Leaves are a PITA, I set up new house with as little maintenence as possible. When I was younger I loved working on the lawn all day, as I got older I hate it.
I had that problem at my last house, the windy days never blew towards the woods so I'd have to wait and have twice as much work when the wind calmed down.
I have mine in a walkout unheated basement so it's the only heat there. I guess some heat will rise to the main floor but it's mainly to keep the basement warm where my office is located.