Can Propane Freeze in Cold Temperatures?
Understanding the Effects of Weather on Your Propane Supply
As always, you can expect a cold and snowy winter throughout Western Wyoming, Eastern Idaho, and Southwestern Montana. So, if you’re new to the area, or are otherwise unsure, you may be wondering about the security of your propane supply amidst the extreme weather conditions. Specifically, can the propane in your tank freeze or gel during extremely cold weather?
The truth is that it’s highly unlikely. After all, the freezing point for propane is -306.4° Fahrenheit. For comparison’s sake, the record low in our neck of the woods is -66˚F. But those extreme temperatures haven’t happened in about 90 years! That makes it nearly impossible that the propane inside your propane tank will ever be subject to freezing.
However, very cold weather has the potential to cause problems in other ways.
Propane, like other liquids, contracts when it’s cold outside. In extremely cold weather, the volume of propane in an aboveground tank may decrease. As that volume decreases, so does the pressure. If your tank’s pressure gets too low, gas will not flow to your appliances’ burner. Your heating system, water heater, and other propane appliances risk being unable to properly function.
How Can I Better Protect My Propane Supply?
There are three easy steps you can take to make sure your propane supply stays safe all winter long:
Keep Your Propane Tank at Least 30% Full. There will be a positive pressure in your propane tank when it is more than 30% full. Fall River Propane’s Auto Fill Delivery and wireless propane tank monitoring are essential because you will be doubly assured that you receive a propane delivery before your tank runs too low.
Turn Down the Thermostat…When You Can! You don’t have to make your home uncomfortable, but by keeping your home’s thermostat lowered a few degrees against your typical high, you can prevent your heating system from coming on too frequently. This maintains the pressure in your propane tank and helps prevent the pressure from getting too low. A smart or programmable thermostat will help make this task easier.
Keep Your Propane Tank Free of Snow. To keep your propane tank functioning properly, you must sweep the snow off it after a snowfall. If there is too much snow on top of the tank, then sunlight will be unable to penetrate and aid in warming the gas inside. This can eventually lead to a loss in pressure.
To avoid damaging your tank or its components, do not shovel snow off it. Instead, use a broom to sweep it away. Also be sure to clear vents and flues on your home of any snow or ice build-up to ensure adequate ventilation.
Provide Easy Access Your Propane Tank. If Fall River Propane’s propane delivery drivers cannot safely get to your propane tank, they will not be able to deliver your propane. Our delivery trucks need a clear, safe path on your driveway, and please make sure there’s a foot-wide opening to your propane tank, too. Further, if able, look to mark the location of the tank with a tall pole topped with a bright-colored fabric or flag. That way, we can find it easily after heavy snowfalls!
With ever-reliable delivery combined with wireless propane tank monitoring services from Fall River Propane, your home comfort can always be assured.
Looking for a provider you can trust for years to come? Join the Fall River Propane family of customers today—we’ll be happy to help.