Propane is a naturally-occurring substance found in underground gas and oil deposits, and it is a popular source of fuel for many different types of applications. While propane is non-toxic, has low emissions compared to other fuels, and is relatively inexpensive, some people are still wondering if it ever goes bad.

The good news is that propane does not spoil or go bad over time like food and other liquid products do. Because of its chemical composition, propane has an indefinite shelf life as long as the container it’s stored in remains sealed. That being said, the environment where the propane is stored can have an effect on the quality and safety of the fuel.

Propane Safety First

If propane is kept in containers that are exposed to extreme temperatures or other environmental conditions, then it could cause physical changes to the fuel molecules which could affect its burning properties. Additionally, exposure to oxygen or humidity can also cause oxidation processes that could damage the quality of the propane and lower its flammability rating. If a tank containing propane has been exposed to these elements for too long then it may be safer to just discard it completely rather than use it.

Temperature Plays An Important Role

One factor that affects the quality of propane is temperature. When stored at high temperatures (55°F or higher), propane begins to evaporate and its purity decreases over time. This means that if left in hot temperatures for an extended period, the effectiveness of your fuel will be diminished. On the other hand, when stored at lower temperatures (less than 55°F) the fuel will remain fresh much longer; typically up to five years with occasional use. For optimal storage solutions, it’s important to ensure that your propane tank is kept out of direct sunlight and away from any sources of heat or flame.

The second major factor for maintaining quality propane lies in its moisture content. Moisture can accumulate in a tank due to temperature fluctuations which can then cause corrosion and clog up various parts of your system like valves and filters. This can lead to hard starts, difficult lighting conditions and even explosions due to pressure buildup which could cause serious injury or property damage. To keep moisture levels low inside your tank avoid leaving it outside where weather elements like rain or snow may come into contact with it as well as storing it near water sources like ponds or rivers.

Overall keeping track of how long you’ve had a tank and taking necessary precautions when storing it are key factors for ensuring optimal safety while still getting maximum usage out of your fuel supply. Additionally following all safety guidelines outlined by manufacturers regarding proper handling and use should always be followed regardless if you have fresh or old fuel in order prevent any hazardous situations from occurring while using propane tanks.

Follow These Conditions To Preserve Propane

In summary, while propane does not spoil like food or other liquids do due to its unique chemical properties, there are still certain storage conditions that should be met when storing this type of fuel for extended periods of time. It’s important to always keep containers properly sealed in order to preserve their contents and prevent any degradation from occurring over time. Lastly, if you suspect that your propane supply has been exposed to any damaging elements then you might want to consider safety first before attempting to use it again.