Spring in Salt Lake Valley: 6 Things Your House Needs Before Pollen Season
It is that unmistakable time of year in the Salt Lake Valley. The snow line is slowly receding up the Wasatch Front, the slush on State Street is finally drying up, and the skiers are starting to trade their goggles for hiking boots. But as the valley turns from grey to green, every homeowner from North Salt Lake down to Draper knows that a familiar “yellow dusting” is just around the corner.
Tree pollen in the Salt Lake Valley can begin appearing as early as late February in mild years, with peak levels usually hitting in March and April. While we love the budding Maples and Oaks, your house, and your sinuses: might feel differently. If you want to keep your indoor air fresh and your exterior looking sharp, you need a battle plan.
As your go-to Salt Lake handyman, we know what a Utah winter can do to a home’s exterior. Between the freeze-thaw cycles and the heavy snow loads, your house has been through a workout. Now, it’s time to prep for the pollen.
Here are the six essential things your house needs before the pollen hits full stride.
1. Deep Cleaning and Replacing Window Screens
When the first 60-degree day hits, the first instinct for most folks in Sandy and Riverton is to throw open the windows. However, if your screens have been sitting all winter, they are likely caked with dust, grime, and old debris. Even worse, if they have holes or are pulling away from the frame, they are basically an open-door invitation for pollen and local Salt Lake insects to move in.
Clean screens act as a filter. We recommend popping them all out and giving them a gentle scrub with soapy water. If they are looking a little worse for wear, it might be time for a professional window trim upgrade or screen replacement. Fine-mesh screens can help reduce the amount of larger pollen particles entering your home when windows are open.
2. Swapping HVAC Filters for HEPA Efficiency
Your HVAC system is the lungs of your home. During the transition from winter heating to spring cooling, those filters have a lot of work to do. If you’re still using the cheap fiberglass filters that look like blue spiderwebs, you’re essentially letting the pollen run laps around your house.
Most residential systems can safely handle filters in the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) 8 to 13 range, but always check your system’s specifications before upgrading. Installing too restrictive a filter can reduce airflow and strain your system. These filters are designed to trap microscopic particles, including tree and grass pollen. Keeping your indoor air quality high is especially important in the valley where the inversion can already make things tough. Check out our guide on how to stop drafts and improve home efficiency to see how small changes make a big impact on your utility bills and comfort.
3. Inspecting and Cleaning Rain Gutters
Utah winters are notorious for filling gutters with shingle grit, dead leaves from last autumn, and ice dam debris. If your gutters are clogged when the spring rains hit, that water is going to overflow, leading to foundation issues, basement leaks, or wood rot on your fascia boards.
Furthermore, damp debris sitting in your gutters is a breeding ground for mold and can trap even more pollen, creating a sludge that is difficult to remove later. Whether you’re looking for a handyman in Sandy Utah or need home repair in Salt Lake, getting someone on a ladder to clear those channels is a top priority. It’s one of those hidden wear spots that people often ignore until the damage is already done.
4. Sealing Gaps Around Windows and Doors
Pollen is opportunistic. If air can get into your house, pollen can too. Take a walk around your home and look for daylight around your door frames or feel for drafts near your windows. Over time, weatherstripping dries out and cracks, especially with our dry Utah air.
Replacing weatherstripping and sealing gaps with high-quality caulk is one of the most cost-effective ways to keep the "green dust" out of your home. It also keeps your AC from escaping once the summer heat hits. If you aren't sure where to start, we have a great list of 50-dollar home fixes that include basic sealing tasks that save you big money in the long run.
5. Power Washing Decks and Patios
Your outdoor living space is about to become your favorite "room" in the house. But right now, it’s probably covered in a layer of winter salt, dirt, and maybe some leftover fall leaves. Once the pollen starts falling, it will stick to that grime and create a sticky, yellow mess that is much harder to clean later.
A good power wash for your deck or patio in Herriman or West Valley City does more than just make it look pretty; it preserves the material. Whether you have a custom wood deck or a concrete patio, clearing off the winter residue now prevents staining. If your deck looks like it’s seen better days beyond just a cleaning, we specialize in elevated deck installations and repairs to get your backyard BBQ-ready.
6. Checking Exterior Caulking for Winter Cracks
The extreme temperature swings we get along the Wasatch Front cause your home to expand and contract. This "breathing" often leads to cracks in the caulking around your siding, trim, and vents. These cracks aren't just an entry point for pollen; they are an entry point for water and pests.
Spring is the perfect time for a "walk-around" inspection. Look at the joints where different materials meet: like where your siding hits your window trim or where the gas line enters the house. If the caulk is peeling or missing, it’s time for a refresh. This is a classic example of small issues that can tank your home’s value if they are left to fester and turn into rot.
Why Call a Pro?
Look, we get it. The "honey-do" list is long, and between soccer practice in Magna and commuting to Salt Lake, your weekends are precious. You could spend your entire Saturday on a ladder, or you could let Your Handyman Pros tackle this entire checklist.
We aren't just about big remodels; we are your partners in keeping your home safe, efficient, and beautiful. Whether you need a handyman in Herriman to fix a leaky faucet or a crew to handle your full spring maintenance checklist, we’ve got you covered. We pride ourselves on being friendly, professional, and reliable. No "outdated lighting" (we don't do those old dome lights everyone hates!) and no shortcuts: just quality work that makes you love your home again.
From checking your interior for winter damage to ensuring your bathroom feels like a spa, our team is ready to jump in.
Don’t let the pollen season catch you off guard. Let’s get your house sealed tight and cleaned up so you can enjoy the beautiful Utah spring without the sneezing!
