Can You Leave Your Propane Tank Outside During Winter? What the Pros Say

Propane tank with a valve and hose connection in an outdoor setting — Credit:
Getty Images

Storing propane tanks outside keeps your home safer because they are built to handle cold weather and need open air.
Cold weather won’t hurt the tank, but very low temperatures can reduce pressure and make appliances work poorly.
You can keep your tank safe in winter by placing it on a sturdy surface outside and never using or storing it indoors.

If you've ever wondered whether it's safe to leave your propane tank out in the cold, you're not alone. Many homeowners tackle this question when they're completing their annual winter checklist. To learn more, we spoke with an expert about leaving propane tanks outdoors during the winter (and year-round), how to store them properly, and the signs that low temperatures may be affecting your propane levels.

Erin Hatcher, senior vice president of communications and marketing at Propane: Energy for Everyone

Is It Safe to Leave Your Propane Tank Outside During Winter?

Storing your propane tank outdoors year-round is perfectly safe, according to Erin Hatcher, senior vice president of communications and marketing at Propane: Energy for Everyone. The best location is at least 10 feet away from your home and any electrical boxes or potential open flames.

"When storing your propane tanks in the winter, it's important to know that freezing temperatures aren't a problem for propane—in fact, you don’t even need to cover your tank when storing it outdoors in the winter, as long as temperatures don’t drop below -40 Fahrenheit," she says.

How Cold Weather Affects Propane Tanks

Throughout the winter, homeowners should watch for frost and ice buildup on the lower portion of the tank. They may notice low or "lazy" flame or experience appliance failure due to this buildup, says Hatcher. "If there is a pressure gauge on the system, there would be reduced pressure/gauge readings, caused by propane not vaporizing efficiently at low temperatures," she says.

These indicators may occur if the tank is low on propane or if demand for propane is high. A 20-pound cylinder typically provides about 25,000 BTU (British Thermal Units) at 20 degrees Fahrenheit—more if it is full and less if it is half full or less, according to Hatcher.

How to Safely Store Your Propane Tank

To ensure your propane tank stays safe throughout the winter, place it on a sturdy surface; Hatcher recommends using a piece of wood or a concrete slab, if possible. You can store it outdoors, covered or uncovered.

Never store, place, or use a propane cylinder on an appliance indoors or in an enclosed area, regardless of how cold it is outside, says Hatcher. Propane tanks are intended for outside use only and require proper ventilation.

"Never use outdoor propane appliances indoors or in enclosed areas, particularly in the event of a power outage," says Hatcher. "Proper ventilation is necessary for their safe operation, and CO fumes emitted can be lethal. Only use appliances indoors that are designed and approved for indoor use."