Winter Safety Tips For Your Propane Home

Posted: January 11, 2021

While propane safety is important year-round, the coldest time of the year presents specific challenges and potential hazards. Here are some tips to remain safe as you hunker down in your propane home during the worst of winter.

Avoiding Fuel Run-outs

As a general rule, you should schedule your next delivery when your tank gauge reads 30%. You can make the rest of winter a lot easier on yourself by signing up for automatic delivery. We’ll schedule your deliveries based on your usage patterns and the weather.

You may qualify for a wireless tank monitor, which you can use in combination with automatic delivery. We can install a device that wirelessly monitors your fuel usage, so we will always know the actual amount of fuel in your tank. Read more about automatic deliveries and tank monitors.

Preparing For Winter Storms

If you call for your propane, make sure you have enough propane to last for at least a week after the storm ends in case there are road closures.

Monitor local media and websites for instructions on the appropriate actions to take.

What To Do After The Storm

• If there’s been a snow storm, clear a path to your propane tank at least one foot wide for propane delivery teams and tank maintenance. Be sure to clear any snow from your propane tank. Including from piping, tank regulators, vents, tubes and valves.
• Always clear any snow and ice from your driveway so our drivers can safely navigate their trucks.
• Use a broom (not a shovel) to clear snow from all vents, chimneys, and flues to reduce the risk of toxic carbon monoxide gas backing up into your home.
• If you believe that any of your propane equipment has been damaged, don’t use it and contact us immediately for an inspection.

Check Your Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors

Your home should have at least one CO detector on each level—and there should be one outside every bedroom. Once a month, test them, and replace the batteries if necessary. Every five years, replace your CO detectors.

Test Your Generator

Once a month, run your propane generator for about 20 minutes to keep all of the moving parts lubricated. Check to ensure that you have enough fuel to last at least a week. Don’t wait until a power outage to find out your generator is low on propane.

Use Propane Gas Appliances Safely

Never use any outdoor propane appliances—including propane grills—in an enclosed space or inside your home. (This includes garages and sunporches.) DO NOT use your propane-fueled stove for heating or for any reason other than its intended purpose.

If you have an emergency, call us right away. To ensure the quickest response, do not email us about any serious problem.

In the meantime, continue to count on the People You Can Trust at Wilson Oil and Propane for reliable deliveries and expert service for your propane equipment. Read more about propane safety.