Written on: January 4, 2021
With the cold weather of winter arriving here in southeastern Wisconsin, you may be wondering about the effects that cold can have on your home’s propane appliances.
The freezing point for propane is -44˚ Fahrenheit. The record low temperature in our area is -26˚. So, it is not likely that the propane in your tank will freeze.
However, extremely cold weather can cause problems in another way.
Like all liquids, propane contracts when it is cold outside. If you have an aboveground propane tank, the volume of propane inside it can shrink when it is extremely cold. That shrinkage creates a loss of pressure. If the pressure in your tank gets too low, the propane won’t be able to reach your gas burner. Your propane appliances like your boiler, furnace, and water heater won’t be able to operate.
Making sure your propane supply and appliances are protected in the winter doesn’t take a lot of work. Here are three things to do.
Keep your propane tank at least 30% full. When your propane tank is more than 30% full, you’re assured of positive pressure in the tank. This makes enrolling in Automatic Delivery an even better idea, as we’ll make sure you get a propane delivery before you run low.
Set your thermostat lower. You don’t have to make your home cold but setting your thermostat just a couple of degrees lower means it won’t cycle on as frequently. That allows the pressure in your propane tank to stay at a safe level. A programmable thermostat comes in handy here.
Don’t let your tank get buried. Clearing the driveway and walkways is a chore. And we have another chore for you: clearing the snow off your propane tank. When your tank has snow on it, sunlight can’t reach inside it to warm the propane. When clearing snow from off and around your tank, DO NOT use a shovel, as it can damage the tank and its parts. Use a broom. And while you’re outside, clear snow and ice from vents and flues for proper ventilation.
Make sure we can fill your tank. Clear a wide enough path in your driveway so our delivery trucks can safely get to your home. Also, make sure there is a safe and clear path to your propane tank. Put a tall pole topped with a bright-colored fabric or flag by your propane tank so we can find it in heavy or drifting snow.
No matter what winter throws at us, you can count on Boehlke Bottled Gas for reliable, safe propane delivery. Become a customer today!
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