Not sure whether to choose Renewal by Andersen or Energy Swing?
Worried you’ll regret your window company choice because of hidden costs or poor installation?
In this article, we’ll give you a no-fluff, side-by-side breakdown of both companies so you can confidently choose what’s right for your Pittsburgh home.
This article is written by Energy Swing Windows. While we naturally believe in the work we do, our goal is to provide a clear comparison of both companies so you can decide what best fits your home and preferences.
We’ll compare product types, pricing, warranties, installation practices, and more—so you’re not left guessing.
To begin, we’ll start with what makes any window and door company worth considering.
What Makes a Window and Door Company Worth Hiring?
Choosing the right contractor isn’t just about picking products, it’s about ensuring a smooth, lasting upgrade for your home.
Here are the key factors that matter:
- Product Options: Look for companies that offer a wide range of windows, doors, materials, and finishes to fit your home’s style, performance needs, and budget.
- Installation Quality: Understand who installs the products (employees or subcontractors), how they’re trained, and what oversight ensures consistent workmanship.
- Warranty Coverage: Strong warranties should protect both products and installation — and make service easy if needed.
- Reputation: Verified reviews, local referrals, and community involvement show whether a company delivers on its promises.
- Pricing Transparency: Look for clear, all-inclusive quotes and avoid companies that rely on high-pressure sales or hidden fees.
- Local Expertise: Companies familiar with Pittsburgh homes and climate can provide better long-term performance.
These are the qualities that separate a strong window and door company from the rest, but how do Renewal by Andersen and Energy Swing Windows actually compare in these areas?
Let’s take a closer look, side by side.
Company Overview: Renewal by Andersen vs. Energy Swing Windows
Now that you know what to look for in a contractor, let’s get to know these two companies and how they’re structured.
| Category | Renewal by Andersen | Energy Swing Windows |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1995 (parent: Andersen Corp., est. 1903) | 1999 |
| Headquarters | Roseville, MN | Murrysville, PA |
| Business Model | National franchise with a few corporately owned locations | Locally owned and operated |
| Installers | “Certified Master Installers” and subcontractors | 100% in-house employees |
| Products | Fibrex® windows, patio, and entry doors | Patented vinyl swing-in windows, ProVia doors, and windows |
| Western PA Presence | Corporate-owned location serving the Greater Pittsburgh area | Established reputation in the Pittsburgh region with consistent local reviews |
| Known For | Proprietary Fibrex® material, nationally recognized brand | In-house installation teams, locally based service, and long-term warranty coverage |
While both companies offer window and door replacement services, their structure, product lineup, and customer experience differ in meaningful ways.
👉 Want to see how national and local companies compare? Read National vs. Local Window & Door Companies: What Pittsburgh Homeowners Should Know.
Let’s take a closer look at their product offerings.
What Window & Door Options Will I Get With Each Company?
When comparing window companies, it’s important to understand which products and materials are available, as these will affect both performance and appearance.
Let’s take a closer look at how Renewal by Andersen and Energy Swing Windows differ when it comes to what they offer.
Renewal by Andersen: Composite Frames and Nationally Standardized Options
- Uses Fibrex®, a proprietary composite made from reclaimed wood fiber and polymer.
- Offers a wide range of standard window styles, including casement, double-hung, sliders, picture, bay, and bow.
- Design customization includes: hardware finishes, interior stains, grille patterns, and trim styles.
- Known for its clean, high-end appearance, and a fully in-house product lineup where all windows and doors are made to match.
Energy Swing Windows: Swing-In Vinyl Designs and Custom-Configured Products
- Offers a patented swing-in vinyl window, a feature designed to make interior cleaning easier.
- Platinum Plus Partner with ProVia for doors and additional window configurations, giving more flexibility across materials and styles.
- Uses reinforced vinyl to address common concerns about warping and durability sometimes associated with vinyl.
- Style customization includes wood-look finishes and a variety of trim and color options for homeowners wanting aesthetic flexibility.
👉 Related: Vinyl vs. Fiberglass Windows: What Pittsburgh Homeowners Should Know
How Does Installation Compare Between Renewal and Energy Swing?
The quality of installation plays a major role in how well your new windows and doors perform. Even the best products will underperform if they’re not installed correctly.
That’s why it’s essential to know not just what you’re getting, but who is doing the work and how they’re being trained and compensated.
Renewal by Andersen: Franchise Model with Mixed Installer Teams
- Uses a mix of subcontracted installers with in-house employees depending on the location.
- Contracted installers are often paid per window, encouraging fast turnaround.
- During busy seasons, multiple crews (sometimes 30+) may be active, increasing variability in communication and results.
- Homeowners may interact with different people for install, service, and follow-up, which can impact the continuity of care. This structure can result in varied customer experiences depending on the crew and franchise location.
Renewal by Andersen relies on subcontracted labor, which is common in the industry. While many crews are skilled, your experience may vary depending on the team assigned to your project.
Energy Swing Windows: 100% In-House, Trained Install Teams
- Uses only full-time employee installers, no subcontractors.
- Installers are paid hourly and follow a standardized process based on the company’s internal training program.
- Online reviews frequently mention positive experiences with installation and communication.
- If problems arise during the install (like rotted wood or hidden damage), crews are trained and empowered to fix them on the spot.
Why This Difference Matters for Homeowners
Installation plays a major role in how your windows and doors perform over time. Understanding who will complete the work, and how that team is trained and managed, can help you set realistic expectations for quality and accountability. It’s a good idea to ask each company about their installation practices before signing a contract.
👉 What’s the real difference between subcontractor crews and employee installers and why should you care? Read our breakdown of Subcontractors vs. In-House Installers to learn how this one detail can affect your window or door project.
Warranty Comparison: What’s Covered by Each Company?
A strong window warranty protects your investment well beyond the installation — covering both product and workmanship over time.
| Warranty Feature | Renewal by Andersen | Energy Swing Windows |
|---|---|---|
| Glass | 20 years | Triple Lifetime |
| Non-glass parts | 10 years | Triple Lifetime |
| Installation Defects | 2 years | Triple Lifetime |
| Transferable? | Transferable based on the original installation date | Valid for two years after transfer |
| Service Process | Online request or franchise contact | Direct with in-house service team |
🔗 Renewal by Andersen Warranty 🔗 Energy Swing Windows Warranty
What Do Real Pittsburgh Customers Say About Each Company?
When you're making a big investment in your home, real customer experiences can often tell you more than product specs or marketing promises. From online reviews to third-party awards, reputation helps reveal how a company treats homeowners after the sale—and whether it delivers on its commitments.
Let’s take a closer look at what homeowners are saying about Renewal by Andersen and Energy Swing Windows.
Renewal by Andersen: Recognizable Name, Varying Experiences
- Has a strong national presence and high brand visibility due to its parent company, Andersen Corporation.
- Online reviews vary by location, with some homeowners reporting excellent experiences, while others mention inconsistency in service or communication.
- Several customer reviews mention concerns about pricing transparency and sales pressure during in-home consultations.
Renewal by Andersen’s brand recognition is strong, but customer experiences can vary depending on the local ownership and specific sales team.
Energy Swing Windows: Consistent Local Praise and Recognized Ethics
- Online reviews frequently mention positive experiences with installation and post-sale service.
- Customer reviews often mention professionalism, respect for the home, and responsiveness after the job.
- Recognized five times with the BBB Torch Award for Business Ethics, a rare distinction among contractors.
Why Reputation Matters
Customer reviews and third-party feedback can provide valuable insights into how a company communicates, manages projects, and handles service after installation. Taking time to research verified reviews helps set realistic expectations and can inform your decision before signing a contract.
How Do Renewal and Energy Swing Handle Pricing and Estimates?
Because every home is different, there’s no universal price for window or door replacement, but that doesn’t mean costs should be unclear.
How a company communicates about cost is just as important as the final number.
Renewal by Andersen: Consultation-Based Quotes with Incentives
- Pricing is only provided after an in-home consultation.
- Like many companies in the industry, Renewal often presents a higher starting quote that may be followed by a same-day discount if the customer commits during the appointment.
- This incentive-based model works well for homeowners who are ready to make a quick decision.
While financing is available, specific details aren’t published on their site. You’ll need to ask during the sales meeting
Renewal’s pricing approach is in line with common industry practices. Homeowners who prefer to speak with someone in person before seeing numbers may find this model works for them.
👉 Think all window quotes come with pressure? Here are 5 high-pressure sales tactics to watch for in the home improvement world, so you don’t get caught off guard.
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Energy Swing Windows: Transparent Pricing Before a Consultation
- Offers full transparency up front. You can get a general price range using their online pricing calculator before you ever speak with a sales consultant.
- Official quotes include everything: products, labor, trim, cleanup, and any repair work discovered during installation.
- Doesn’t use limited-time discounts or pressure-based tactics: quotes are good for a reasonable period and explained in full, allowing homeowners to take their time before committing.
- Financing options are available and clearly explained, so you can plan your project with confidence. Want a full breakdown of how you can pay for your project? Read our article on what window or door financing option is best for your budget and needs.
This approach allows homeowners to explore pricing estimates without requiring an initial consultation.
Why Pricing Approach Matters
Price is only part of the picture. It’s just as important to understand what’s included in your quote, how costs are communicated, and whether you can expect surprise fees down the line. Asking about each company’s pricing process can help you make a more informed comparison and plan your investment with confidence.
Renewal by Andersen vs. Energy Swing Windows: Key Differences for Pittsburgh Homeowners
Let’s recap the biggest differences, especially through a local lens.
| CATEGORY | RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN | ENERGY SWING WINDOWS |
|---|---|---|
| Who performs installation? | Subcontractors (varies by project) | In-house employees |
| Window materials offered | Fibrex composite, some wood options | Vinyl, fiberglass, wood, composite |
| Door options | Patio doors | Entry doors, patio doors, storm doors |
| Warranty coverage | Product: 20 years glass / 10 years parts & installation | Full lifetime warranty (parts, labor, service) while you own the home |
| Typical pricing transparency | Requires consultation to receive pricing | Online price calculator available |
| Average project costs | Premium pricing (varies by project) | Mid-to-premium pricing (varies by material) |
| Service after install | Handled through Renewal's service team (may vary by region) | Managed in-house by Energy Swing’s service department |
| Customer reviews (Pittsburgh) | Generally positive, some mixed reviews online | Consistently high ratings on local platforms |
| Financing options | Financing options available | Financing options available |
If you want a national brand experience and are comfortable working with subcontracted crews, Renewal by Andersen might be a match. If you prefer working with a locally based company that uses in-house installation teams, Energy Swing Windows may be worth considering.
Still Deciding? Here’s How to Move Forward with Confidence
In the past, comparing window companies like Renewal by Andersen and Energy Swing Windows could feel overwhelming. With so many differences in pricing, service, and promises, it was hard to know where to start.
Now, you’ve seen how these two companies stack up, from installation practices to warranties and reputation, you’re in a stronger position to make an informed, confident decision.
Looking ahead, what’s the best next step for your project?
If you’d like to get a sense of potential costs, our Window & Door Pricing Calculator can give you a general idea based on the number and style of windows, and the types of doors you’re considering. No sales conversation required.
Or, if you’re still exploring your options, you may find it helpful to check out our guide to the Best 10 Window & Door Replacement Companies in Pittsburgh. It’s an honest look at both local and national companies that Pittsburgh homeowners trust.
Whichever company you choose, the decision should fit your home’s needs, your timeline, and your comfort level with the process.
