New Orleans, Louisiana, nicknamed the “Big Easy”, is world-renowned for its round-the-clock nightlife, vibrant live-music scene and spicy, and cuisine that reflects its history as a melting pot of French, African and American cultures. New Orleans has a subtropical climate with pleasant year-round temperatures. Temperatures range from the mid 40°F in winter to the upper 90°F in the summer. A hot climate and high humidity as well as the change in temperature with a change in season means extended use of New Orleans home systems and appliances like the AC unit and electric system. Long-term use of appliances and systems in New Orleans homes can be a risk for normal wear and tear causing unexpected mechanical breakdowns.

On average, there are 216 sunny days per year in New Orleans. The coldest month is January when the average temperature overnight is 43°F. In July, the warmest month, the average daytime temperature rises to 91°F. The driest month is October and June is the wettest month. On average, January is the most humid. If your central heating system, AC unit, or electrical system experiences a mechanical failure due to normal wear and tear, having protection from an expensive repair or replacement is essential because a delay can make living conditions in the home very uncomfortable for everyone, even unsafe.



Home & Lifestyle in New Orleans

Situated on a bend of the Mississippi River 100 miles from its mouth, New Orleans has been the chief city of Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico’s busiest northern port since the early 1700s. New Orleans is the largest city and metro area of Louisiana, and its name comes from Orléans, a city on the Loire River. The estimated population of New Orleans in 2016 is 343 thousand.

After Hurricane Katrina forced tens of thousands of New Orleans residents to exit in 2005, there were fears the city would never regain its population. However, a report released by the Data Center in July of 2015 showed the city was recapturing its lost population. Between 2010 and 2014, the population of New Orleans grew 12%, according to a U.S. Census Bureau information report. Newer data indicates that the population grew another 1% between 2014 and 2015. The total number of households receiving mail was 181 thousand in June 2015 compared to 203 thousand in June 2005, representing a nearly 90% recovery rate.

With its famous customs and celebrations, New Orleans is a city like no other. Its historic buildings and sophisticated traditions showcase more flavor of an old European capital than any American city. From the historic St. Charles line to the Red Ladies making their way down Canal, the streetcars take you back in time. Burial practices are an example of a distinct culture. Cemeteries filled with above ground tombs create Cities of the Dead. As well, New Orleans is world-famous for its food. Their food has been developed from centuries of blending of the local Creole, haute Creole, and New Orleans French cuisines. Local ingredients, French, Spanish, Italian, African, Native American, Cajun, Chinese, and a bit of Cuban traditions, combine to produce a unique Louisiana flavor.

The French Quarter, bounded by the Mississippi River, Rampart Street, Canal Street, and Esplanade Avenue, contains many popular hotels, bars, and nightclubs. Notable tourist attractions in the Quarter include Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, the French Market and Preservation Hall. The world famous Mardi Gras is always on the Tuesday that is 47 days before Easter. It is always the day before Ash Wednesday, which is the start of Lent. Carnival season refers to the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras and officially begins on January 6 every year.

The largest of the city’s many music festivals is the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Commonly referred to simply as “Jazz Fest”, it is one of the largest music festivals in the nation, featuring crowds of people from all over the world, coming to experience music, food, arts, and crafts. The Festival features not only jazz but a variety of music, including both native Louisiana music and international artists.

New Orleans has one of the largest and busiest ports in the world, and metropolitan New Orleans is a center of maritime industry. The Port of New Orleans is the 5th largest port in the United States based on volume of cargo handled. It is the 12th-largest in the U.S. based on value of cargo. The Port of South Louisiana, also based in the New Orleans area, is the world’s busiest in terms of bulk tonnage. When combined with the Port of New Orleans, it forms the 4th-largest port system in volume handled. Many shipbuilding, shipping, logistics, freight forwarding and commodity brokerage firms either are based in metropolitan New Orleans or maintain a local presence.

Tourism is a staple of the city’s economy. New Orleans’ tourist and convention industry is a major economic sector. As well, the New Orleans region accounts for a large portion of the nation’s oil refining and petrochemical production, and serves as a base for onshore and offshore petroleum and natural gas production. Metropolitan New Orleans is a major regional hub for the health care industry and has a competitive manufacturing sector.
