When the weather outside is frightful, a propane-heated home sure is delightful. But before you say “let it snow, let it snow, let it snow,” it’s important to review some propane safety precautions and preparation tips!
For nearly 80 years, Heller’s Gas has been the premier go-to company for residential propane delivery, commercial supplies, and propane-fueled fireplaces throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. With decades of experience under our belts, no one understands the relationship between propane tanks and cold weather better.
Here are some essential propane safety tips we at Heller’s Gas recommend during these chilly winter months.
Keep Your Gas Supply Up to Date
It’s hard to imagine a worse time of year to realize your propane tank is running low or, worse yet, is empty than in the dead of winter. An unheated home isn’t just uncomfortable, it can also cause serious complications, such as frozen and burst water pipes.
Fortunately, Heller’s Gas has options to help ensure you have gas when you need it most! We recommend customers enroll in automatic delivery or remote tank monitoring so we can track your usage trends and schedule fills based on that information. Because no system is perfect, it’s important that customers continually monitor their tank levels and call if they find that they are at a critically low level.
Create an Emergency Plan
Work with your family to create a plan in the event of a winter storm. It’s important to post contact information for emergency services and utility companies. Keep our emergency number handy: 1-800-422-0560.
You should also post instructions for turning off your propane, electricity, and water. Please note that if you turn off your propane, you will need to contact our customer service team and they will dispatch one of our highly trained and qualified service technicians to inspect your system before turning it back on.
Install a UL-Listed Gas Detector
To better prepare for any potential damage, install a UL-listed gas detector in your home, which will notify you if a leak ever occurs. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to installation, location, and maintenance.
Plan for Communications
Keep a battery-powered radio handy, so you always have a way to receive updates on weather conditions. As storms approach, it’s also smart to charge up your smartphones, so you have an additional tool for communication through a long power outage. You can even consider purchasing a propane generator so you always have reliable power, even during blackouts.
Clear Ice & Snow from All Equipment
Heavy snowfall can result in propane tanks becoming all but buried. For this reason, it’s a good idea to mark the area where your tank is located to make it easier for our team to find later. More importantly, one of the most crucial propane safety measures of all is to clear your propane tank of ice and snow regularly and create a clear path to the tank.
Ice and snow can prevent adequate ventilation–leading to a dangerous build-up of carbon monoxide–as well as damage regulators, gauges, valves, pipes, and tubing.
When in Doubt, Call the Experts
If you sense danger, your utility company, fire department, and propane supplier have expert training, and should handle any potentially dangerous situations with your home’s systems. Additionally, if a storm damages your property, it’s a good idea to have one of our qualified service technicians perform a complete inspection of your propane system, to ensure no harmful damage was done.
Stay Warm this Winter with Heller’s Gas
Whether you need to refill your tank or you’re looking for someone to repair your system after suffering winter wear and tear, there’s no one better equipped to help you with all your home heating needs than Heller’s Gas. Sharing our knowledge of propane safety is just one of many ways we hope to make your experience with us the absolute best you’ll ever have.
Heller’s Gas offers quick, convenient, and flexible residential and commercial propane delivery, installation, and maintenance services designed to fit your schedule and your budget. Contact us today and let us keep you warm on those cold winter nights.