Running out of propane in furnace

brother chris

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Jul 28, 2002
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So, now that I am living in my trailer, what happens when the propane tank which feeds the furnace runs out while I am at work, or out boating? <br />Will this affect the furnace at all? My guess is no, but if there is anyone who knows better, I am all ears. <br />I think I am worrying about nothing? Am I right? :confused: :rolleyes: :confused: <br />Thanks,<br />B.C.
 

roscoe

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Oct 30, 2002
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Re: Running out of propane in furnace

how large is the tank?<br /><br />If you are using small 20 or 30 pound tanks, you should have two hooked up, when one goes empty, the other will keep her going till you can refill.<br /><br />I would still have 2 tanks even if they are 100 pounders.<br />Or do you have a big one? 250 liter, or 2000 liter?<br /><br />You might want to get a tank big enough to last you about 5 weeks in the coldest weather, then fill it once a month in winter. And every 3 months the rest of the year.<br /><br />As far as the furnace and water heater go, there should be no damage, but some can be hard to light if the run out of lp.<br />this can be a major hassle, at night, in the rain, etc.<br /><br />Bigger worry is freezing waterlines if the gas runs out.<br />Fortunatly, you don't get many freezing temps.<br /><br />I'm curious, what did you ever do for a sewer/holding tank/septic system?
 

brother chris

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Jul 28, 2002
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Re: Running out of propane in furnace

I have three tanks. Two are 50lbs tanks and the other is a 100lbs tank. I only have one tank hooked up now, but back to the original question.<br />Does anything happen to the furnace if it runs out of propane? <br />I want to run one 50lbs tank until it is empty and see how long I get out of one tank. That is why I am asking. I intentionally want to run the tank dry. <br />Just wondering if it will have any ill effects on the furnace? Probably not, but I just want to be sure. <br /><br /><br />As for the septic tank issue:<br />I ended up getting a portable 1000 gallon tank for $25 from a friend of a friend. It has a steel cage around it as well.<br />I have not buried it yet, but that will be done within the next week. I have been staying with the girlfriend since it was too cold at night, and she's much warmer during the evenings. :D
 

SpinnerBait_Nut

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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Aug 25, 2002
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17,651
Re: Running out of propane in furnace

BC, to answer your question, no, it won't hurt your furnace.
 

roscoe

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Oct 30, 2002
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21,657
Re: Running out of propane in furnace

i thought that, section 1, paragraph 5, line 1, subsection b, contingency 4, :)
 

wajajaja

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Dec 16, 2003
Messages
470
Re: Running out of propane in furnace

I believe the biggest problem that youll have is that as the temp lowers and the liquid volume also lowers from use, the pressure drop may not keep the valve open for the pilot or main burner. old twenty pound tanks ive been told are unsuitable for use below frezzing on gas grills and the new tanks require a minimum presure to open the output valve on the tank, and the twenty lb tanks dont have enough liquid to get the minimum 12lb of pressure. on the gas grill when the temp rises the gas just runs out, the safety valve in the furnace should just keep u cold. or if it is defective blow u up.<br /> another reason not to use the gas stove for heat,in efficent and more likely to put out carbon monoxide.
 

Barlow

Lieutenant Commander
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Mar 11, 2003
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Re: Running out of propane in furnace

((((looking around for JB))))<br /><br /><br />j/k JB :p
 

ndemge

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Jul 15, 2002
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Re: Running out of propane in furnace

Was just going to say, JB is the resident expert on this subject.
 

kenimpzoom

Rear Admiral
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Jul 13, 2002
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4,807
Re: Running out of propane in furnace

Hank Hill would know.<br /><br />He sells propane and propane accesories. :D <br /><br />Ken
 

Link

Rear Admiral
Joined
Apr 13, 2003
Messages
4,221
Re: Running out of propane in furnace

Got in here a little late but when we lived in a RV (in a park) we had the local propane service set us up on a scedule like JB has. Worked out well for us for two years then my Dad for another two years and for a friend who rented it from me for another two years.
 
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