Propane Won’t Degrade Like Other Fuels

Another great way you get peace of mind with Broco Energy® as your propane supplier is that the fuel we put in your tank doesn’t have a shelf life or an expiration date. In other words, propane doesn’t degrade as other fuels do, such as gasoline, kerosene, diesel and heating oil. So, as long as your propane tank is properly maintained, the propane that sits inside will be perfectly fine, and its potency and efficiency will not be affected even if it rests in storage for a long time.

That’s just one more reason why propane represents an extremely smart choice as a fuel source for all types of home appliances and other equipment in your home. This includes water heaters, furnaces, boilers, space heaters, fireplaces, and whole-house generators.

Can Propane Freeze in My Tank?

Another issue you don’t need to worry about is your propane supply freezing inside the tank. Propane’s freezing point is about -306°F. This temperature could only be produced in a laboratory setting because this freezing point is too cold to happen anywhere on Earth—including the South Pole.

However, we should note that propane does have a boiling point of about -44°F. What does this mean? Well, at this temperature, liquid propane can no longer turn into a gas. Now it is possible, if rare, to reach that temperature, but it would be very rare. For trivia buffs, the coldest recorded temperature in Massachusetts was -40°F in January 1984.

Cold Weather Affects Tank Pressure

The main concern during extremely cold winters is not propane freezing, but a loss of pressure in your tank.

Like all liquids, propane contracts in the cold. When it does, the volume of liquid propane in your tank shrinks, resulting in a loss of pressure. If the pressure gets too low, propane won’t be able to reach your gas burners.

To avoid low pressure problems during cold weather extremes, follow these tips:

• Don’t let your propane tank level fall below 30%. Having enough propane in your tank will help positive pressure inside the tank (and also prevent runouts). We can help you with that by setting you up with our automatic delivery service.
• Clear snow off your tank as soon as you can. This allows sunlight to add some much-needed warmth to your tank.
• Turn down the thermostat in your home. Decreasing the temperature in your house somewhat will lessen the time your propane heating system operates, permitting the pressure in the tank to build.

Other Winter Propane Tips

• Gently clear ice and snow from the propane regulator. Be gentle because using force can cause damage and result in a leak.
• Remove snow and ice from flues and vents so your appliances can properly exhaust combustion gases from your home.

Propane Delivery and Service in MA and NH

The propane experts at Broco Energy® are trained to keep you and your family safe. It’s our number one priority. Our staff is certified by the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), in cooperation with the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). Propane has an excellent safety record, and we’re proud to be a part of that.

Propane is an ideal fuel for many purposes, even beyond your water heater and heating your home with your furnace or boiler. It’s also useful for stoves, clothes dryers and fireplaces as well as for outdoor use, including pool heating and exterior lighting. And peace of mind is never far off when you have a propane-fueled generator to get you through power outages.

If you live in Wakefield, MA or one of the many other communities in our service area, please reach out to us if you would like to become a Broco Energy® propane customer.