Can Propane and Heating Oil Freeze?
Central to the Mid-Atlantic Region, it is not uncharacteristic for Maryland, Pennsylvania or Delaware to experience cold stretches of weather below freezing during the winter months. If you’ve ever wondered what type of impact this may have on your home’s fuel you’re certainly not alone. Cold weather can indeed play a significant role.
Can My Propane Freeze?
The answer is yes, but it is highly unlikely. The freezing point of propane is about (-306°) Fahrenheit. In the absence of extreme conditions, this should not be a concern of residential propane users. Whether you have an above ground or underground propane tank, freezing temperatures should not impact the fuel’s functionality.
Can Freezing Temperatures Have Any Impact on Propane?
Freezing temperatures can have two main impacts on your propane. First, you should expect that you will consume propane at a higher rate. It should come as no surprise that your heating system will have to work harder to maintain an optimal indoor temperature when it is 20° outside as opposed to 45° outside. The second thing you should expect is for the volume of your propane to fluctuate with the temperature. Simply put, propane will expand with warm weather and condense with cold weather. For this reason, it is important that homeowners are especially conscious of their tank levels at the onset of a cold front.
Can My Heating Oil Freeze?
Heating oil has a different set of circumstances to consider as it pertains to freezing temperatures. Once the temperature drops below 35° Fahrenheit it can be expected for heating oil to become cloudy. It is important to note that your heating system should not be impacted in this state. However, once the temperature drops below 20° Fahrenheit, the fuel is now at risk of freezing. Unlike water, when heating oil freezes it takes on a more sludge-like composition by thickening. Under these conditions you are at a higher risk of clogging your fuel line, reducing accessible tank volume as a result of solidification at the bottom of your tank and ultimately disrupting your heat supply entirely if unaddressed.
What Preventative Measures Can Be Taken?
If you are a heating oil user, cold weather certainly comes with risk. Luckily, there are preventative measures that you can consider to mitigate these risks. Here are some of the options we recommend to our customers:
- Insulation- This consideration can take on a couple different forms. You may consider building a shelter around your outside heating oil tank to protect it from direct contact with cold weather and the wind. Additionally, you may consider adding insulation to your fuel line directly.
- Consider an Additive- At Aero Energy we always recommend our customers consider our preferred additive- ThermoGuard. This solution will help prevent sludge and the freezing of your lines.
- Regular Maintenance- As homeowners, preventative care can go a long way in saving money. We recommend our TankSure program to all of our heating oil customers to ensure your tank remains in top condition with our annual tune-up.
Please give us a call at 1-800-998-4311 if you ever have any questions on how freezing temperatures can impact your home’s heating solution.