Andersen 200 Series vs A Series - Replacement Windows Review
The largest window and door manufacturer in North America, Andersen offers a ton of options for your new or replacement window project. This article will review two of their window collections, the 200 Series and the A-Series.
For homeowners interested in pairing wood windows with cladding to protect from the elements and ease maintenance, both of these series are good options to consider. Where each series differs is their cladding, the ability to customize the windows, and the cost.
Our comparison will highlight:
Materials
Construction
Sizes
Energy Efficiency
Styles
Grilles
Glass
Tilt Sash
Hardware
Exterior Colors
Interior Color
Price
Warranty
Lead Time
Materials
200 Series
Interior - Wood
Exterior - Vinyl
Vinyl on its own provides an excellent low-maintenance exterior for any window. In this series, Andersen takes vinyl’s superior weather resistant qualities and pairs it with the wood core as a protective cladding element on the window. This combination of a weather-resistant vinyl exterior, the strength of a solid wood frame, and the beauty of a wood interior performs well beyond what vinyl or wood can achieve on their own.
A-Series
Interior - Wood
Exterior - Fiberglass and Fibrex
The interior window sash and frames are constructed of solid wood. Fiberglass and Fibrex® material are used for the exterior sash. Fibrex® is Andersen’s own combination of reclaimed wood fiber and PVC polymer. It’s twice as strong as vinyl, environmentally friendly, and energy efficient. An annual wash is all these windows need.
Construction
Both 200 Series and A-Series windows are available for new and replacement window projects.
Sizes
200 Series double-hung windows are offered up to 3’4" wide and 6’ high.
A-Series double-hung windows are available up to 4’ wide and 8’ high. Custom sizes are also available in 1/8” increments.
Energy Efficiency
New and well-installed replacement windows should always be more energy efficient than those being replaced, but glass also affects energy efficiency. In fact, glass can affect energy efficiency more than any other part of a window.
Not all glass insulates the same. Andersen offers one of the industry’s widest array of glass options, so you’re sure to find the right choice for your climate and your home.
200 Series and A-Series windows are both Energy Star Certified and the A-Series line is Andersen’s highest performing energy efficient window.
Styles
Windows are made in a variety of styles and some are more traditional than others, see what these series offer below and if you're interested in learning more about window styles check out these articles:
7 Type of Replacement Window Styles
Window Styles | Find the Right Window For Your Home
200 Series
This series offers three window styles:
A-Series
Available in four popular styles: awning, casement, double-hung, picture. The A-Series also offers 34 specialty shapes.
Grilles
Grilles (or grids) are an aesthetic touch that give your window a more traditional look. Before technology made creating large panes of glass a possibility, glass for windows was made in small individual pieces that were joined together by window grilles.
Each window in both the 200 Series and A-Series offer the following grille styles:
Simulated Divided Light Grilles: Applied on the exterior and interior sides of the window. The interior grille can be removable, or permanent. The exterior grille is permanent.
Removable Interior Grilles: Fastened on the interior side of the window making them easy to remove and thoroughly clean the glass.
Finelight Grilles Between-the-Glass: This option places the grilles between the panes making the interior and exterior glass easy to clean.
The A-Series offers an additional option:
Full Divided Light: Grilles are applied to the interior and exterior sides of the window. A divider between the glass creates an illusion of individual panes for an authentic look.
Glass
Glass and energy efficiency go hand in hand. Take a look at the overview of Andersen’s glass offerings and their energy performance below.
200 Series
There are five glass options for windows in the 200 Series. Each one specializes in a feature to help maximize energy efficiency. For example, Low-E coating offers homeowners technology to help block ultraviolet rays, heat-causing solar rays and will allow plenty of light into your home.
A-Series
You’ve got eight glass options with the A-Series. Like all of Andersen’s glass choices, various aspects of energy efficiency are built into their panes. Want heat blocked by sunlight? The Sun panes are a great option.
Tilt Sash
The sash is the mechanism that moves up and down when you open the window. On a tilt sash, that part unlatches from the frame and swings down. This feature gives you the option of cleaning the exterior of your window from inside your home. This feature is only available on double-hung windows for both the 200 Series and A-Series.
Hardware
Hardware options in each of these series vary by window style. We’ve outlined a few of the many choices:
200 Series
Double-hung windows in the 200 Series includes the Lock & Keeper in the following colors:
Gliding windows give you two color choices in either the Classic Series Handle or the Lock & Keeper:
A-Series
Hardware finishes for A-Series windows are available in the options below:
A-Series Hardware for Awning and Casement Windows:
These include traditional folding hardware and contemporary folding hardware. Andersen also offers a window opening control device kit that limits how far the sash will open.
A-Series Hardware for Double-Hung Windows:
The standard option for a double-hung window is a Lock and Keeper. Andersen also offers a traditional hand lift, bar lift, and finger lifts as well as a contemporary bar lift.
Exterior Colors
200 Series
The vinyl-cladding for 200 Series windows are available in White and Sandstone:
A-Series
In addition to the standard options below, customization is available through combining different colors for the sash, frame, and trim of your windows to fit the look of your home.
Interior Color
200 Series
Interior wood is available in a White or Pine finish:
A-Series
Several options in wood species, interior stains and paint colors are available.
A Series Wood Species
A Series Wood Stains
Interior finishes are only available on Pine, Maple, and Oak. Cherry, Mahogany, and Vertical Grain Douglas Fir are only available unfinished.
A Series Interior Paint Colors
Price
The 200 Series offers economical options for your window replacement project. A feature of Andersen’s luxury windows and doors collection, the A-Series is on the pricier end of windows.
200 Series
A-Series
Warranty
Andersen’s 200 Series and A-Series are covered by separate Owner 2 Owner Limited Warranties, you can learn more about them at the links below:
Lead Time
Lead-time for a product depends on the materials and can vary depending on the time of year. These estimates include order placement, creation, and shipment to the dealer.
200 Series
4-6 weeks
A-Series
5-6 weeks
Are you ready to start your own beautification project? The professionals at Brennan are ready to help. Contact us at 817-860-9767 to get started!
Want to read more on the A-Series or 200 Series? Check out our selection of Andersen products:
- Brennan
- Published
- October 10, 2018
- Updated
- July 13, 2021
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