Written on: December 20, 2021
With winter coming to Central Maine, you may be wondering if those chilly temperatures impact your propane tank and your propane appliances.
The freezing point for propane is -44˚ Fahrenheit. -22 ° is the coldest temperature recorded in Augusta, Maine. That means it is very unlikely that your propane tank will freeze.
However, extremely cold weather can cause problems in other ways.
Like other liquids, propane contracts in the cold. If you have an aboveground propane tank, the amount of propane inside it may shrink when it is extremely chilly. That contraction creates a loss of pressure. If the pressure in your propane tank gets too low, the gas won’t be able to reach your gas burner. Your propane appliances, such as your heating system and water heater, will be unable to operate.
In the winter, it’s not difficult to keep your propane supply and appliances safe. Here are three things to do.
Keep your propane tank at least 30% full. When your propane tank is more than 30% full, you’ll have positive pressure in the tank. This makes enrolling in Automatic Delivery even more appealing because we’ll ensure that you receive a propane delivery before your tank runs low.
Turn down the thermostat. You don’t have to make your house cold but lowering your thermostat by a few degrees ensures that the need for propane doesn’t cycle on as often. This maintains the pressure in your propane tank at a safe level. A programmable or smart thermostat is useful for this purpose.
Keep your tank free of snow. In addition to clearing snow and ice from your driveway and walkways, you also need to clear the snow off your propane tank. When your propane tank has snow on it, sunlight can’t reach inside it to warm the propane, which can lead to lower pressure. When removing snow from your tank, avoid using a shovel since it may harm the tank and its components. A broom is the best tool for this job. Equally as important – clear snow and ice from vents and flues to ensure adequate ventilation while you’re outside.
Keep a safe and clear path to your propane tank. If our propane delivery drivers can’t safely get to your propane tank, we won’t be able to deliver your propane. Clear a wide enough space in your driveway so that our delivery trucks may safely arrive at your home. Also, be sure there’s a secure and visible route to your propane tank.
Enroll in Automatic Delivery for peace of mind about your propane supply this winter and beyond.
Service Area
My Account
Call Us