Propane tanks are a convenient source of fuel for cooking and running a heater. However, it can also freeze during winter if not cared for properly. So for this post, we discussed how to keep propane tank from freezing, so you won’t have to dread this problem in cold months.
Many homeowners tend to overlook their propane tanks when winter-proofing their homes. This will affect the efficiency of the tank in releasing fuel. This can be a big problem especially if a blizzard caused a power outage, leaving you with nothing but gas-powered heaters to stay warm.
Why do propane tanks freeze during winter?
Propane tanks could freeze in very low temperatures. Inside the tank, propane is in liquid form, which is why it’s also called ‘liquid petroleum gas’ or LPG. Overall, liquefied propane has a high tolerance to cool temperatures.
However, once the liquid propane temperature hits -44F, it will start to freeze. In fact, any subzero temperature can impact the efficiency of the gas flow inside your tank.
Moreover, propane tanks are designed to protect the fuel from various elements, including freezing temperatures. However, it can only do so within a certain threshold. After all, propane tanks are made of metal, which is a good thermal conductor.
What happens when a propane tank freezes?
Overall, propane tanks won’t explode if it freezes. In fact, it’s the least likely scenario to happen.
Once propane gets colder than -44F, the pressure inside the tank will drop dramatically. Since the pressure is low, the fuel can’t be forced into the valve to power up your appliances.
You’ll notice your heater or grill not heating up well. In some cases, users may think that their propane tank is already running out of fuel.
Nevertheless, it takes very low temperatures for this to happen. But for those living in areas that get harsh winters, this remains a possibility.
Don’t worry because propane tanks will regain their pressure once the temperature rises.
How to keep propane tank from freezing
If your propane tanks keep on freezing during winter, you can do the following steps:
1. Keep it in a warm place
The easiest way to prevent a propane tank from freezing is to keep it in a warm place. You can store it in a well-ventilated garage with heating. You can also place it in your shed where it’s dry.
Overall, the goal is to keep the propane tank away from direct snow contact. However, this could be impossible for tanks that are permanently installed outdoors. In this case, the other methods below would be more effective.
Remember that you should always store propane tanks in a ventilated area. Leaks can happen without your knowledge, so it’s best to be proactive.
If possible, look for a place outdoors to store your propane tanks without being in contact with snow or rain.
2. Use an insulation wrap
You can keep your propane tank from freezing by using insulation wraps. These are usually utilized on vertical propane tanks, which serve as a protective sleeve.
These wraps are lined with insulation that will prevent cold temperatures from seeping through the tank. Others are even equipped with a heating element, which should be used with caution and at your own risk.
For large outdoor tanks, an insulation blanket will come in handy. You just wrap and secure the blanket all over the tank to prevent it from freezing.
Take note that you should never use any space heater or heat-radiating devices to keep your propane tank warm. This can be disastrous once the tank reaches dangerous heat levels.
3. Keep the tank full
Another way to prevent propane tanks from freezing is to keep them as full as possible. A tank with low fuel levels is more prone to pressure drops when exposed to low temperatures.
For efficient use, consider having your tank filled before it becomes half full. Keeping the tanks full will help compensate for the lowered pressure. This will also ensure that your gas-powered appliances will remain functional, especially the heaters.
While this method is an added expense, it’s much better than having a useless propane tank. Besides, you only have to do it during winter.
So before winter arrives, make sure that you get your tanks filled. You should also keep the phone number of a local propane provider, so you can contact them for easy refills.
4. Build an enclosure around it
For propane tanks installed outdoors, it will help a lot if you build an enclosure around them. Overall, you just have to place a roof over it and keep the tank elevated from the ground. Take note that you’re not supposed to seal the tank since it requires proper ventilation.
Overall, you can use spare wood and other materials you have in your yard. As long as it keeps the snow away, it would be enough.
Also, you should build this enclosure before winter. This way, you can work around your yard easier and you won’t have to expose yourself to the cold temperatures for too long.
Warning: never heat a propane tank on your own!
No matter how much you want to prevent your propane tank from freezing, you should never heat it on your own. There are electrical devices that can be used to heat tanks, but they may cause damage if not used properly.
Take note that just like any matter, propane tanks expand as the temperature rises. The pressure inside will also increase drastically when heating the tank.
There’s always a risk of explosion when heating a propane tank. Nevertheless, it requires intense heat of at least 49C or 120F. If the tank is exposed to this temperature or hotter, it may explode. This can be deadly, especially if the tank is located indoors.
If you want to keep your propane tank from freezing, you should keep it in a warm area. Overall, a warm temperature that’s comfortable for you is safe for propane tanks.
In case you have a large propane tank that can’t be moved around, you should consider calling a professional to help insulate it.
Additional propane tank safety during winter
Aside from keeping your propane tank safe from freezing temperatures, you should also keep these safety precautions in mind:
1. Observe ventilation at all times
When using propane during winter, you should observe proper ventilation at all times. This is to prevent the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure that the tank is placed in a room or spot with ample airflow. You can also use exhaust fans to keep the tank ventilated while in use.
2. Disconnect tanks that are not in use
Tanks that are not in use should be disconnected from any appliance. This is to prevent leaks since the regulator can be covered with frost. It increases the possibility of a gas leak, depending on other environmental factors.
3. Remove ice and snow from vents and flues
Before using a propane tank, make sure that your vents, chimneys, and flues aren’t covered with snow. This is to ensure that the gasses will dissipate properly and not accumulate inside your home. You may have to do this regularly, especially if your place is getting a lot of snow.
4. Place a tall flag over your outdoor tank
During a blizzard, your entire yard will be covered by a thick layer of snow. With this, it will help a lot to install a flag pole on your propane tank. This will let you locate the tank easily and avoid hitting it with a snow shovel. It comes in handy during heavy snowfall and drifts.
5. Keep the regulator snow-free
You should always keep an eye on your propane tank’s regulator and make sure that it’s free of snow and ice. This is to prevent any pressure problems and to ensure that you’ll have accurate readings every time.
6. Keep the tank upright always
Except for large outdoor tanks, propane tanks must be kept in an upright position at all times. You can use a milk crate or pallet to keep the tank safe and elevated from the ground. Just make sure that it’s stable and won’t cause the tank to fall or roll.
7. Watch out for gas leaks
If you smell fuel nearby, it’s important to check your propane tanks for potential leaks. You can also perform regular leak checks by covering the tank valve and hose with ammonia-free soap and water. If there are parts that bubble endlessly, it means that there’s a leak and you need to replace it immediately.
8. Don’t use snow blowers near propane meters
Always be mindful of gas meters when blowing the snow on your yard. Make sure that the snow won’t pile up on the meter, which may cause it to freeze. Also, be careful when shoveling as you might hit the meter and cause a leak.
9. Spot check your tanks regularly
It pays to be proactive when using propane tanks during winter. Spot checking will let you notice potential leaks and problems. Also, it will let you notice freezing tanks that require insulation. Always look for snow or ice buildup on the tank and regulator on each check.
10. Install a carbon monoxide detector
Lastly, install a carbon monoxide detector in an enclosed area where you are using the propane tanks. It’s because burning propane can release harmful gasses like CO, which can cause serious health problems. The tricky part is that this gas is odorless and colorless, making it very deadly during wintertime.
Final words
Knowing how to keep propane tank from freezing will come in handy during harsh winters. It will ensure that your tanks won’t lose pressure and that the regulators won’t freeze.
Just remember that you should never heat a propane tank manually. Never place it near space heaters or open flames as it may increase the risk of explosion. Instead, you should keep it in a well-ventilated area away from snow or rain.