A look at the fuel’s shelf life
All sorts of things that we use in our daily lives go bad and expire. The fruit, vegetables and milk that we buy at the grocery store have a shelf life. Medications eventually expire. Certain electronics have a shelf life and will eventually stop working. The same goes for many gases and fuels. But what about propane?
When do certain gases and fuels go bad?
Regular gasoline that you fill up your gas tank with stops burning properly once it’s been sitting in your tank for six months. The diesel fuel that certain types of vehicles use typically lasts about a year.
Fuels that are ethanol and bio-based actually degrade and evaporate after as little as a few months. Heating oil only lasts approximately 18 months and if it’s not stored properly this time frame is even less.
Propane’s expiration date
Propane, on the other hand, is a fuel that never actually goes bad and does not have an expiration date. This is just another benefit that the fuel offers on top of it being incredibly versatile, reliable throughout a power outage, cost effective, efficient and environmentally friendly.
Proper propane storage & tank maintenance
Part of what keeps propane “healthy”, working well and powering appliances efficiently is proper storage and proper propane tank maintenance. Here are some suggestions for properly storing and caring for your propane and propane tanks throughout all sorts of weather:
- Have your propane tank professionally inspected every 10 years. This will help determine if all the tank’s valves are working properly and that the tank remains corrosion free (you want to avoid corrosion as it can cause leaks).
- Make sure your propane tank is at least 30% full at all times. This helps avoid the pressure inside the tank from reaching risky levels. If a propane tank’s pressure becomes too low your propane won’t be able to reach your gas burner, which means that you won’t be able to use your home’s propane powered appliances.
- Clear snow and ice off of your propane tank as quickly as you can. This will allow sunlight to be able to hit it, which will help keep it warm. Make sure you also clear the snow and ice from any vents, piping and valves as this will help prevent damage that could lead to a leak.
- In an effort to maintain the proper ventilation that propane appliances need, you should also clear any snow and ice from vents, flues and chimneys.
- Let the pressure inside your propane tank rebuild by turning down your home’s thermostat and not letting your home’s heating system run as frequently.
Choose Jennings Oil & Propane for your propane
Residents of western Connecticut can turn to Jennings Oil & Propane to be their full-service propane provider. On top of reliable deliveries of propane you can count on us for:
- Competitive prices and rates
- Propane tank leasing and buying options
- Professional propane equipment installation and maintenance
- The option of automatic delivery and wireless tank monitoring
- Propane tank refills at our very own propane supply terminal at 10 Allen Drive in Gaylordsville
- Efficient gas leak testing for new customers
Contact Jennings Oil & Propane today to learn more about our propane services and products!