Doors and Windows - [Window] Buying Advice {Merged Posts}

Sure would appreciate some advice! I'm planning on replacing my alluminum jalouse (sp?) windows soon and am overwhelmed with all the different vinyl window companies out there (and each manufacturor has several brands). Can you give me 2 or 3 window brand & model recommendations (double glaze,argon, low-e, vinyl). I have a block/stucco 1 story home in the Tampa Bay area built in '67. Don't need the best - but good value recommendations. Can't find anyone locally carring Amerimax. Would like impact resistant windows (hurricanes) but am under the impression they're too expensive. Feature priorities include 1)lowering cooling costs 2)protection from hurricane force winds/debris 3)maximum ventilation during pleasant weather. Also, any strong opinions about window styles (casement, awning, sliders, single or double hung) with regards to durability and longevity? This will be a DYI project. Any heads up warning about unique problems for installation on a block/stucco home would be welcomed. I'm under the impression I'll need a hammer drill to tapcom into the block.

Sure would appreciate some advice! I'm planning on replacing my alluminum jalouse (sp?) windows soon and am overwhelmed with all the different vinyl window companies out there (and each manufacturor has several brands). Can you give me 2 or 3 window brand & model recommendations (double glaze,argon, low-e, vinyl). I have a block/stucco 1 story home in the Tampa Bay area built in '67. Don't need the best - but good value recommendations. Can't find anyone locally carring Amerimax. Would like impact resistant windows (hurricanes) but am under the impression they're too expensive. Feature priorities include 1)lowering cooling costs 2)protection from hurricane force winds/debris 3)maximum ventilation during pleasant weather. Also, any strong opinions about window styles (casement, awning, sliders, single or double hung) with regards to durability and longevity? This will be a DYI project. Any heads up warning about unique problems for installation on a block/stucco home would be welcomed. I'm under the impression I'll need a hammer drill to tapcom into the block.

I just had a bunch of vinyl windows and a patio door
installed to replace my aluminum ones. The brand I had installed were "Anlin." The reason I had these installed were because of quality, performance and price. Atrium is also a good choice. Impact resistance? You can hit these with a hammer and it won't break. LowE? They're pretty much standard on all windows. Durability and longevity? They'll be around (like new) long after you're gone. After seeing how these things are installed, I wouldn't recommend this as a DIY project.

Chuck