Are Andersen 100 Windows Good? A Comprehensive 2023 Review

We’ve installed windows and doors in thousands of homes all over the Phoenix metro area, so when we say we know our brands, it’s true. We know which ones have the best customer service, the lowest amount of quality control issues, and minimal warranty claims. We know which ones last.

So when we’re asked “Are Andersen® 100 windows good?” our answer is a very confident YES.

The 100 Series of windows are a wonderful introduction to Andersen products at a moderate price point.

They last.

Why are they so popular among homeowners?

Andersen 100 Series windows are popular among homeowners because of their affordability, durability and energy efficiency. They are low maintenance and require little upkeep, making them a great choice for busy families with limited time. They also come in a variety of sizes, styles, colors and grille patterns that can be customized to fit your home’s individual design.

Andersen 100 Series windows are an especially good choice for homeowners living in Phoenix, Arizona due to their energy efficiency, too. The desert climate can put additional strain on windows due to its extreme heat and dryness. Andersen 100 Series windows are designed to be strong and durable while providing top-notch insulation—exactly what you need when temperatures soar in the summer. You’ll want to check the label, since the operating style can impact U-factor, but they insulate against heat transfer far better than standard vinyl double-pane windows.

This feature helps reduce your heating and cooling bills by keeping your home’s temperature regulated all year round.

Installing Andersen 100 Series windows is an easy way to bring the comfort of high-performance windows into your home. Their combination of durability, efficiency, and beauty makes them a great choice for any desert climate.

More durable than vinyl

Compared to vinyl windows, the Andersen 100 Series provides a notable improvement in strength and durability.

The 100 Series windows are distinct in the Andersen lineup due to their robust composite construction. These windows utilize a proprietary Fibrex® material, which combines a thermoplastic PVC polymer and reclaimed wood fibers. This makes them over 200% stronger than conventional vinyl windows.¹

Designed to endure the harshest weather conditions, the Andersen 100 windows can withstand the intense Arizona sun, even when temperatures rise to 150 degrees. They resist blistering, fading, flaking, and peeling, offering a superior level of durability compared to vinyl. The enhanced strength of the window frame and sashes allow these windows to be used even in larger window openings, an advantage that vinyl often cannot match.

Because the materials used in the window frame and sashes are much stronger and thicker than vinyl, homeowners should be aware that they have a distinct appearance. Approving how they look before making a purchase decision is important.

We often recommend the Andersen 100 Series as an upgrade from top quality vinyl windows. We like the longevity and quality, and homeowners appreciate their low maintenance.

How do they compare to Andersen’s other product lines?

The 100 Series stands out as the only fully composite product line offered by the brand, and is now available with a stucco flange that’s identical to its Renewal by Andersen product.

This product line utilizes Andersen’s proprietary Fibrex® material, which combines a thermoplastic PVC polymer with reclaimed wood fibers, making the window frames 200% stronger than conventional vinyl windows.

Robust Construction for Enduring Quality

Designed to endure the harshest weather conditions, they can withstand the intense Arizona sun, even when temperatures rise to 150 degrees, and easily resist blistering, fading, flaking, and peeling. They’re more durable than vinyl. The enhanced strength of the window frame and sashes allow these windows to be used even in larger window openings, an advantage that vinyl often cannot match.

Superior Performance across Andersen’s Product Line

Despite its unique frame material and the fact that it’s Andersen’s entry-level product, it retains the high-quality glass used across all other Andersen products, including glass coating and low-e options. Each window in the 100 Series is backed by a nicely comprehensive warranty – 10 years on hardware and 20 years on glass.

The 100 Series offers a diverse range of window types: awning, casement, single-hung, gliding, picture, and some custom/specialty shapes. A step above is Andersen’s 200 Series, which offers wood windows protected by vinyl on the exterior.

Are they worth the cost?

Although the 100 Series comes with a slightly higher price tag than high-end vinyl windows, the superior product quality and value offered make them a worthy investment.³ As Sal Sucato, owner of DunRite Windows & Doors, puts it, “The Andersen 100 windows are an especially good product. From their smooth appearance and clean, modern lines to their ease of operation, they’re a superior window.”

Customization and Aesthetic Appeal

With the 100 Series, homeowners can customize the interior and exterior colors of their windows, a feature not available in vinyl windows. This range offers several shades including neutrals like sandtone and terratone, non-metallic dark bronze, and the timeless black and white. Each color, integrated into the composite during manufacturing, comes with a matte finish that never needs painting and is guaranteed never to fade, flake, blister, or peel.

One of the most popular color combinations is a black exterior with a white interior.

When it comes to the hardware, color depends on the type of window and how it operates. Typically it matches the interior frame, but some operating styles also offer metal finishes in antique brass and satin nickel.

Available colors for the window and hardware are determined by the product chosen.

Energy Efficiency

One of the major factors influencing the performance of a window is its glass. It has the most exposure to sun and other elements. Andersen 100 Series windows meet or exceed Energy Star guidelines, offering improved energy efficiency and substantial insulation properties for homes and businesses.² They come standard with low-E4 glass, which is very important, but they also have several other options to improve efficiency even more.

Andersen also provides additional options like the HeatLock® coating, which reflects heat back into the home, and the SmartSun™ upgrade, which improves blocking of direct sunlight and UV rays.

Unless you are in Northern Arizona, you’ll want to skip their PassiveSun® upgrade, which helps the glass absorb heat and bring it into the home; something that’s only useful in cold climates.