Fall Leaves – How to Keep Them Out!
By all means, fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year. Slowly, we watch the leaves turn from green to shades of red, orange, and yellow. We drink apple cider and eat pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving dinner. Without a doubt, its a favorite season of many. However, with fall leaves, come fall cleaning. Do you know how to make the best of it?
For homeowners, debris in the yard can be a nightmare. Whether it’s leaves, dirt, or dust, it can wreak havoc on your HVAC. Therefore, this month, we think it is essential to prepare. As a matter of fact, we will do more than that. This month, we have tips and tricks for your fall leaves, but also some ideas for your outdoor space.
Stop dreading those pesky fall leaves, and start enjoying the view.
What Should You Do With Fall Leaves?
Of course, you know you can rake your leaves. We aren’t here to tell you to do that. Although did you know there are other options? Raking is a dreaded task for many. Not to mention, it’s time-consuming if you have a large yard. If you have more than a few fall leaves to clean up, try out one of these options this year.
Invest or borrow a leaf blower or vacuum. Equally efficient, these tools will help you to get the job done. For a smaller property, a vacuum would work best. What’s more, you can grind and compost it after. On the other hand, a leaf blower is a fantastic tool for getting rid of pesky leaves off larger areas.
By the same token, some lawnmowers can do the same trick. If your lawnmower has a bag attached, mow down those fall leaves. After it’s all said and done, the disposal will be a breeze.
How to Recycle Your Leaves
Recycling isn’t just for plastic and cardboard. You can turn your fall leaves into so much more this year. Instead of tossing them away, use one of these awesome recycling methods.
Compost
Composting is becoming more popular. How great is that? We should all be moving towards a sustainable world. Yet, many people don’t know that leaves are a great addition to your compost. In doing so, you create a high-quality nitrogen soil. From there, you can add it to your gardens. Additionally, it is fantastic for planting trees and shrubs.
Mulching
Do you usually lean towards wood chips? While they may look swell, they cause a few issues. Firstly, they can stain their surroundings. More importantly, they collect fungus. Going forward, that fungus is likely to impact plants and structures around it. So, why not use a cheaper alternative? Fall leaves are guaranteed. Plus, they are free. Avoid costs and worries by mulching with fall leaves.
Ask the Community
If you aren’t interested in saving your fall leaves, someone will be. So, check-in with your township. Do they have a community recycling for fall leaves? Otherwise, you can ask your neighbours, friends, and family. In KW, we have a few different options. For more information, visit Leaf Collection.
Last but not least, let the kids enjoy them. If you have children at home, help them get back to nature, whether it’s making crafts or just jumping in a leaf pile. It doesn’t have to be all work and no play.
Fall Leaves and Your HVAC
Now that we have covered how to deal with your fall leaves, we wanted to talk about why you should. It’s not just about looks. Fallen leaves cause damage to your HVAC system if they aren’t removed. However, with a few simple steps, you will be on your way.
First and foremost, contain the fall leaves. The more on your property, the more likely they are to invade your HVAC. Specifically, pay attention to the compressor outside. This unit homes a crucial part of your AC system. Clear all the debris from the top and inside. Maintaining the area around your compressor will also help. For outdoor inspirations, find our blog Home and Gardening Tips For Your HVAC.
Without proper care, it could lead to big trouble down the road. Debris inside your AC unit is never a good sign. But, it’s not only about efficiency. Clogged compressors create the perfect environment for mold and bacteria. Is that something you want in your air? Please don’t risk it.
Take the time to get rid of those fall leaves, and do it quick. One day of cleaning is worth avoiding a hefty HVAC bill. Moreover, it’s important to keep the quality of your air in mind.
There are services out there. If you can’t find the time, find someone who can. In the meantime, we have a few last pointers for you.
4 Tricks to Keeping Your Outdoor HVAC Clean During Fall
We want your HVAC system to last. You should too! By taking a few extra steps, you can save yourself time and money. Not to mention, you keep your air quality in tip top shape. Removing fall leaves isn’t always enough. And, depending on your outdoor space, you may have to take a few extra steps. Surprisingly, it’s easier than you think.
- While you are removing leaves, work away from all HVAC units. By doing so, you keep the extra dirt and debris away as well.
- Keep a 3-foot distance between your AC unit and shrubs/trees.
- If you find that leaves are falling directly onto your unit, consider purchasing a cover. These are great for winter as well.
- Trim any branches that linger near your AC unit. If a branch hangs over, it’s bound to shed some leaves.
Above all, taking a few extra steps will help you in the long run. Don’t spend this fall season dreading the leaves. Get out and enjoy the colours. Repurpose the leaves in whichever way you’d like, or let someone else do it for you. Either way, you have the information you need to get started.
For more information on fall maintenance, or to schedule an appointment, give us a call today! We look forward to speaking with you.
