Doors and Windows - Anderson 200 series vs. 400 series

Other than cost, is there any benefit going with the 400 series Anderson windows vs. the 200 series? I believe the frame on the 400 series is slightly thicker but I'm wondering if the insulating value makes enough of a difference to justify the additional cost. I'm looking at 22 windows plus a bay and the 400 series is about $100 more per window. That seems like quite a bit of cost to recoup. Thanks for any input.

Not sure what style of windows you're looking at.

Series 400 windows: Casement/ Stationary/ Awning, Woodwright Double-hung, Tilt-wash Double-hung, Bay & Bow, Gliding windows, Specialty windows

Series 200 windows: Casement/ Stationary/ Awning, Narrowline Double-hung, Tilt-wash Double-hung, Bay & Bow, Gliding windows

If you're looking at Casements, the difference is the glass. $100 per upgrade for better glass sounds about right.

Additionally, besides better glass, the 400 series Woodwright, tiltwash and glider are all a better window than 200 series Narrowline, tiltwash and glider. The difference is mainly that the 400 series windows have less wood / more composite in the exterior half of the frames reducing the potential of rot, while the 200 series has vinyl clad wood sills and jambs.

If you have specific questions such as how the u-factor or SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient) compare, I have Anderson's product guide handy.

Thanks for that good information. One of the windows is a casement and the other 21 are double hung. The bay will also include 2 casements. We don't plan to move so we want the windows to last a long time. For energy purposes and longevity it sounds like the 400 series is the better option.