Why Winter Preparation Matters More in Eastern Colorado
Rural homeowners in eastern Colorado face propane challenges that don't apply to city dwellers. There is no natural gas grid to fall back on if your propane runs low. Your tank might be a mile or more off a paved road, making delivery more complicated during winter storms. And at 6,000–7,000 feet of elevation with open plains exposure, wind chills can drop fast and stay there for days.
A propane emergency in January on a property outside Calhan or Simla is not a minor inconvenience — it can mean frozen pipes, no heat for livestock, and a system relight that takes time and a service call before your heat comes back on. The best solution is never to get there.
Fill Your Tank Before October
The single most important step in winter propane preparation is starting the season with a full tank. We recommend reaching at least 70% fill by mid-October — before the first significant cold snap hits.
Here is why timing matters: when temperatures drop sharply in November or December, delivery demand across our service area spikes simultaneously. Every customer who did not top off in the fall is calling at the same time. Delivery slots fill up. Response times stretch. If your tank hits 20% in late January, you are no longer scheduling a routine fill — you are competing for an urgent delivery slot during our busiest period.
Enrolling in automatic delivery eliminates this risk entirely. We track your usage and schedule fills proactively, so you never need to watch your gauge or worry about lead times during peak season.
Pre-Winter Inspection Checklist
Before winter arrives, walk through this inspection with your system:
Regulator Vent — Check for Wasp Nests
The regulator (mounted on top of your tank) has a small vent opening on the side. Wasps love to build nests inside this vent during summer, and when fall arrives and the vent is blocked, your system will malfunction — often with no obvious explanation. Use a flashlight to look inside the vent. If you see a nest, do not use compressed air or water to clear it. Contact Brothers Propane to clear it safely.
Tank Valve — Confirm It Turns
The main shut-off valve at the top of your tank should open and close smoothly. Turn it gently clockwise to close and counterclockwise to open. If it is stiff, corroded, or stuck, let us know at your next delivery. A valve that will not close is a safety concern.
Visible Gas Lines — Look for Corrosion
Walk the route of your above-ground gas lines and check for rust, corrosion, or green staining on copper fittings. Pay attention to the point where underground lines emerge from the ground — this transition point is the most common location for corrosion to develop. Do not attempt to repair gas lines yourself.
Furnace Filter and Air Flow
A clogged furnace filter forces your system to work harder, reduces efficiency, and can cause the system to cycle off on high-limit protection. Replace filters before the heating season begins.
Pilot Lights and Ignitors
Test your furnace, water heater, and any standing-pilot gas appliances before winter. If a pilot light will not stay lit or an ignitor fails to spark, address it before temperatures drop. These problems are easier to diagnose in moderate weather than during a heating emergency at night.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Replace detector batteries annually. Replace the units themselves every 5–7 years — CO detectors have a limited service life. Make sure you have a detector within 15 feet of each sleeping area.
Managing Snow and Ice on Your Tank
Heavy snow accumulation on top of your propane tank is generally not dangerous to the tank itself, but it can cause problems if it reaches the regulator. Snow or ice packing against the regulator vent can block airflow and disrupt pressure regulation.
After significant snowfall, use a soft broom to gently brush snow off the top of the tank and away from the regulator. If you have a buried (underground) tank, mark its location with a stake or post before the first snowfall so you can identify it after a heavy accumulation.
Ice buildup on the regulator itself — as opposed to snow resting on it — can be a sign of a pressure problem or leak at that point. If you see ice forming directly on the regulator body, do not chip it off or pour warm water on it. Call Brothers Propane before using your system.
Livestock Operations: Extra Winter Planning Required
If you use propane for stock tank heaters, barn heating, or poultry barn systems, your winter propane needs are substantially higher than for residential heating alone. Stock tank heaters can consume 1–4 gallons per day per heater during sustained cold snaps.
Calculate your livestock propane use separately from your home's heating load and make sure your tank size can support both. Many ranch customers benefit from a 1,000-gallon tank specifically because livestock heating during January–February can consume more propane than the house uses for the entire month.