I'd avoid American Craftsman without any further qualification.

We had a HOme Depot Simonton salesperson to the house to give us a bid for vinyl replacement windows....at $5500 for EIGHT windows (and they're just your average size windows) we're looking at other companies. We were impressed with the windows but the price was a shocker! Oh, I meant to say that this salesman said virgin vinyl was better. Recycled tends to be not as strong (can warp). Recycled vinyl can yellow and crack.

Moni,

Home Depot, like Sears has a reputation for being high. For the Simonton StormBreaker Plus windows, that price doesn't sound bad at all, however.

HD sells Simonton windows. I can't tell you whether that price is out of line or not because it would depend on the options you were offered. Some of the factors which can influence the price is whether the estimate was for Super Spacer, Hard or Soft coat Low E glass, grids, tempered glass, size, capping and what area of the US you live in.

I wouldn't recommend having HD install anything because of their poor reputation.

The Simonton is an excellent choice in windows. If you like them, contact some local contractors and ask if they carry them.

Once you get the other estimates, post the info with as much detail as you can and I'm sure someone with experience will give you their opinion.

I would also ask a lot of questions about the experience of the installation crew who would do the job. The best window in the world can be compromised by a poor quality installation.

A man from Jeld Wen windows was out today. Sears will be here tomorrow and a window contractor that installs Simonton will be here on Monday. What about Don Young windows?
I didn't get to compare the Jeld Wen windows to with the double hung I saw from HD. But I don't think I'd take the windows if the guy gave them to me :( He was here less than 15 minutes. Didn't offer to bring his sample window in to show me it's qualities (but DID say that Jeld Wen is the best window made and if anyone disagrees to "come see him" :o I wanted double hung, he brought out a single hung window (knowing I was interested in double). It was a a casement window so I didn't get to get a feel for how opens and closes. Took some quick measurements and left, saying he'd mail me the bid. I talked him into emailing it to me. He did, but failed to indicate if the bid was for single or double. It was for single and he knew I wanted double. Just from a brief look, it didn't look near the window the Simonton 6100 was but that's all I have to go on (looks). Doesn't matter, he lack of sales tact lost him the job anyway.
I do have a question tho. Is there any difference in energy lose /heat transfer in a single hung vs double hung window (with everything else being the same?
Thanks,
Monica