Is it safe to store spare propane cylinders in my garage?

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No, never store propane cylinders inside a garage, basement, or any enclosed space. Propane is heavier than air, so a slow leak pools invisibly at floor level near ignition sources like a water heater or a car. Store spare 20 lb cylinders outdoors, upright, in a shaded, ventilated spot away from the house.

No, cylinders never go inside

Spare propane cylinders belong outdoors, full stop. Propane is heavier than air, so a slow leak from a valve doesn't rise and dissipate, it sinks and pools along the floor.

A garage is full of ignition sources: a water-heater pilot, a furnace, a car starting. That invisible puddle of gas at floor level is exactly the hazard the rule against indoor storage exists to prevent, and a basement is worse.

Where a spare should live

Store cylinders outside, upright, on a firm surface, in a shaded and ventilated spot away from doors, windows, dryer vents, and anything that could ignite gas. Upright keeps the safety relief valve working the way it's designed to.

Keep them off to the side of the house rather than pressed against it, and don't stack clutter around them.

Heat is the enemy, not our mountain cold

Folks worry about propane in a cold WNC winter, but cold isn't the storage problem, heat is. A cylinder left in a hot car trunk or against a sunbaked wall can build pressure and vent through its relief valve. Outdoors in freezing weather a properly filled cylinder is fine.

If you're not sure a fire pit or patio-heater cylinder is in good shape, or a valve smells, don't store it, get it looked at. Call (828) 545-0525 with questions.

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