Renewal by Andersen vs. Energy Swing Windows: Which Company Is Right for You?

Trying to decide between Renewal by Andersen and Energy Swing Windows can feel overwhelming, especially when you know this isn’t a small decision.

Replacement windows are expensive, permanent, and something you’ll live with every day. If the installation goes wrong, the warranty falls short, or the pricing isn’t what you expected, you’re the one stuck dealing with the consequences long after the sales rep is gone.

Many Pittsburgh homeowners come to us after meeting with Renewal by Andersen, often with the same concerns:
Why is the price so different?
Who actually installs the windows?
What happens if something goes wrong years from now?

Energy Swing Windows has been serving Pittsburgh homeowners since 1999, and Renewal by Andersen is one of the most common companies we hear customers mention during their research. While we naturally believe in the work we do, our goal here isn’t to convince you that one company is “better,” it’s to help you understand how they’re different, so you can choose what fits your home, budget, and comfort level.

In this comparison, we’ll break down Renewal by Andersen vs. Energy Swing Windows across the factors homeowners care about most: product options, installation methods, warranties, pricing transparency, and real-world customer feedback so you’re not left guessing.

Table of Contents

1. What to Look for in a Window Company
2. Company Overview: Renewal by Andersen vs. Energy Swing
3. Window Options Compared
4. Installation: How Companies Differ
5. Warranty Coverage Compared 
6. What Pittsburgh Customers Are Saying
7. Pricing & Estimate Process Compared
8. Key Differences for Pittsburgh Homeowners
9. Still Deciding? Next Steps
10. Frequently Asked Questions

What Should You Look for When Choosing a Window Company?

Choosing the right company isn’t just about picking products, it’s about choosing a system that ensures a smooth, long-lasting upgrade for your home.

When comparing window and door companies, these are the factors that matter most:

• Product options: A range of window styles, door types, materials, and finishes that match your home’s design, performance needs, and budget.

• Installation Quality: Who installs the products, how crews are trained, and what oversight exists to ensure consistent workmanship.
  

• Warranty Coverage: Protection that covers both the product and the installation, with a clear and accessible service process.

• Reputation: Verified reviews, local referrals, and community involvement that reflect how a company delivers on its promises.
  

• Pricing Transparency: Clear, all-inclusive quotes without hidden fees or pressure-based sales tactics. 

• Local Expertise: Experience with Pittsburgh homes and climate conditions that supports long-term performance.

These criteria give you a framework for comparing any window company, including Renewal by Andersen and Energy Swing Windows.

Renewal by Andersen vs. Energy Swing Overview: Company Size, Structure, and Local Presence

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.

What Window 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.

Renewal by Andersen:
Composite Frames and Nationally Standardized Options

• Material: Fibrex®, a proprietary composite made from reclaimed wood fiber and polymer.

• Window Styles: Wide range of standard styles like casement, double-hung, sliders, picture, bay, and bow.

• Design Customization: Hardware finishes, interior stains, grille patterns, and trim styles.

• Known For: 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

• Material: Virgin vinyl with aluminum reinforcements to address concerns about warping and durability.

• Window Styles: Offers a patented swing-in vinyl window, a feature designed to make interior cleaning easier, along with other standards styles such as casement, picture, baw/bow and slider.

• Design Customization: Wood-look finishes and a variety of trim and color options for homeowners wanting aesthetic flexibility.

  • Platinum Plus Partner with ProVia for doors and additional window configurations, giving more flexibility across materials and styles.

• Known For: Range of product lines for exact aesthetic wants, with a focus on what is best for the project. 

Both companies offer quality products, but the real difference is material and some window styles available.

Who Installs the Windows ? And Why That Matters Long Term

The quality of installation plays a major role in how well your new windows and doors perform over time. Even the best products can underperform if they’re not installed correctly.

That’s why it’s important to understand not just what you’re getting, but who is doing the work and how those installers are trained and compensated.

Renewal by Andersen:
Franchise Model with Mixed Installer Teams

• Who Installs: Uses subcontracted installers (common in this industry) with a mix of in-house employees depending on the location.

• How They're Paid: Contracted installers are often paid per window, encouraging fast turnaround.

• Number of Crews: Multiple crews (sometimes 30+) may be active during busy season. Many crews are skilled, but your experience may vary depending on the team assigned to your project.

• What That Means For Homeowners: You 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.

Energy Swing Windows:
100% Employee & In-House Trained Teams

• Who Installs: Uses only full-time employee installers, no subcontractors.

• How They're Paid: Installers are paid hourly and follow a standardized process based on the company’s internal training program.

• Number of Crews: Energy Swing has two installation crews year-round, but will combine them if needed for a large project.
• What That Means For Homeowners: Customers frequently mention positive experiences with installation quality and communication, and some request the same crew members for future projects. Using in-house teams allows for more consistency, accountability, and continuity throughout the project.

Why This Difference Matters for Homeowners

Installation affects everything from energy efficiency to long-term durability and warranty protection. Understanding who installs your windows, and how those installers are managed, can help you set realistic expectations and avoid surprises during or after the project.

Before signing a contract, it’s a good idea to ask each company how their installers are trained, supervised, and supported.

👉 Want a deeper breakdown of how installer type can affect your project? Read our guide on Subcontractors vs. In-House Installers to see how this one factor can influence quality, service, and long-term performance.

Warranty Coverage Compared: Renewal by Andersen vs. Energy Swing

A window warranty protects your investment long after installation is complete. It determines not only how long coverage lasts, but what’s included, how service is handled, and whether you’ll face out-of-pocket costs down the road.

Understanding these differences can help you avoid surprises years after your project is finished.

Warranty Coverage Comparison

What Do These Warranty Terms Mean in Practice?

Triple Lifetime Warranty (Energy Swing Windows):
Covers the window product, installation workmanship, and service labor costs for as long as you own and live in your home. If an issue arises, service is handled directly by the same company that installed the windows, without additional labor charges.

Limited Warranty (Renewal by Andersen):
Coverage is divided into separate timeframes depending on the component. While protection is provided, coverage expires at different intervals, and service or labor costs may apply once certain warranty periods end.

Why Warranty Structure Matters

A warranty isn’t just about how many years are listed on paper. It also affects:

• how easily you can get service

• who is responsible for repairs

• whether labor costs are included

• how the warranty holds up if you sell your home

When comparing window companies, it’s important to ask not only what is covered, but how claims are handled and who will be responsible for service years from now.

Learn more:

• Renewal by Andersen Warranty
• Energy Swing Windows Warranty