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What is the QMID for Andersen windows? The QMID (Quote Material Identification) or Product Identification Number is a unique alphanumeric serial code etched directly into the corner of the insulated glass unit (IGU) or printed on the frame label of Andersen windows. It encodes the exact manufacturing date, glass coating type (Low-E4, SmartSun), series line (400, 200, A-Series), and dimensional specifications needed for warranty claims, federal energy tax credits, and replacement hardware.
Whether you are filing an energy efficiency tax credit claim under the federal Inflation Reduction Act (Section 25C), ordering replacement sash hardware, or filing a warranty claim for seal failure, locating and decoding your Andersen window identification is essential. Homeowners frequently spend hours searching paper receipts or warranty brochures when the definitive “birth certificate” of every Andersen window is permanently etched into the glass itself.
Understanding Andersen Window Glass Etchings and Identifiers
Every genuine Andersen window manufactured since the mid-20th century features a permanent, laser-etched or acid-etched watermark located in one of the four corners of the glass pane (usually bottom-right or top-right as viewed from the interior). This etching serves as the primary manufacturer tracking identifier:
| Etching Component | Visual Representation | Data Encoded | Practical Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andersen Logo | Triangle symbol with “Andersen” script | Authentic manufacturer validation | Confirms genuine OEM product vs. knockoff sash |
| IGCC / SGCC Number | e.g., “IGCC® CBA 09/22” | Insulating Glass Certification Council rating | Validates gas fill seal integrity and safety tempering |
| Production Date Code | Month / Year format (e.g., “05/21”) | Exact manufacturing month and year | Determines active 10-year / 20-year warranty coverage |
| Glass Type Indicator | e.g., “HP”, “Low-E4®”, “SmartSun™” | Thermal coating and solar heat gain spec | Confirms Energy Star tier for Section 25C tax credits |
| Plant & Line ID (QMID) | Alphanumeric sequence (e.g., “BAY 14-2”) | Fabrication facility and production run | Enables customer service to trace original quote specs |
Where to Find Your Andersen Window Identification (Step-by-Step)
If you cannot immediately see the etching, follow this physical inspection routine:
- Inspect the Corner of the Glass: Stand inside your home and examine all four corners of the glass pane, approximately 1 to 2 inches from the frame edge. In bright daylight, the faint white or translucent etching can be difficult to see; shine a flashlight at an oblique 45-degree angle across the glass surface or hold a dark piece of paper behind it.
- Check the Upper Head Jamb Channel: Open the window sash. On casement, awning, and double-hung windows, look at the head jamb (the top horizontal inside track). Andersen often places an adhesive product identification label containing the full Serial Number and Unit Size Code (e.g., “TW28410” for a 400 Series Tilt-Wash).
- Locate the Visible Glass (VG) Dimensions: If the label is painted over or missing, measure the visible width and visible height of the glass pane to the nearest 1/16th of an inch. Andersen’s catalog cross-references visible glass dimensions directly to standard unit callouts.
Using Your Window Code for Federal Energy Tax Credits (Section 25C)
Under the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (IRC Section 25C), homeowners can claim a 30% tax credit up to $600 annually for qualifying exterior window replacements. However, the IRS requires proof that the installed windows meet Energy Star Most Efficient criteria:
| Climate Zone | Required U-Factor Maximum | Required SHGC (Solar Heat Gain) | Eligible Andersen Glass Packages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Climate | ≤ 0.20 | Any (Higher preferred for solar heat) | Low-E4® Triple-Pane; HeatLock® with Argon |
| North-Central | ≤ 0.24 | ≤ 0.40 | SmartSun™ Dual-Pane with Argon; Triple-Pane |
| South-Central | ≤ 0.28 | ≤ 0.25 | SmartSun™ with HeatLock®; Sun Glass |
| Southern Climate | ≤ 0.30 | ≤ 0.23 | SmartSun™ Low-E4®; PassiveSun® with tint |
When preparing Form 5695 for your tax filing, your tax advisor will need the manufacturer’s certification statement and the product line identification derived from your window etching or purchase invoice.
Andersen Product Lines and Serial Identifiers
Andersen manufactures several distinct window series, each utilizing specific labeling conventions:
- 400 Series (Wood interior with Perma-Shield® vinyl exterior): Andersen’s flagship product line since the 1960s. Glass etchings feature the classic triangular logo; double-hung units feature date-stamped balance springs inside the jamb pockets.
- 200 Series (Value wood/composite line): Standardized sizes with simpler hardware configurations. Identifiable by basic Low-E etchings and external frame stampings.
- A-Series (Architectural Collection): Premium composite/fiberglass construction with high-performance multi-pane glass. Etchings clearly display “A-Series” alongside triple-pane gas fill certifications.
- 100 Series (Fibrex® composite throughout): Extruded composite frames with contemporary square profiles. Labels are affixed inside the top frame sill.
How to Order Exact Replacement Parts Using Your Code
When communicating with Andersen customer support or an authorized distributor, provide the following three pieces of data to guarantee 100% replacement compatibility:
- The Glass Etching Date and Code: Provides the generation era (e.g., pre-1998 vs. post-1998 balances and operator arms have completely different mounting brackets).
- The Unit Callout Number: Derived from the jamb sticker (e.g., “CW135” for Casement Window width 1, height 35).
- Visible Glass Measurement: Width × Height of the glass pane exposed between the interior wood stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the serial number on Andersen windows?
The serial number is located in the etched watermark in the corner of the glass pane, or on an adhesive product label placed on the top head jamb inside the operating sash track.
Can you tell the age of an Andersen window from the glass logo?
Yes. The glass etching includes a two-digit month and two-digit year code (e.g., “08/19” indicates August 2019). If your etching features only the Andersen triangle without numbers, the window was manufactured prior to 1982.
What does QMID stand for in window manufacturing?
QMID stands for Quote Material Identification or Quotation Master ID. It is the internal reference code used by window fabricators, distributors, and dealers to pull up the exact bill of materials (glass type, grilles, hardware finish, frame color) specified in the original order.
What is the warranty coverage on Andersen window glass?
Andersen provides a 20-year transferable limited warranty on insulated glass units against seal failure (fogging, condensation between panes) and a 10-year warranty on non-glass components (locks, operators, balances, weatherstripping).
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