Pella review: Pella lifestyle double hung windows

Pella falsely advertises features on the double-hung (DH) windows leading customers to spend more for products that do not meet needs. The inaccurate information and anti-customer approach comes from the highest levels of Pella Corporation and trickles down. Inaccurate info on hidden screens & window opening control devices (WOCD) is on Pella’s website, brochures, and provided by multiple company reps. Customer only finds out after purchase products to no operate as described.

Hidden screens are more expensive and are marketed for DH windows, which are more expensive than single hung windows. It is only after installation I found that the upper sash is rendered immobile.

All Pella marketing sources indicate that WOCDs designed for DH windows are available. There is no picture for Lifestyle but the description and pictures for other Pella lines that show WOCDs work for both sashes (installed on the top sash) as do competitor products. The Pella showroom rep reassured prior to purchase that WOCDs would work for DH - consistent Pella website and brochures. Only after installation, did I find that Pella only sells WOCDs that work on lower sash only. After months of excruciating back and forth Pella Corporate now says there is no way to temporarily render the upper sash immobile. The only way is do it permanently – resulting in paying more for DH with only single hung functionality. They refuse to provide basic technical information on how far the glass goes into the sash framing (so one can avoid screwing into glass) needed to research after market solutions.

Pella refuses to take responsibility. There is no acknowledgement of the inaccuracies or reduced functionality. CS supervisor reps routinely do not follow through on promised actions or even reply to emails or calls. They have said that if I have any problems I should go back to the point of purchase – who refers me back to Pella Corporate as the ones who provided the inaccurate information to them and would have the technical staff to address.

If I had accurate information on functionality prior to purchase (3/6/24, installation 6/19/24), I would have gone with a competitor. Now I am stuck. As 45% of the windows also had manufacturing issues I deeply regret spending over $15,000 with Pella. They need to stop misrepresenting their products so customers can be appropriately informed.

Sample page still with inaccuracies 1 year later : www.pella.com/shop/windows/lifestyle-series/double-hung-windows/