Propane has become an increasingly popular energy source for all sorts of residential and commercial uses, and for good reason. Not only is It incredibly versatile, efficient, and eco-friendly, but because you store propane in a tank on-site, it's also more reliable than most other sources of energy. Still, if you want to be able to rely on it, you need to know that the propane inside your tank will last. So, just how long does propane stay good for?
This is a fair question to ask. After all, other common fuels like diesel and gasoline degrade and become less potent over time. Considering that all three of these fuels are petroleum products, it makes sense that most people would assume that propane has a limited shelf life as well.
Well, in reality, this isn't actually the case. Propane's longevity is simply unmatched when compared to other similar types of fuel, and as long as you store it properly, it won't ever lose potency or reduce in quality. Long story short, if you’re wondering what the shelf life of propane is, all you need to know is that there isn’t one.
How Long Can Propane Be Stored?
As you now know, propane never goes bad, so naturally, you might assume that you can store it as long as you want. However, while propane itself doesn’t have an expiration date, you can’t necessarily rely on the tank you store it in to last forever.
Propane tanks are quite durable by nature. However, because they store propane at such high pressures, there are measures in place to ensure that these tanks meet the maintenance and safety requirements to continue storing it properly.
For example, portable tanks up to 100 pounds need to be qualified to ensure their safety. Most new tanks of this size come qualified for the first 12 years. After that, you will need to find a professional to inspect the tank and recertify it every five years.
On the other hand, larger DOT and ASME tanks operate on slightly different rules. DOT tanks, which are most commonly used in RVs, trailers, and motorhomes, need to be recertified after ten years and then every five years after that, while ASME tanks, which are usually permanently installed horizontally above or below ground, don’t usually have a recertification date but should still be inspected for safety every five years.
So, when it comes to how long you can store propane, you can store it indefinitely as long as the tank you have it in meets all the necessary safety regulations and certifications.
How to Store Portable Propane Tanks Properly
If you want your propane and the tank that it's in to last, it's essential to ensure that you store it properly. Luckily, storing propane properly is pretty easy.
You can store small portable tanks either outdoors or in a shed. However, because tanks do have the potential to leak, you should never store them in a garage or inside your home.
Other than that, all you need to do to ensure proper storage is to make sure that the tank is sitting upright on its bottom ring on top of a sturdy, flat surface and away from any excess sunlight or other external heat sources. Additionally, freezing temperatures are no threat to your tank, so don't worry about having to cover them up or move them when cold winter weather arrives.
Propane Tank Maintenance Tips for Large Tanks
Large permanently installed tanks also require regular maintenance if you want them to last as long as possible. So, in addition to getting regular professional inspections and recertifications when needed, here are some other useful maintenance tips that you can use to maximize the lifespan of your tank and the propane inside it.
Keep Your Tank Full
Keeping your tank full may seem like a given. After all, if you let your tank run out, you won’t be able to use any of your propane appliances. However, keeping your tank full is also important for extending the longevity of your tank.
Propane tanks are pressurized, and significant fluctuations in pressure can degrade the structural integrity of the tank over time. Empty tanks, of course, have a lot more trouble maintaining the proper pressure levels than full ones, so you should always stay on top of your propane supply and ensure that your tank stays full.
Perform Regular Visual Inspections Between Professional Inspections
Another thing you can do to ensure that your tank lasts as long as possible is to perform regular visual inspections in between professional ones. There are plenty of things to look out for that could be signs of larger potential problems, including corrosion, leaks, and damaged valves and fittings. So, don't let any of these things go unnoticed, and ensure that you do a quick walk around your tank every few months.
Keep Your Tank Clean
Performing regular cleanings is another great way to extend the life of your tank. Dust, dirt, grime, and more will naturally build up on the outside of your tank, and while this may not seem like a huge deal, it can lead to corrosion that can cause extra damage to your tank. Still, all you have to do is hose your tank down and wash it off with soap and water every once in a while to ensure that all that dirt doesn't have the chance to cause any problems.
Contact MAZ Propane Today
Want to learn more about propane? Give MAZ Propane a call! Their team of friendly propane experts is always there to answer your questions and will happily tell you more about the many benefits that propane can provide you and your home. They can even offer you a free estimate if you're thinking about installing a new propane appliance or starting a new conversion. So, don't let yourself miss out on the many advantages of propane power. Call MAZ Propane today!