Whether you heat your home with propane or only have a propane stove, you need the right tank size to accommodate your propane usage and the size of your home.
Running out of propane too quickly might indicate that you need to upgrade your tank size. Whereas more efficient propane appliances may allow for a smaller tank with fewer refills.
Continue reading to learn why it’s important to choose the right size tank for your home.
Save on tank refills with the right propane tank size
Your propane needs change when your family grows, when the kids move out, or when you purchase or replace propane appliances. If you don’t have the right size propane tank to meet your needs, you could be spending more than necessary.
Choosing the right residential propane tank size that fits your home lifestyle will mean better savings and fewer fill-ups during the year.
Determine your propane tank size by home size, usage, and climate
Before your tank is installed, a trained technician will survey your home and usage to determine the appropriate size tank for you.
Factors to consider when choosing a tank size:
- Square footage of home
- Propane appliances installed
- Total BTU load of all installed appliances
Above-ground propane tank sizes:
- 100 Pound Tank
- 100 Gallon Tank
Above-ground & underground propane tank sizes:
- 500 Gallon Tank
- 1000 Gallon Tank
As you can see, any size propane tank can be installed above ground on your property. The underground options only include tanks that are 500 gallons and larger.
Here are the common residential propane tank sizes for homes:
Important note: Each tank is filled to approximately 80% of total capacity to make room for tank expansion.
100 lb Tank
Above Ground
A 100lb tank is typically used for mixed heating systems or residences with limited propane usage. This size tank is commonly used for cooking and drying clothes.
The height of this tank is 43” in height and 14.5’ in diameter. 23.6 gallons are held in this size.
100 Gallon Tank
Above Ground
Smaller residences that rely on propane for house heating and gas cooking tend to purchase the 100 gallon tank.
The 100 gallon (not tank) is 52” high and 30 inches wide. You will need at least a 100 gallon tank for whole house heating.
500 Gallon Tank
Above Ground & Underground
A 500 gallon propane tank is an efficient option for larger homes (1,500 square feet or more) that use propane for several appliances.
Examples include: gas furnaces, gas fireplaces, gas ranges, gas hot water heaters, and gas clothes dryers. 500 gallon tanks are 9’11 long and 37½” in diameter.
1000 Gallon Tank
Above Ground & Underground
The 1000 gallon propane tank is most often used for large commercial businesses and the agricultural industry. If you purchase a 1000 gallon tank, you will have greater control as to when you need to fill your tank.
Large homes, farming equipment, and office heating are the common usages for this size tank. Each tank is 16’ 1½” long and 41” wide.
Average consumption of propane appliances
Propane consumption will vary by how often you use them and their BTU load. Here is a look at how much propane is used by propane appliances on average.
Appliance | Furnaces | Clothes Dryers | Gas Stove Ranges | Hot Water Heaters | Gas Fireplaces |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BTU (per hour) | 100,000 | 35,000 | 65,000 | 40,000 | 30,000 |
Gallons (annually) | 500-1200 gallons | 15-25 gallons | 25-50 gallons | 200-300 gallons | 100-300 gallons |
Control costs with a larger size tank
Propane prices fluctuate with the market throughout the year. 500 gallon tanks enable you to pre-buy your fuel in bulk during periods where propane prices are lower. Your propane will last longer, so you might not have to fill up when prices are at their peak.
We are Lincoln University and currently with Schagrin and have been for 13 years. Can you use their tank or would you need to install a new one? If a new one is needed, can it be installed without interruption.
Hi Rick,
We would be able to install a new tank without interruption. I’m sending you an email to follow-up with you.
Thanks!
Chris
Hello Im planning to build a 2 story home 1980 sq. Ft. Livingroom . Kitchen, dinning room 3 bed rooms, 2.5 bathroom I want to know how much will 500 gallon of propane tank will last? Please help.
Natalia,
This question is entirely dependent on what type of climate/average daily temperatures you have in your region. Please email me with you location and I’ll do my best to give you an accurate answer.
Chris@kauffmangas.com
Chris
We have a “tiny cabin” there are 276 sq ft downstairs and 122 sq ft in the loft. There is a ventless (propane) heater in the main room and it heats 700 sq ft (waaaay too much) The heater, and a 20″ apartment sized cook stove are the only things that will run on propane. This is not a MAIN DWELLING. It isn’t used everyday. And when the heat isn’t needed, it will be turned off. So what size tank(s) should I get?
Good question! Since you use it for heat as well as appliances, a 100 gallon tank (one or two, depending on your needs) would be advisable. Although you do not use it regularly, if your cabin is remote, you might consider two tanks so you never get stuck when you visit.
I saw on your website that you offer free tank installation for new customers. We are going to convert from oil to propane. Does that offer apply for us?
If you are in our service area, yes, it does! However, this offer does not include switching your furnace to be a propane furnace. Kauffman Gas also does furnace installations! Also, since your home does not use propane currently, we might also need to run additional gas lines, which might be additional. Please fill out this form or give our office a call so we can help you! https://bit.ly/2WPFwOE
We have a pretty small home 3 bed rooms bath kitchen and living room were buying a propane fire place 40.000btu and a 325 pound tank is that you think will heat our home good