed for longevity. Fibrex^® material is warranted not to flake, rust, blister, peel, crack, pit, or corrode for 20 years.

What is the warranty on Renewal by Andersen^® windows?

Renewal by Andersen^® offers one of the most comprehensive limited warranties in the industry. The warranty includes:

• 20 years on glass
• 10 years on non-glass components like locks and hardware
• A lifetime warranty on installation.

Crucially, our warranty is non-prorated and fully transferable to the next homeowner, which is a valuable feature that protects your investment and adds to your home's resale value.

Are energy-efficient windows worth the investment in my city?

Absolutely. They can lower your household energy bills by an average of 12% nationwide,¹ and often more in areas with extreme temperatures.

Footnotes ¹ [Source: Energy Star/U.S. Department of Energy data on average annual savings for energy-efficient windows.] ² [Source: Renewal by Andersen testing data for High-Performance Low-E4® SmartSun™ glass performance.]