Pella is a well-known company that offers window and door installation nationwide. To help you learn more about this brand and decide if it’s the right fit for your home, we looked into Pella’s products, cost, warranty coverage, energy efficiency, and customer service.
Choosing the best window brand means considering different styles, features, prices, installation options, and much more. Not only do windows directly affect the look of your home, but they can also make or break your energy bills. Learn more about Pella and see if its windows and other products work for both your home and your budget.
Key Takeaways
- Pella is an established window brand with showrooms in most U.S. states, offering several different types of windows that come in various styles and materials.
- Pella costs an average of $577 per window, but pricing can range from $500–$1,000 depending on your design choices.
- According to our nationwide survey of homeowners who recently purchased new windows, nearly 79% of respondents with Pella windows reported being very satisfied with their purchase.
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Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- Fiberglass, vinyl, and wood options
- Financing perks
- Availability at home improvement retailers
Keep in Mind
- Poor customer ratings
- No in-house installation team
Window Styles Offered
Pella offers the following types of windows:
- Angle-top windows
- Awning windows
- Bay windows
- Bi-fold windows
- Bow windows
- Casement windows
- Custom windows
- Double-hung windows
- Multi-slide windows
- Picture windows
- Single-hung windows
- Sliding windows
- Specialty windows
Pros and Cons of Pella Windows
Comparing window providers can help you find the best option for your home. To help you learn more about Pella, we put together a list of the company’s pros and cons below.
Pros
- Offers a large range of window colors, grilles, styles, and blind options to match your home’s aesthetic
- Extends a “Pella Care Guarantee” with extra protection for 10 years if you buy through a certified showroom
- Has energy-efficient window options at budget-friendly prices
Cons
- Customer reviews share mixed experiences with installation and customer support
- Doesn’t have local showrooms in Alaska and Mississippi
Our Take on Pella Windows
Founded in 1925, Pella Windows and Doors offers homeowners in most U.S. states a wide range of products in many customizable colors, shapes, and designs. Pella products have an overall positive reputation for durability, energy efficiency, and affordability. However, Pella has fewer customer reviews than competitors like Renewal by Andersen, and some customers have mentioned issues with faulty products, installation services, and customer service.
Overall, Pella’s extensive experience, competitive pricing, and wide range of customizations and window offerings make it a brand we recommend considering. We suggest gathering at least three quotes from different window companies to ensure you receive the best deal for your home.
We Recommend Pella If You:
- Prefer white-glove service from a provider that handles everything from the quote to installation to clean-up
- Want unique features like blinds or shades placed between your window panes
- Want Energy Star-certified window options at moderate prices
We Don’t Recommend Pella If You:
- Live in Alaska or Mississippi, where the company has no local showrooms
- Want to purchase garden or glass block window types
- Prefer a more straightforward warranty structure that doesn’t vary between products
What Types of Windows Does Pella Offer?
Pella offers the following types of windows:
- Angle-top windows
- Awning windows
- Bay windows
- Bi-fold windows
- Bow windows
- Casement windows
- Custom windows
- Double-hung windows
- Multi-slide windows
- Picture windows
- Single-hung windows
- Sliding windows
- Specialty windows
Pella’s selection stacks up well against competitors, with only garden and glass block windows missing from its list of option. You can select from many window materials, including wood, wood-clad, vinyl, and fiberglass.
Pro Tip
- As noted in This Old House Magazine, when choosing among Pella’s product lines, it’s worth going for the company’s top-of-the-line wood or wood-clad models, which have thicker jambs and better detailing than their entry-level counterparts.
One standout feature across several Pella product lines is the company’s between-the-glass option, which places blinds, shades, and decorative panels between panes of glass. This design protects window treatments from dust and damage, eliminates dangling cords for child and pet safety, and uses snap-in technology so you can swap out blinds, shades, or grilles whenever you change your décor.
Pella Windows Series
Pella creates many window series, each with its own pros and cons based on different energy efficiency needs, aesthetic, and budget. Compare Pella’s different window series below to learn more about key features, materials, and more.
| Pella Reserve Traditional | Pella Reserve Contemporary | Pella Lifestyle Series | Pella Impervia | Pella 250 Series | Encompass by Pella | Pella Hurricane Shield Series | Pella Defender Series | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Key Features |
Wide range of customizations and largest sizes available for optimizing natural light |
Aluminum-clad wood for lower maintenance and triple-pane glass for improved energy efficiency |
Integrated blinds or shades, dual pane glass, and many style options available |
Easy slide operation, commercial-grade strength and performance, and scratch-proof coating |
Durable and low-maintenance vinyl, dual and triple-pane glass, energy efficiency, and tamper protection |
Tilt-wash feature for easy cleaning and options to meet or exceed Energy Star requirements |
Thick vinyl frames for added security and shatter-resistant impact glass |
Single-sash movement for easy opening. Single titling sash for seamless cleaning |
|
Window Types |
Picture, single-hung, double-hung, casement, awning, corner, arched, angle-top, strut awning, and push-out casement |
Corner, awning, picture, casement, angle-top, multi-slide, and bi-fold |
Picture, double-hung, awning, and casement |
Casement, awning, double-hung, single-hung, sliding, and picture |
Casement, awning, double-hung, single-hung, sliding, and picture |
Single-hung, sliding, and picture |
Awning, single-hung, sliding, and casement |
Single-hung |
|
Materials |
Wood and clad/wood |
Clad/wood |
Clad/wood |
Fiberglass |
Vinyl |
Vinyl |
Coastal vinyl |
Coastal vinyl |
|
Best For |
Homeowners interested in traditional, historical detailing |
Homeowners looking for a wide range of colors to match a modern home aesthetic |
Homeowners looking for energy efficiency and noise reduction |
Homeowners looking for lasting durability and energy efficiency |
Homeowners concerned about security and privacy |
Homeowners looking for low-maintenance windows at a competitive price point |
Homeowners living in coastal areas |
Homeowners looking for storm and ultraviolet (UV) ray protection, particularly in humid climates |
How Much Do Pella Windows Cost?
Depending on the style, Pella costs around $500–$1,000 or more per window, according to the company’s website. This aligns with our nationwide survey of homeowners who have recently purchased Pella windows, with an average cost range of $500–$800 per unit. Pella owners reported paying an average of $577 per window in our survey, slightly higher than the industry average of $554 per window across several brands.
Your chosen material and style plays a major role in what you’ll pay for windows. Vinyl is typically the most affordable material, but our team found that Pella’s offers competitive prices for its fiberglass and wood options. Double-hung windows tend to fall in the mid-range, while specialty shapes like transom, egress, and bay or bow windows have more complex manufacturing and installation requirements that push costs higher.
Pro Tip
- This Old House Magazine suggests that when choosing among Pella’s product lines, it’s worth considering the company’s top-of-the-line wood or wood-clad models if it makes sense for your home, which have thicker jambs and better detailing than their entry-level counterparts.
Financing Options
Available window financing options vary based on your location, so we suggest contacting your local Pella showroom for the most accurate details. While secret shopping, we came across financing options like the “Pella Now, Pay Later” program, which allows you to purchase windows and doors and delay or defer payment with low or no-interest payments based on your credit.
Discounts and Savings
Pella offers a 90-minute free consultation with a company expert who can provide you with a no-obligation quote and discuss different product lines that suit your budget. During our secret shopping, we received an offer of 10% off a Pella project or a loan with no interest if paid in full within 24 months. Otherwise, you can typically only find window deals and discounts by visiting your local Pella showroom and speaking with a representative.
Energy Efficiency
Pella offers multiple energy-efficient window series, notably the Pella Impervia, Pella Lifestyle Series, and Pella 250 Series. These lines provide triple-pane and low emissivity (low-e) glass options and contain Energy Star-rated products.
Triple-pane glass and Energy Star windows improve insulation and slow heat transfer by preventing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, helping to save you money on energy bills.
Plus, Pella uses certified installers who can ensure better performance through proper window installation. If a contractor doesn’t install your windows properly, leaks and drafts can drive up energy costs as your home fights to stay temperate, so we advise working with a window professional for this type of project.
Pro Tip
- Window replacement is often a significant upfront investment, but upgrading from poorly insulated windows to energy efficient versions can save you hundreds of dollars per year on power bills, making this home improvement project worth it in the long run.
Do Pella Windows Come With a Warranty?
Pella warranty coverage varies based on the type of window or door you buy. For example, Pella covers wood windows and patio doors with a limited lifetime warranty and 10 years for defects in hardware, laminated glass, and screen, blind, or shade issues.
Comparatively, Pella fiberglass windows and patio doors include limited lifetime warranty coverage, but this doesn’t extend to products with a Duracast paint finish. Non-glass components and fiberglass resin materials include coverage for 10 years but come with a transferable warranty, unlike the wood components. This variance in warranty coverage can make figuring out Pella’s warranties feel a bit tricky.
Pella has three possible warranties for its windows alone, so you’ll need to spend a good chunk of time reviewing the fine print before purchasing any window products to double-check you have satisfactory coverage.
What Is Pella’s Quote and Installation Process?
Unlike some window brands we’ve reviewed, Pella allows you to order directly through its website if you’re interested in a do-it-yourself (DIY) window installation. Or, you can schedule a consultation with a Pella expert for a white-glove experience. You can also visit a local showroom or shop at Lowe’s for Pella windows, providing plenty of options for ordering and installing the company’s window products.
Once you’ve decided whether you want to work with a professional or tackle your project yourself, you can purchase your windows through a local showroom, Lowe’s, or Pella’s website. If you work with a Pella expert, the company will provide a free 90-minute appointment at your home and a no-obligation quote after measuring your current windows for sizing.
After you accept the quote, you can proceed with your window installation. If no unexpected delays happen, Pella’s installation team estimates the process can take a few hours or up to two days, depending on the complexity.
One of the biggest advantages of working with a Pella expert is the Pella Care Guarantee, which protects you financially if you encounter any window issues, including labor-related problems, for up to 10 years. This option is only available if you buy through a Pella showroom and use a company expert for installation.
If you want to order online, note that some window types, like specialty, custom, and bay and bow windows, are available by appointment only.
Pella Windows Customer Reviews
Pella Windows has received mixed yet limited customer reviews online. While Pella isn’t accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has a D- rating, it has eight customer reviews on the platform, along with over 100 reviews on Trustpilot. Renewal by Andersen, a competing company, has more than double this amount.
Positive customer reviews talk about professional, detail-oriented, and timely service from Pella experts. Many customers also express satisfaction with the quality of the company’s windows and doors and prompt service if they encountered any issues post-installation.
At the same time, Pella has received several critiques, with common themes centering around window installation issues, like leaking and subpar cleanup and issues with drywall and stucco.
Homeowner Insights
Of the homeowners who installed Pella windows in our recent survey, over 83% said they were very satisfied with the installation quality, while nearly 79% said they were very satisfied with their overall window replacement project.
How Does Pella Windows Compare to Competitors?
Here’s a quick view of how Pella stacks up against other top-ranked window providers, and compare costs to find the most budget-friendly window options.
| Company | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Average Price | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
A+ | $490 | Limited transferable | ||
Not Rated | $474 | Limited lifetime transferable | ||
 | A+ | $456 | Lifetime transferable | |
A+ | $577 | Limited lifetime transferable | ||
A+ | $373 | Limited lifetime | ||
 | A+ | $478 | Lifetime transferable |
FAQs About Pella Windows
Is Pella Windows as good as Renewal by Andersen?
Pella Windows is as good as Renewal by Andersen in many ways, but the right provider for you will depend on your project needs. Both providers offer a wide range of window styles, types, and energy-efficient models. However, our team prefers Renewal by Andersen’s warranty policy, which is more straightforward and always transferable if you sell your home. Another notable difference is customer reviews, with Andersen standing out for having a higher volume of reviews and better ratings.
What do customers say about the durability of Pella Windows?
Customers have mixed feelings about the durability of Pella Windows, based on our review. Some customer reviews have reported issues with leaks, faulty seals, and poor installation, which could suggest issues with durability. However, other customers have praised Pella’s product for its durability, high-quality materials, and longevity once installed properly.
What are common problems with Pella Windows?
Common problems with Pella Windows include air leaks, damaged screens, and messy window installation, based on our research into customer reviews. Some customers have also reported issues with reaching customer service or receiving timely support. However, experiences can vary, so we recommend reading review for your local showroom to learn more.
How We Evaluated Window Brands
Our team backs up our window ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each provider. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, browsing product selections, analyzing window line specifications, and conducting focus groups and consumer surveys. We then score each provider against our review standards for window variety, value, trustworthiness and transparency, window features, and customer service to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.
