I did exactly what you propose this morning ... lost electricity and #1 on my procedure list is to bring a few LP tanks in for a warm up .... 15 below zero and they were brought up to room temp slowly ... no problems
These are 20lbs, close to 5 gallon.a few BBQ size (20 gallons I believe)
Don't go with a buddy heater use a vent less propane heater instead. These type of heaters usually require a 100lb bottle to keep it burning as they have a low pressure shut off. I ran one in my work shed 5000 BTU on a 40lb bottle and it would shut off when the temperature reached 25 degrees. Now on a 100lb bottle it still functions even at -10 so far. It has shut off twice but I think it had more to do with improper purging of the new tank leaving traces of oxygen in the tank.In the days/weeks after a SHTF scenario, I plan on using Propane as one of multiple sources of energy for heat as well as cooking. (I have some long term solutions that I'm working on such as a wood burning stove, but for the sake of this thread let's assume that propane is my only option for the following scenario.) I have some small 1lb containers, a few BBQ size (20 gallons I believe) and plan on adding a few tall 100 pounders soon. Here's my question / dilemma though.
For storing them, I will not keep them in the house, the chance of one leaking and the destruction that could cause is not worth it to me. I have an un-insulated and un heated attached shed to my house, 2x4 construction, siding, shingled roof, etc., looks like a small room off the side of the house basically, this is where I keep my tanks. I know that propane will store and stay good indefinitely, but I have heard that when moving them from a cold to warm environment can cause them to leak or let off pressure or something.
Lets say power goes out, its middle of winter, very cold outside, say 5 degrees. I have a propane tank in the garage and I need to use it for cooking, heating, or whatever in the house on a portable device (think camp stove, buddy heater, etc.) it seems from what I have read that bringing one of those tanks from very cold to a warm setting can cause issues, so what to do??
If I had to run a buddy heater inside for an emergency, is there a way of me storing that propane or bringing it inside without the added risk? This is just something I am thinking of that I thought maybe some people could shed light/experience on. Input, ideas, stories?
Windows sweating because the heater releases a lot of water vapor.Don't go with a buddy heater use a vent less propane heater instead. These type of heaters usually require a 100lb bottle to keep it burning as they have a low pressure shut off. I ran one in my work shed 5000 BTU on a 40lb bottle and it would shut off when the temperature reached 25 degrees. Now on a 100lb bottle it still functions even at -10 so far. It has shut off twice but I think it had more to do with improper purging of the new tank leaving traces of oxygen in the tank.
Propane loses it's efficiency in cold temperatures and electric blankets can be purchased to keep the tank warm, but that is useless if the electric is out.
One thing you need to watch is for carbon monoxide build up. Either purchase a carbon monoxide detector or watch for signs of the windows sweating on the inside.
Some good ideas and interesting feed back. I think I'm going to stick with a longer hose through a window for operating the stove/heater from a 20# or 100# tank (most likely just the stove). Then I can take in the small 1# tanks if needed, but will come up with method of bringing them up to temp and doing a leak test before bringing them all the way into the home for use. I think I will also try to come up with a designated storage area for them with some type of insulation, just to keep them warmer/safer.
Actually I could probably just store them inside of my pop up camper (which is let down and covered in the winter), this would keep them away from the house and away from spark in case of a leak, and would also keep them our of the wind and somewhat insulated. I could throw a blanket over them to help. Hmmmm, kind of liking that idea actually, out of the way, out of sight, safe, warm, and if I need to get to them I can have them out rather quickly.
I'm in Michigan, so yea its -30 F outside with wind chill right now haha. Although that is a record for us since like 60+ years ago. If it were that cold I could use the smaller tanks inside, when the weather is around or above freezing I would think the tank outside would be fine wrapped in a blanket or something, the pressure may be a bit low, I guess I could experiment with it and see! Good point though.that may work for your locale but it isn't for everyone ... there's already been a discussion about LP tanks freezing .... we've had double digit below zero weather lately .... you aren't going to get a decent flow - if anything - when a 20lber is sitting out in that condition ....
This is true if you have pipe ran to your house from a propane tank, but for the smaller size tanks and not having a propane house, it would be a bit of a hassle.Underground propane tanks solves cold problems with propane.
You probably knew this but propane tanks can't feel wind chill.I'm in Michigan, so yea its -30 F outside with wind chill right now haha.
Have you ever asked a propane tank in the middle of winter if its cold, if not I would beg to differ. :upsidedown:You probably knew this but propane tanks can't feel wind chill.
Rancher