January and February are the two coldest months of the year. January is almost gone, however, we still have February to survive. Our routine activities would remain affected, vehicles would take longer to start, and worse of all propane tanks keep freezing.
A frozen propane tank is not dangerous but it’s super annoying as it turns the gas into a liquid. To heat our houses, the propane has to remain in the gaseous state and only an unfrozen tank can prevent that from happening. This seems like a serious issue, however fortunately we have learned to deal with it.
How to keep the Propane Tank from Freezing?
A propane tank can be prevented from freezing up easily if the temperature is kept above -44 degrees Fahrenheit. Unfortunately, this is not always possible. Maintaining the temperature is challenging as the propane tank is usually placed outdoors.
However, we have found several other ways to prevent a propane tank from freezing. Here is how you can successfully avoid this uncomfortable situation;
- Get it thoroughly checked at least once before the first snowfall
- Clear snow off the propane tank as often as possible
- Invest in some good electric blanket
- Keep the propane tank full
- Try insulating the propane tank in every possible way
- Do not open the valve completely open
Get it thoroughly checked at least once before the first snowfall
A propane tank covered with snow is not the only reason why propane tanks froze in winter. Poor maintenance can also get the tank to expire frozen in winter. So before the first snow of winter, get the propane tank thoroughly checked at least once before the first snowfall. If there is any other reason that contributes to the discomfort, it can be eliminated.
Clear snow off the propane tank as often as possible
A propane tank should never be covered with snow, not only to prevent them from freezing up but leakage as well. As we all know snow is the one legitimate reason why propane tanks froze. Brushing off the snow every single day would greatly help in preventing the issue.
Invest in some good electric blanket
When you are done trying everything, take it as a signal to invest in some good insulating electric blanket. The electric insulating blankets prevent this uncomfortable situation from happening by acting as a cover, maintaining the pressure and the efficiency of the tank.
Keep the propane tank full
It has been observed that the half-filled propane tanks are more prone to freezing in winters. Keep the propane tank full in winter as it will help in maintaining the pressure and reducing the risk of freezing. Moreover, you would have enough propane gas to stay warm on cold days. Learn Can Propane Tanks Explode In a Hot Car?

Try insulating the propane tank in every possible way
Fortunately, an electric insulating blanket is not the only solution to prevent the propane tank from freezing. The regular users have found a million other ways as well. So if you can not afford an insulating blanket or an insulating blanket is not sufficient, try other means. To be more specific, use space heaters, hot water, or blowtorch to prevent the propane tank from freezing up.
Do not open the valve to it’s capacity
It appears that a low temperature and snow on the tank are the only reasons why tanks froze in winters. The completely open regulator valve can also lead to this discomfortable situation as well. No matter how cold it gets, never leave the regulator valve completely open.
Conclusion
In brief, when the temperature falls below -44 degrees Fahrenheit, the propane tank freezes and the gas turns into liquid. It’s a common issue that can be prevented quite easily. Get the propane tank checked thoroughly, use an electric blanket, brush off snow from the tank, and never leave the regulator valve open to prevent the propane tank from freezing.