Can Propane Freeze in Cold Weather?

The Fuel in Your Propane Tank Probably Won’t Gel from Extreme Cold

Here’s an interesting bit of Arizona history for you: the lowest winter temperature recorded in Flagstaff was minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit on January 22, 1937. That’s an icy low!

It’s also well below the “gelling point” for diesel fuel, which is approximately 15 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s even approaching the point where gasoline starts to freeze, which is minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

If your home depends on propane for its heating, hot water, and gas-fired appliances, you might wonder if the fuel in your propane tank can freeze. After all, propane is stored under pressure as a liquid. What’s to stop it from icing or gelling when temperatures are below freezing for days at a time?

It’s Almost Impossible for Propane to Freeze in Your Tank

Propane’s freezing point is minus 306.4 degrees Fahrenheit. In fact, its boiling point is minus 44 degrees Fahrenheit, which is colder than the coldest temperature ever recorded in Flagstaff! So, any fears of your propane freezing can be put to rest!

But that’s not the end of the story.

Low Pressure in Your Propane Tank is a Risk

Propane can still be affected in adverse ways by extreme cold. When temperatures drop, the propane in your aboveground tank contracts, leading to a decrease in pressure. If this pressure falls too low, it can prevent gas from reaching your propane-fired appliances or heating systems.

This isn’t good news when you face sustained cold in the winter. Fuel failing to reach your furnace or boiler leaves you without heat when you need it most.

Here are a few simple ways to ensure that your propane tank has sufficient pressure to keep your home warm:

• Make sure your tank is always at least 30 percent full of propane. Having more propane in the tank increases tank pressure. If you see a string of frigid days in the forecast and haven’t filled your tank recently, call us to schedule a delivery in preparation.
• Don’t let snow accumulate on top of your tank. Sweep it away so the sun can warm the surface of the tank and your fuel can expand.
• Be as energy efficient as possible in the coldest weeks of winter. Turn down your thermostat at night or when you’re out of the house. This will slow your propane usage and allow time for pressure in your tank to rebuild.

Superior Propane Inc. Always Has Your Propane Delivery Covered!

At Superior Propane Inc, we pride ourselves on caring for the northern Arizona households that rely on us—no matter how cold it gets.

With our “Keep Full” automatic propane delivery option, you can stop worrying about low tank pressure or running out. Our computerized system keeps track of your propane usage and accounts for inclement or freezing weather. We schedule a fuel delivery right when you need it.

There’s no additional charge for automatic delivery. On the contrary, we’ll give you a 10¢ per gallon discount for enrolling.

Winter is the perfect time to say goodbye to calling for deliveries and become a “Keep Full” customer. Contact us to get started today!