I think you'll find that the favorite of most folks on this board are double hungs. You can make a good case for them, too: more historically accurate for a home of this age, and the ones with 'tilt to wash' are far and above the easiest to clean.

You can have as many different types as you like. Several factors to consider: Casements are a bad idea if they open onto decks, porches, balconies as people tend to run into them when they are open. Size matters, too: a slider can accomodate a wider opening.

But in openings where they work, casements give you a larger opening to the outdoors-- almost double [remember this re: egress codes!] than either doubles or sliders, and eliminates the center bar, increasing your view zone.

Some casements open wide enough to let you wash the outside while inside, no slider can do that: they are the toughest to wash.

And casement screens are usually on the inside. Much easier to switch them out.

Casements tend to seal a little tighter, as well.

The mechanism of a casement is more complex, so the chance of a failure there is probably higher. Still very rare in the overall scheme of things.

My new house will use a combination of double hungs, casements, and awnings. No sliders, just because none of the openings really require/justify them.

As to why your dealers are pushing for sliders, I have no idea: my guy went through the plans with me, and we discussed what type was most appropriate for each location.

Take a look at other houses in your area that are similar in style. Pay particular attention to the ones looking as though they still have their original windows. You should then be able to determine what type of window is architecturally appropriate to your house.

Chances are it won't be a slider. Their use didn't become common until decades later.

I'm gonna guess that double-hung sash windows were originally installed in your house -- they were the most common window back then. Then again, if your house is a prairie style or has a strong Mediterranean influence, casements would probably be more appropriate.

Let the architectural style of your house guide you on the type of window you choose.

The problem is that the PO took out the wood dividers in between the windows. So there is none of the original frame left, only the window sills and the casings.
I really don't like sliders, and having looked around my neighbourhood, most people have casement if they have upgraded or double hung if they still have the origianl windows.
I don't have a lot of money to restore to the original windows, so that is why I must consider vinyl even though they are cheap.
Thanks so much for the input, it is very much appreciated.
Any more opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

I'm not positive, but I think some of the window replacement companies can gang double-hung windows so that you'd have two or three double-hung windows in a single unit. Might be worth inquiring about. If the house originally had sash windows, it would probably look best with sash windows again. New vinyl windows won't be a perfect restoration, but I'd think a better look than sliders.

Are Milgard replacement windows available in your area? I'm pretty sure they offer ganged sash windows. Their most affordable models would be single hung, but the look would be the same as double hung. Milgard makes very decent quality windows, and while perhaps not the cheapest windows out there, they're modestly priced, and deliver good value for money with an excellent warranty. They're a reputable company with good dealers and installers.

Here is a link that might be useful: Milgard Windows

ok, am redoing kitchen which looks out over deck which looks out over rest of backyard. am putting in more windows. currently have only one window in kitchen, not enough. it's a 2-panel 3' wide casement. want to do 8" rough opening - I can do 3 casements at 2'8" each or 2 big sliders at 4" each (each w 2 panels. I like idea of one single large opening for casement but fack it sticks out on deck is a pain. know sliders are less "efficient" inherently because of design. so, should i still go with sliders so I can pass a drink through window without someone walking on outside deck running into casement or hitting head on if sitting on furniture just beneath it? sounds like it. would be in either cae andersen 400 series. appreciate any advice/insights.