Knowing how propane operates in low temperatures can help ensure that your supply remains reliable and safe throughout the winter months.
Unlike water, propane requires a much more significant drop to -306 degrees Fahrenheit to become a solid. With this reality making freezing itself a non-issue, cold weather can lead to a reduction in propane pressure, due to the contraction of gas. This can affect the inside pressure of your tank and associated appliances operating on propane in your home or business, and can especially become a concern when temperatures fall significantly below freezing for extended periods.
To prevent problems with low propane pressure, it’s essential to keep your tank(s) at an adequate fill level and to not undersize storage onsite, as when the tank is lower on fuel, there’s less liquid propane available to generate pressure, making it more vulnerable to pressure drops. This can become even more relevant when dealing with higher BTU appliances, such as heating units or standby generators, which require higher pressures to operate. In short, keeping your tank(s) more full helps to maintain pressure requirements for your equipment, even in the coldest of weather.
To avoid some of the pitfalls associated with propane pressure, speak with your local propane provider about making sure your system is sized right, and make sure to remain on automatic delivery so your storage doesn't get too low.