Consider These Factors For Winter Fuel Storage

Consider These Factors For Winter Fuel Storage – People automatically start thinking about how they will keep their homes warm once the weather turns frigid. If you find yourself in need of storing fuel in your home, you need to know how to store and preserve it properly and safely so it doesn’t spoil or freeze. Check out these top two factors to consider before you attempt to store fuel for the remainder of winter.

Choosing the Right Container and Tank Prep

The first step is to choose the right kind of tank or container for your needs. You have two options:

  1. Metal
  2. Plastic

Metal won’t warp or deform, making it better for long-term storage. Also, metal containers are more durable and can withstand higher temperatures than their plastic counterparts.

However, metal containers cost more than plastic. Metal can rust with exposure to untreated fuel, and they conduct heat, which means they’re not safe to handle without the right insulation. Plastic containers, on the other hand, are lighter and cheaper than metal containers, but not as durable. In addition, they will degrade when exposed to sunlight or high temperatures over time.

Before you store fuel, prepare your tanks for the addition of new fuel. This involves cleaning the containers and tanks first. Dirt, debris, or old water can lead to issues when the fuel freezes.

Next, be sure to fill the containers and tanks as much as you can. That’s because full tanks and containers have minimal air, and too much air leads to condensation which in turn leads to the presence of water in the fuel. Store your containers in warm areas so the fuel doesn’t freeze, but if you can’t, insulate the tank to minimize heat loss.

Add the Right Fuel Additives

Now, think about which additives you will need to preserve the quality of your fuel throughout the winter. Diesel fuel, which is less volatile than gasoline, won’t evaporate as easily or quickly so you get a more consistent fuel flow to your generators. Diesel also doesn’t condense as easily on cold surfaces.

But make no mistake: both fuels need some type of additive such as fuel stabilizers, anti-gel, and anti-freeze, with gasoline requiring more additives than diesel.

  • Anti-gel is useful because it keeps fuel from gelling in winter. Fuel gelling is when the fuel becomes thick, which doesn’t flow well through the generator.
  • Anti-freeze is also needed to prevent ice from forming in the fuel tank. Moisture condenses and freezes inside metal tanks, so you will need to add anti-freeze additives to fight this.
  • Use a fuel stabilizer to prevent the fuel from degrading and becoming unusable. When fuel breaks down, it forms a gum and sediment that can clog generators and fuel lines. Fuel stabilizers will prevent this from happening because they inhibit bacteria and fungi growth, while dissolving already-formed gums or sediments.

Fuel freezing is a big threat in winter, as frozen fuel expands and damages the tank or clogs the fuel lines. Expiration is another big issue. That’s because fuel may expire due to many factors, such as temperature, humidity, and changes in light exposure. Then, expired fuel can lead to generator problems and can damage the fuel system.

Before you store fuel in winter, be sure to heed these tips.

Get in touch with Taylor Oil for safe fuel storage and delivery.