What You’ll Learn
How do I choose the right propane tank size for my home?
You choose the right propane tank size by considering your home’s square footage, the number of propane appliances you use, your household size, and your local climate.
Larger homes and colder climates typically require larger tanks to maintain consistent fuel supply throughout the year. Understanding these factors helps you select a propane tank size that provides reliable heating while minimizing the need for frequent refills.
In this blog:
Are you about to buy a home that uses propane heat and appliances? Going from electric to propane may seem like a hard switch, but with a little understanding, you should have no problem being comfortable.
Propane is quickly becoming an alternative to electricity in urban areas. In this article, we’ll discuss everything about propane tank sizes and whether going propane is right for you.
Your Location Matters
Location plays a crucial role in picking the correct tank size. For instance, a 1,400-square-foot home in Iowa may use more propane than a 1,400-square-foot house in Texas.
The main reason is that houses in areas with harsh winters tend to use more propane throughout the year.
The Size of Your Household
One of the most important factors to take into account is the number of people that are in your household. This number will dictate the amount of propane used from all the gas appliances in your home.
This means a house with more people will use more propane from more showers, more cycles from the clothes dryer, and more food cooking on the stove. If you have a larger family with more than four people, consider looking at larger propane tank sizes.
Propane Tank Sizes
Tank sizes vary depending on your home’s square footage. Let’s take a look at the different tank sizes and their applications by capacity.
120 Gallon Tank
The dimensions of a 120-gallon tank are typically 30 inches wide and 4 feet tall. This tank is suitable for a one- or two-bedroom home with one or two propane appliances. If your home is around 900-1000 square feet and has standard hot water, clothes dryer, and stove, a tank this size would be a great option.
325 Gallon Tank
This tank size is a step up from 120 and can handle more square footage and more appliances. This size would be right for 1,000 to 1,200 square feet. You’ll still need to have only two to three propane appliances. This higher capacity is great for small homes, and you’ll have fewer fill-ups than with a smaller tank.
500 Gallon Tank
If you’re looking to heat your home and use propane appliances on top of that, a 500-gallon tank is a great choice to choose from. The smaller tanks are great for appliances, but with a 500-gallon tank, you’ll be able to use central heat. This tank is typically 10 feet long and 37 inches in diameter.
Although you can use this tank to heat your home, you may still need to do multiple fill-ups throughout the year if you use propane regularly.
1,000-Gallon Tank
If you use a lot of propane throughout the year and have a larger square footage home between 2,000 to 4,500 square feet, this tank would be a good choice. Chester County, Pennsylvania, can get quite cold during the winter. This tank size can get you through the winter with one fill-up throughout the year. This tank is about 16 feet long and 41 inches wide.
This is also a great size for a small business that uses industrial or commercial appliances.
1,400 to 2,000 Gallon Tank
These tanks can be for larger ranch-style homes with multiple buildings and garages, but are typically for large businesses or farms that use commercial and industrial propane appliances.
These tanks are more extensive and are installed underground most of the time.
True Tank Capacity
Another factor you’ll need to consider when choosing the best tank size for you is the tank’s actual capacity.
Keep in mind that propane expands when introduced to heat. Therefore, propane tanks are never filled past the 80 percent mark. So when you figure your propane usage for appliances, remember that your 500-gallon tank has a true capacity of 400 gallons.
Tank Placement Regulations
There are rules and regulations when it comes to where to install your tank. For example, tanks that are below 125 gallons must be installed at least five feet away from a crawlspace and 10 feet away from a window air conditioner.
Tanks that have a 500-gallon capacity or a great need to be placed at least 25 feet from a building.
If you plan on installing a propane tank for your home, check with your local governing bodies regarding permits and placement regulations for your tank.
Underground Tank Vs. Aboveground Tank
Propane tanks can be placed above ground or below ground, depending on your preference.
The benefit of underground tanks is that they are out of sight on your property and don’t take up yard space. You’ll need to be aware that underground tanks differ from above-ground tanks.
In other words, you can just bury an above-ground tank. Underground tanks require cathodic protection from electrolysis.
It will also require more cost in initial setup and installation, and may require special permits as well.
What Happens if your Tank Runs Out?
Once you have your propane system set up, it’s crucial to always gauge your usage to make sure your propane never runs out entirely at your residence.
If, for some reason, you run out of gas, this can cause gas leaks in your lines to form, or pilot lights will go out and cause a dangerous situation.
A professional will give you all the information you’ll need when it comes to proper care and maintenance of your system and how to monitor your usage accurately.
Let the Experts Assist You
If you’re still looking for more advice on the different propane tank sizes and what is best for your home, Kauffman Gas has the professional advice you need to get things started right.
You are located in the greater area of Delaware County or Northern Delaware. We’ve got you covered.
Feel free to contact our experts, and we will assist you.
FAQs
How do I know which propane tank size my home needs?
You should evaluate your home’s square footage, the number of propane appliances you use, and your climate. Homes with central heating or multiple propane appliances typically require larger tanks, such as 500- or 1,000-gallon systems.
What are the most common propane tank sizes for homes?
The most common residential propane tank sizes include 120-gallon, 325-gallon, 500-gallon, and 1,000-gallon tanks. Smaller tanks are often used for appliances, while larger tanks are typically used for whole-home heating systems.
Why are propane tanks only filled to 80 percent capacity?
Propane expands when temperatures rise, so tanks are only filled to about 80% to allow room for expansion. This safety measure helps prevent pressure buildup inside the tank.
Should I choose an underground or aboveground propane tank?
You can choose either option depending on your property and preferences. Underground tanks save yard space and stay out of sight, while aboveground tanks are usually less expensive to install and easier to access for maintenance.