If you’ve ever left a car sitting with a tank full of gas for an extended period of time, you may have learned the hard way that, after about six months, its chemical properties change and it won’t burn properly. Diesel only lasts a little longer. Because of their vegetable-based composition, ethanol and bio-based fuels will degrade and evaporate after only a few months. Heating oil can be stored for about 18 months—but unless your tank is full, condensation inside the tank will lead to sludge that will damage your equipment.
Propane, on the other hand, never “goes bad.” That’s why propane is such a smart choice for all kinds of appliances and equipment in your home, like water heaters, home heating systems and laundry machines, which you use regularly, but also for those you use sporadically, like space heaters and fireplaces. Propane is particularly smart for whole-house generators. Hopefully, you don’t need to use it often, but you will have peace of mind knowing that the fuel will work when you need it.
While propane can’t expire, it’s important that your storage tank is maintained properly to avoid any problems. If you lease your propane storage tank from us, you don’t have to worry, we take care of this for you.
When to comes to portable propane cylinders, however, you need to make certain that it conforms to Department of Transportation (DOT) safety standards. All DOT portable propane tanks must be recertified for use every 5 or 10 years, depending on the cylinder type, condition and previous recertification method.
Extreme heat can cause propane to expand, particularly if you have an above-ground storage tank. That’s why propane tanks are required to be painted in light-reflective colors, such as white, gray, and silver. This helps them stay cool. Dark colors attract and retain heat.
While typically our summers are relatively mild, as we’ve seen this summer, weather patterns can change and we can get extreme heat. When weather is extremely hot, use your garden hose to spray your tank with cool water. This will help lower the pressure and temperature inside the tank. If the pressure does increase, an emergency valve will release gas safely into the air.
While propane can be affected by very cold temperatures, Greene County winters don’t get much below freezing. Fortunately, the freezing point of propane is -44 degrees Fahrenheit, so you don’t need to worry about your propane freezing—especially if your tank is underground.
The location of your storage tank is important too—and not just for aesthetic reasons. If it isn’t buried, your tank needs to be on a stable base, typically a concrete slab, and positioned away from sources of heat. When we install your tank, we ensure it’s set up and positioned safely and according to all regulations.
With more than a half-century of experience, the Rand Wade team has the knowledge and resources to answer all your questions about the benefits of propane for your home. And, we can get you started, with the right size propane tank for your needs, reliable propane delivery and more. Contact us for more information today.
