Propane is a standard gas used to power homes and essential appliances. A stove, grills, and heaters work through the power supplied through your propane tank. The question now is what to do when winter rolls around. Can you leave a propane tank outside during winter?
During this time, most propane owners wonder the same question: Is it okay to leave your propane tank outside during this frosty season?
This article will provide the answer and tips on securing your tank this winter season.
Can You Keep Your Propane Tank Outside During Winter?
A propane tank should never be indoors or within walls. The tank releases harmful carbon monoxide that destroys air quality and is too dangerous for inhalation.
Keeping a propane tank during winter is okay. The freezing temperatures don’t pose a threat like hotter temperatures, and you’ll only risk rusting on the protective shell.
How To Keep Your Propane Tank Safe During the Winter
While a propane tank is safe during the winter, there are some precautions you can take to ensure it functions under harsh conditions.
Here are some safety tips and advice to help prevent damage and emergency repairs.
Maintain a Cold Temperature
Avoid keeping your propane tank near a heater or fire. The winter air will not affect the propane, but a temperature exceeding 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
An extended period of intense heat leads to increasing tank pressure. Too much pressure will blow off the tank’s safety value which contains a potential explosion but leaves a slight leakage.
Keep your propane tank in an open space with no fires or hot temperatures nearby.
Refill Your Tank
When the temperature drops, check the tank’s meter and determine if you have enough propane to last the winter season. Any amount that’s less than half the supply should get a refill.
Don’t risk your propane supply if there’s a low supply. Even if the season is uneventful, things can happen, such as a violent snowstorm. Without a refill, you can remain trapped in your house, powerless.
Call your local propane supplier for a refill before it becomes inaccessible.
Schedule a Maintenance Routine
If you haven’t had your propane tank checked, schedule a technician to visit your home and perform a maintenance check.
During a maintenance routine, the technician ensures that all the parts and components are in working order. The technician also diagnoses your tank’s condition and if it’s suitable for winter.
Conserve Your Heat Use
If you can, limit your use of hot water to conserve propane during the winter. The best way to protect your propane tank is by having little reliance.
Prioritize your use of when to turn on the hot water. Taking quick showers, avoiding washing appliances, and monitoring family members can help preserve the heat provided by your tank.
Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
Having a thermostat that controls the temperature in your home reduces the stress on your propane tank.
Using a mobile device, you can carry a digital thermostat that controls the house. As you go about your day, you can adjust the heat to your liking and save on energy costs.
Conclusion
Can you leave a propane tank outside during winter? Keeping a propane tank outside during the winter won’t be susceptible to damage. Avoid putting it away in closed spaces and near flammable items.
Refill your tank, look for leaks, and prepare for the upcoming winter. You may also be interested in finding out why your septic tank is killing grass in your turf.