Trying to decide between Simonton and Andersen windows for a mid-90s ranch. The Simontons seem a bit easier on the wallet, but I keep hearing Andersen’s worth the splurge for the long haul. I’m not sure if I’ll really notice the difference, or if I’m just paying for the name. Did anyone regret going cheaper, or feel like the pricier ones weren’t actually better?
I get where you’re coming from—
When we swapped out our windows (mid-80s split, so kinda similar), I did the same mental math. Step one: I checked out both in person. The Andersens felt a bit sturdier, but honestly, the Simontons weren’t flimsy or anything. Step two: I asked a couple neighbors who’d gone cheaper—one said their Simontons were fine, another complained about draftiness after a few years. Step three: Factored in how long I’d stay in the house… If you’re moving in 5-10 years, might not be worth the splurge. But if this is your “forever-ish” home, maybe lean Andersen? Either way, I don’t think you’ll be kicking yourself, unless you go super cheap and regret it every winter.I’m not sure if I’ll really notice the difference, or if I’m just paying for the name.
maybe lean Andersen? Either way, I don’t think you’ll be kicking yourself, unless you go super cheap and regret it every winter.
Had an almost identical debate with myself last year. Ended up picking Simonton because, well, budget. They’re decent, but I do notice a little more chill by the window on windy days than at my friend’s place with Andersens. Not a dealbreaker, but if you’re obsessed with energy bills like I am, it’s something to consider. If this is your “forever-ish” home, those little drafts add up over time.
- Had Simontons in my last place—honestly, they were fine, but I did notice the cold spots during windy Chicago winters.
- Upgraded to Andersens in this house. Pricey, yeah, but my living room stays way warmer now.
- If you’re planning to stay put for a while, I’d say it’s worth stretching the budget if you can swing it.
- That said, if you’re not super sensitive to drafts or your climate’s mild, Simonton’s still decent.
- Just depends how much those little annoyances bug you over time...
- That said, if you’re not super sensitive to drafts or your climate’s mild, Simonton’s still decent. - Just depends how much those little annoyances bug you over time...
Funny timing—my neighbor did the “buy cheap, buy twice” dance with windows a few years back. He went Simonton, then grumbled every winter about drafts and condensation. Meanwhile, I bit the bullet on Andersens when we remodeled. It stung (my wallet still hasn’t forgiven me), but honestly, I don’t miss the plastic-y feel or fogging. That said, if your winters are mild or you’re not picky about a little chill, Simonton’s fine. But if you’re planning to settle in and hate wearing socks indoors, Andersens might be the move.
- Gotta say, I’ve had Simontons in my 80s ranch for six years and honestly, no major regrets.
- Winters here (central VA) aren’t brutal, so a draft here and there isn’t a dealbreaker.
- Did have to reseal one window last year—quick fix with some caulk, nothing wild.
- For me, the price difference just wasn’t worth it…especially since we’re not planning to stay forever.
- If you’re sensitive to cold or plan to be in the house for decades, I get why Andersens might win out.
- Otherwise, Simonton’s been solid for the money—just keep an eye on the seals.
For me, the price difference just wasn’t worth it…especially since we’re not planning to stay forever.
I get where you’re coming from, but I went with Andersens in our old colonial and honestly, even after a decade, they’re still tight as a drum. We had Simontons in our last place—cheaper upfront, sure, but I was constantly chasing down little drafts and condensation issues. If you’re planning to stick around or just want less hassle over time, sometimes that extra cash really does buy peace of mind. Just my two cents.
Funny, this reminds me of when we first moved into our place—mid-winter, wind howling through every crack, me with a roll of weatherstripping and a prayer. We had Simontons back then. Not terrible, but I swear I could feel the breeze from the couch some days. Fast forward a few years, we finally bit the bullet and did Andersens throughout. Pricey? Oh yeah. But honestly, I’ve barely thought about those windows since. No drafts, no fussing around with towels on the sills during storms.
That said, if I knew we’d only be here a couple more years, I’m not sure I’d have splurged. It’s a tough call—sometimes you just want a quick fix, especially if you’re not putting down roots. Still, I’ll admit, I don’t miss my old “indoor wind tunnel” days.
Man, I totally get that “wind tunnel” vibe. We had Simontons in our last house too, and they were... fine, but I always felt like I was losing a battle against drafts no matter how many times I tried to seal things up. Honestly, it was like the windows were just pretending to close all the way.
We’re in a spot now where we went with Andersens when we did a big reno—yeah, that price tag stings at first. But after a couple winters, I kinda stopped thinking about them, which is probably the best compliment you can give a window. No more cranking the heat or shoving blankets against the sills.
That said, if you’re planning on moving soon, I don’t know if I’d bother dropping the extra cash either. Simontons aren’t terrible, especially if you do a decent install and maybe beef up the insulation around the frames. But if you’re settling in for the long haul, I’d say the peace and quiet (and lower energy bills) are worth it. Always comes down to how long you wanna stick around, I guess.
Yeah, that’s exactly it—if you stop noticing your windows, they’re probably doing their job. I had a similar experience: went with cheaper vinyl windows in my old place, and even after re-caulking and stuffing insulation in every gap, I could still feel cold air sneaking in during winter. It was like the drafts had a personal vendetta or something.
When we moved and did our remodel, we sucked it up and got Andersens too. Price hurt at first, but our heating bills dropped a bunch and the house just feels quieter. I’m not sure I’d have spent the extra if I thought we’d move in a couple years though. The ROI isn’t there if you’re not sticking around.
One thing I noticed—install makes a huge difference. My neighbor got Simontons but paid for a really meticulous installer, and honestly, his house feels way tighter than mine ever did with cheap windows and a slapdash install. Sometimes it’s less about the brand and more about who’s putting them in.
Curious if anyone’s tried adding those interior window inserts or storm windows instead of replacing the whole thing? I’ve heard they help with drafts and noise, but never actually used them myself. Wondering how they stack up against just biting the bullet and swapping out for better windows.