Can Propane Freeze in Your Tank?

Propane is one of the best fuels around when it comes to keeping you warm in any weather – but how does propane itself respond to cold?

In general, propane deals very well with temperatures as they drop, but it does have some problems with extreme cold. Here’s why: When propane is stored in your tank, it’s a liquid under high pressure; it must expand into a vapor to be ignited. But as temperatures drop, so does pressure inside the tank – to the point where eventually pressure may not be high enough to effectively power your propane appliances.

When we say extreme cold, we’re not kidding: propane turns to a liquid at -44 degrees F. Still, some precautions should be taken if you own a propane-powered home in a cold climate.

To avoid pressure problems during cold weather extremes:

• Request a propane delivery when your tank is no less than one-quarter full to keep positive pressure inside the tank (and prevent runouts).
• Clear snow away from your propane tank quickly after a snowfall.
• Keep the regulator free of snow and ice.
• Turn down the thermostat in your home – Decreasing the temperature in your house will lessen the time your appliances operate, which allows pressure in the tank to build.

Some other extreme weather propane tips:

• Clear snow and ice from propane tank regulators, vents, piping and valves to prevent damage that could cause a gas leak.
• Remove snow and ice from appliance vents, flues and chimneys to allow the gas to vent properly.
• Place a flag, pole, or stake next to your tank that is tall enough to be seen over the expected snowfall and drifts; this will help you find the tank in heavy snow.
• Turn off the main gas supply if an appliance fails to light or if a gas leak is detected.

Winter is coming – do you have enough propane to keep your family safe, warm, and comfortable in your Middle Tennessee or Southern Kentucky home? Fill up today with the pros at Advanced Propane.