Can Propane Freeze in Your Outdoor Tank?

If you own a propane-powered home, you already know that one of the greatest things about propane is that it keeps your family warm no matter how cold it gets here in Maine. But just how cold can it get outside before propane starts looking for its own warm place to hunker down?

The answer is pretty darn cold: propane turns to a liquid at -44 degrees F. If it gets that cold or colder, pressure inside the tank will drop to the point where it is too low to effectively power your propane heating equipment.

It probably won’t get that cold here in our own back yard (for you trivia buffs, Maine reached an all-time low temp of -50 on January 16, 2009, according to the National Weather Service), but it still pays to take some precautions if you own a propane-powered home in The Pine Tree State.

To avoid pressure problems during cold weather extremes:

• Order propane 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 tank quickly.
• 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 system/appliance operates, permitting the pressure in the tank to build.

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 only weeks away – do you have enough propane to keep your family safe, warm, and comfortable? Fill up today with the pros at Murray-Heutz Oil and Propane.