Safety of Propane Tanks During the Winter

Cold temperatures outside not only freezes lakes, streams and fingers, they can affect propane tanks. Metal tanks store this fuel source that originates from the refining of natural gas and crude oil. Your storage container utilizes pressures to keep propane in a liquid form. If the temperature outside surrounding your propane tank becomes too cold, your propane appliances might not function properly. We will discuss how the colder weather affects propane tanks, as well as safety of propane tanks during the winter.

Propane Tanks During the Winter

Critical Temperatures

As the pressure inside your propane tank drops, it eventually becomes too low to light a furnace or other appliance.

Propane stays as a liquid at 44°F or lower. Therefore, for your appliances to properly work, store your propane tank in an area with a temperature greater than 44°F.

Propane Delivery in the Winter

Many propane tanks contain a tank gauge to show the perentage of propane in the tank. The beginning and ending gauge readings may show less propane delivered during winter propane deliveries than actually delivered.

However, the meters we use to measure the amount of propane delivered includes a volume correction device. This device considers cold temperatures. Therefore, an accurate measurement is possible in cold as well as warm temperatures.

Other Cold Weather Problems

While rare in Texas, snow and ice require additional precautions. Make sure to clear ice and snow from your propane tank regulators, vents, piping and valves. This will prevent damage that could cause a gas leak or a frozen propane tank.

In addition, remove ice and snow from appliance vents, flues and chimneys to allow gas to vent properly. To find the tank underneath snow, place a flag, pole or stake next to the tank to show the location.

Propane is flammable when mixed with oxygen. Therefore, turn off the main gas supply if an appliance fails to light or if a gas leak is detected.

 

For more information on safety of propane tanks during the winter, or to schedule your propane delivery with us, contact us with the link below!