How Big Does My Home Propane Tank Need To Be?

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Propane is a great fuel for home heating. It’s efficient and lets you save money while reducing your environmental impact. Unlike natural gas, propane is stored locally inside a home propane tank. This means you don’t have to worry about supply interruptions. Residential propane tank sizes vary. Therefore, if you are due for a home propane tank replacement, it is important to pick the best size to meet your needs.

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How Do I Select the Best Home Propane Tank Size?

As mentioned above, home propane tanks come in a variety of sizes. This article discusses some of the factors to consider when making your decision.

1. Home Size

large new england home that uses propane fuel

The size of the home is an important factor to consider when deciding on the size of the propane tank. A propane tank that is too small may not be able to provide enough heating for a large home. You would have to schedule propane deliveries far too frequently. A larger tank would enable you to buy your propane in bulk. However, this means you would pay more per delivery, although the cost will offset itself down the road. Regardless, a good rule of thumb is to calculate the size of the tank based on the square footage of the home. A home that is 2,500 square feet in size will usually require a 500-gallon tank, while a home that is 5,000 square feet in size will require a 1,000-gallon tank.

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2. Propane-Dependent Appliances

Before you do anything, you need to think about how much propane you will need for everything. The initial estimate is just for heating, but make sure to add in all the other appliances that use propane, too. If you have other appliances that use propane such as your dryer, fireplace, and range, among others, then the fuel requirements will go up. So, take into consideration how much propane will be used by the entire house, and not just for heating.

3. Number Of People In The Household

family that uses propane for heating and appliances

The size of a family will dictate how much of a demand is put on a propane-powered appliance. A larger family will use more propane than a smaller one, as the daily needs for fuel will be greater. Things like the number of showers taken, hands washed, and meals cooked will impact how much propane is used.

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4. Available Space

Homeowners need to consider how much space is available on their property before deciding to install a horizontal or vertical propane tank. A small yard may require a vertical propane tank, while a wider yard can fit a larger horizontal propane tank. It is important to consult with a reputable propane supplier to discuss your options and find the best tank for your needs.

5. Climate

house in snow depicting home heating in winter

Depending on your climate and proximity to a propane provider, you may need to consider getting a larger tank to ensure you have enough propane to last. Think of all sorts of possible weather scenarios and make sure your tank can handle the worse.

 

Why Is It Critical To Choose The Correct Propane Tank Size?

In this section, you will learn 3 key reasons why you should pick the right propane tank size.

1. You Don’t Have To Deal With The Hassle Of Getting Propane Constantly

image of bills depicting saving money on propane fuel costs

If you have the incorrect propane tank size for your home, you will have to get propane deliveries more often and this can be difficult during bad weather. Make sure you size your propane tank correctly to avoid this problem!

2. You May Spend Too Much Money Upfront On Both Tank And Propane Fuel

The size of your propane tank is an important consideration when trying to prevent the need for frequent refills. You may want to carefully weigh the pros and cons of getting a large propane tank. While a large tank might be more expensive to purchase and install, it can save on costs in the long run because you can get propane in bulk.

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3. You Need To Consider Your Area’s Safety Regulations

While propane is considered a relatively safe fuel source, local governments impose stricter regulations on the installation of tanks larger than a certain size. This is due to the potential fire hazard posed by propane tanks, as well as the dangers of gas leaks. In order to ensure the safety of both the occupants of a building and the surrounding area, it is important to consider all of the relevant regulations before installing a propane tank. Talk to a propane supplier, such as Townsend Energy, for guidance.

What Do You Need To Know About Home Propane Tank Sizes?

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There are two ways to measure the size of a tank: the volume of liquid in gallons, or the weight in pounds. Keep in mind that tanks can only be used up to 80% of capacity in order to leave room for propane expansion. That means that a tank that is described as being “100 gallons” only has 80 gallons of fuel in it. The remaining 20 gallons are there in case the tank expands.

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What Are The Typical Propane Tank Sizes?

  • 1 LB – Easy to carry so they’re often used with camping stoves and small easy-to-carry grills. Find them at groceries and hardware stores.
  • 20 LB – Great size for outdoor BBQ grills. Refill them at gas stations.
  • 33 LB – Large and durable tank perfect for powering demanding applications, such as farm vehicles and forklifts, for an extended period of time. Too small for heating the home.
  • 100 LB – Common size for heating small homes and power a couple of propane-dependent tools & equipment. Meant to be used occasionally.
  • 200 LB – Provides fuel for a small home with a high demand for heat and hot water. Will give peace of mind to home owner despite constant use.
  • 420 LB – This allows the tank to have significantly more applications such as heating a pool or keeping the fireplace burning.
  • 500 Gallon – Commonly used for heating an average-sized home, cooking, and more. Does not require constant refueling because of the size, but requires a 10-foot safety clearance.
  • 1,000 Gallon – Best for large properties like mansions that need more than 500 gallons of propane. Get twice as much to ensure that it will be there when you are entertaining.

When selecting a propane tank size, it is important to consider a variety of factors in order to make the most informed decision. The number of occupants in the home and the number of appliances that will be running on propane are both important considerations. Additionally, the size and location of the home must be taken into account. It is also important to consult with a reputable propane supplier in order to find the tank that will best meet the needs of the household.

 

Get Superior Propane Delivery Service From Townsend Energy

te logoWhen you want first-rate propane delivery services in New England, get in touch with Townsend Energy. We provide high-quality propane delivery that’s affordable, friendly, and fast.

You can trust us to provide unbeatable service every time. Contact us now to learn more about our capabilities, our delivery plans, and our options in financing.

We also provide a comprehensive range of HVAC services for improved home comfort, better indoor air quality, and increased energy efficiency. Among some of our HVAC services are heating and cooling system installations, tune-ups, and repairs. Call Townsend Energy today!

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