Do Hot Temperatures Affect Propane?

Propane tank and grill cylinder safety tips for your Pennsylvania home.

propane Lancaster, PA How has your household fared so far in this scorching summer season? At Koppy’s Propane, we have spoken to many homeowners in Lancaster, Hazleton and other communities in Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania about propane safety on sweltering days. What effect does extreme heat have on your home’s propane tank or the propane cylinder powering your grill?

The Koppy’s Propane team is safety-focused and has a lot of experience taking care of Pennsylvania families. Let’s go through the way this summer heat might be affecting your propane supply.

How does heat affect propane’s volume?

When considering the impact of heat on the volume of propane — the space it occupies in a container — it’s crucial to note that propane expands as outdoor temperatures rise. In fact, it expands approximately 17 times more than water does with the same temperature increase.

In a sealed environment such as a propane tank, this expansion can result in increased pressure. Therefore, responsible propane suppliers like Koppy’s Propane ensure that about 20% of the tank remains unfilled during fuel deliveries. Doing this ensures there is sufficient room for propane to expand on warmer days.

How can you ensure your propane tank is safe this summer?

In addition to using a trustworthy fuel provider like Koppy’s Propane, you can take other steps to keep your propane tank safe this summer and all year round:

Allow Adequate Space — Nothing flammable should be within a 10-foot radius of your propane tank, including trigs, leaves and brush.
Never Paint Your Tank Yourself — Reach out to a professional propane team to address issues with the body of your propane tank.
Know How to Close Your Tank’s Supply Valve — The Propane Education & Research Council has produced this helpful video on turning off your home propane tank.
Know How to Respond to a Gas Leak — If you smell gas, immediately put out all flames, including candles and cigarettes. Get everyone out of the house or away from the area where you detected a gas leak. Do not use any lights, appliances, telephones or cell phones, which can create sparks. Call 911 and your propane company to fix the issue.

How should you handle and store a grill tank?

When using portable propane cylinders like 20-pound grill tanks, it is crucial to prioritize safety. Always store propane cylinders outdoors and upright. Ensure they are kept in a shaded area away from extreme temperatures. Additionally, store them at a safe distance from grills or other items that produce flames or sparks.

Koppy’s is your full-service propane partner!

As a Koppy’s Propane customer, you can lease a top-of-the-line propane tank, and we will handle the installation, safety testing, service and repairs for you. You can rest easy knowing your tank is being looked after by the most attentive team in the region.

Need propane for a grill, fire pit, patio heater or another outdoor amenity. We refill grill tanks and other portable propane cylinders at our Williamstown, Carlisle and Wapwallopen offices. Refilling your cylinder is generally a much better deal than going to a tank exchange at a gas station or hardware store.

For fantastic, safety-focused propane service in Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania, become a Koppy’s Propane customer.