Power Windows vs Andersen: The #1 Mistake Homeowners Make

Choosing replacement windows feels overwhelming. It’s a huge investment in your home’s comfort, value, and curb appeal, but the path is filled with confusing terms and conflicting advice. Many homeowners find themselves stuck between two very different options: an all-in-one company like Power Home Remodeling and a legacy manufacturer like Andersen Windows.

The core of the problem isn’t just comparing one window against another. The real issue—and the number one mistake people make—is failing to understand that you’re not just choosing a product; you are choosing a business model. This single distinction changes everything, from the sales process and installation to the warranty and final cost.

Understanding the Two Business Models: The Real Choice You’re Making

Before diving into materials and warranties, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamental difference between these two companies. This isn’t a simple apples-to-apples comparison. It’s a choice between a full-service, all-in-one package and a separate component and installer model.

One company handles everything from the initial sales pitch to the final installation, offering a single point of contact. The other manufactures the product and relies on a network of independent, certified dealers to sell and install it. Understanding which model fits your needs is the first step to making a confident decision.

Power Home Remodeling: The All-In-One Service Provider

Power Home Remodeling is not a window manufacturer. They are a large, full-service exterior remodeling company that specializes in providing a complete window replacement package. This means they sell you the window, their own employees install it, and they service the warranty on both the product and the labor.

They typically partner with window manufacturers, like Northeast Building Products or Pella, to create windows that are then sold under the Power brand. Their business model is built around simplicity for the homeowner: one company, one contract, one point of responsibility. However, this model is also known for its intensive, in-home sales presentations and more limited product selection, primarily focused on vinyl windows.

Andersen Windows: The Legacy Manufacturer

Andersen, on the other hand, has been manufacturing windows for over a century. They are renowned for their wide range of products, materials, and innovations, most notably their proprietary Fibrex® composite material. Andersen does not sell directly to homeowners or install its own windows (with the exception of its separate Renewal by Andersen subsidiary).

Instead, Andersen distributes its products through a vast network of certified dealers, home improvement stores, and independent contractors. When you choose Andersen, you are buying a specific product line (like the 100, 400, or A-Series), and then you must separately find and hire a qualified installer. This offers immense flexibility in product choice and pricing but places the responsibility of vetting the installer squarely on your shoulders.

Product Quality and Materials: A Head-to-Head Comparison

The windows themselves are, of course, a critical part of the equation. Power and Andersen take very different approaches to materials, which directly impacts durability, appearance, and maintenance.

Power Home Remodeling’s Vinyl Windows

Power primarily offers high-quality vinyl windows. Modern vinyl is a practical and popular choice because it is affordable, low-maintenance, and offers excellent insulation. Vinyl frames are made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which doesn’t require painting and is resistant to rot and moisture.

However, vinyl windows can have limitations. They tend to expand and contract with temperature changes, which can strain seals over time in extreme climates. While they come in various colors, dark exterior colors are less common because dark vinyl can absorb heat and be more prone to warping. A key part of your decision process should be whether a full window replacement is even necessary, or if other solutions might work for your home.

Andersen’s Material Innovation: Fibrex® and Wood

Andersen is famous for its diverse material options, giving homeowners more choice. Their most prominent material is Fibrex®, a composite made of 40% reclaimed wood fiber and 60% thermoplastic polymer. This material is designed to offer the strength and stability of wood with the low-maintenance benefits of vinyl. It is twice as strong as vinyl, resists temperature extremes better, and allows for narrower frames, which means more glass and more natural light.

Beyond Fibrex® (used in the 100 Series), Andersen is a leader in wood windows. Their popular 400 Series features a wood interior with a durable vinyl exterior, offering the classic beauty of wood inside without the maintenance headaches outside. Their A-Series and E-Series offer even more customization with wood, fiberglass, and aluminum-clad options.

The Installation Experience: In-House Team vs. Independent Contractor

A perfect window can fail if installed improperly. The installation process is where Power and Andersen diverge most significantly, and it can be the deciding factor for many homeowners.

Power Home Remodeling uses its own dedicated, in-house installation teams. This creates a standardized, predictable experience. The installers are trained by Power, follow company protocols, and are accountable directly to the company you hired. This integrated approach minimizes the risk of blame-shifting if a problem arises; there’s only one company to call.

Andersen relies on a network of certified independent contractors and dealers. The quality of your installation is entirely dependent on the skill and professionalism of the specific contractor you choose. While Andersen provides training and certification, the experience can vary widely from one installer to another. This means you must do your homework: get multiple quotes, check references, and verify insurance and licensing for each potential installer. A poor installation can lead to drafts, leaks, and even void parts of your warranty. To prevent issues, it’s vital to know how to properly seal windows against drafts, a skill a good installer will have mastered.

Warranty Wars: The Hidden Details in the Fine Print

A warranty is only as good as the company standing behind it, and the structure of that warranty matters immensely.

Power Home Remodeling heavily promotes its lifetime warranty on both the product and the labor. This is a major selling point. In theory, if any part of the window or installation fails, they will fix it. However, it’s important to understand the specifics. The product warranty is often serviced *through* Power but is ultimately backed by the original manufacturer. If that manufacturer goes out of business or discontinues a product line, it can complicate claims. Some customers have reported delays in getting warranty service for product-related issues.

Andersen offers a robust, but separate, warranty system. They provide a strong limited warranty on the window itself, typically 20 years for glass and 10 years for non-glass parts. This warranty is transferable, which is a plus for resale value. However, this warranty does not cover labor or installation. The installer you hire provides their own separate labor warranty, which might only be for one or two years. If an issue arises, you first have to determine if it’s a product defect (Andersen’s responsibility) or an installation error (the contractor’s responsibility), which can sometimes lead to frustrating disputes.

Cost and Value: What Are You Really Paying For?

Price is often the bottom line, but it’s essential to compare what you get for your money. You can’t compare a quote from Power directly to the price of an Andersen window at a hardware store.

Power’s pricing is all-inclusive. The quote you receive includes the window, the removal of the old window, professional installation by their team, and the comprehensive warranty. This bundled pricing can seem high, but it is transparent and covers the entire project from start to finish. Their business model includes significant marketing and sales costs, which are factored into the final price.

Andersen’s cost is component-based. The total price is the sum of the windows themselves plus the separate cost of labor from the installer you hire. This allows for more budget flexibility. You could choose a more affordable Andersen 100 Series window to save on materials or splurge on the 400 Series. Labor costs will also vary significantly based on your location and the contractor’s rates. While this can lead to a lower total cost, it requires you to manage two separate budgets and payments.

Side-by-Side Feature Comparison

To make the decision clearer, let’s break down the key differences in a table.

Feature	Power Home Remodeling	Andersen Windows
Business Model	All-in-one service provider (sells, installs, warrants)	Manufacturer (sells through dealers, installed by contractors)
Primary Material	Vinyl	Fibrex® composite, Wood with vinyl or aluminum cladding
Product Selection	Limited to specific OEM product lines	Extensive (100, 200, 400, A-Series, E-Series)
Installation	Performed by in-house, company-trained employees	Performed by independent, Andersen-certified contractors
Warranty	Lifetime warranty covering both product and labor	Separate warranties: Product from Andersen, Labor from installer
Sales Process	In-home, direct-to-consumer presentation	Quotes from multiple dealers and independent contractors
Best For	Homeowners seeking a simple, one-stop-shop experience	Homeowners wanting maximum product choice and material flexibility

Making the Right Choice for Your Home

Ultimately, there is no single “best” answer. The right choice depends entirely on your priorities as a homeowner.

Choose Power Home Remodeling if:

• You want a streamlined, hassle-free process with a single point of contact.
• You value a comprehensive warranty that covers both the window and the installation under one company.
• You are comfortable with high-quality vinyl windows and do not require wood or composite materials.
• You prefer not to spend time vetting and hiring a separate installation contractor.

Choose Andersen Windows if:

• You want a specific material, like wood or the highly durable Fibrex® composite.
• You prioritize having a wide selection of styles, colors, and product lines to choose from.
• You are a savvy consumer willing to do the research to find a top-rated, certified installer.
• You want the flexibility to get competitive bids on both the product and the installation labor.

By understanding that you are choosing between two different service models—not just two different windows—you can avoid the most common mistake and make an informed decision that adds lasting value and comfort to your home.