Ultimate Homeowner’s Guide to Propane Tanks
Whatever your circumstance, selecting the right tank and system is crucial for efficiency, and longevity.
Maybe you’re moving to a new home that already has a propane tank installed, or you’re considering switching to propane, or you’re planning to have a tank installed in your new construction.
Benefits of Propane
- Capable of powering a range of appliances.
- More affordable and more efficient than other fossil fuels.
- Clean-burning fuel that produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
Types of Propane Tanks
The right kind of tank for your neighbor might not be the right tank for you.
Selecting the right propane tank depends on factors such as:
- Available space that allows propane tank to be 10ft or further away from your home.
- Your aesthetic choice for your yard.
Above-Ground Tanks
- Any size tank can be above ground.
- Above-ground tanks do well standing up against heavy flooding.
- Above-ground propane tanks can be hidden using shrubbery, or attractive fencing.
- Can be vertical or horizontal.
Underground Tanks
- 500-gallon tanks and 1,000-gallon tanks are the most common sizes placed underground but other sizes can be as well.
- Always horizontal, also known as “torpedo tanks.”
- Top of the tank can be easily hidden with shrubbery and landscaping.
- Tanks 1,000-gallons and above need to placed 25ft or more from your home.
Most Common Propane Tank Sizes and Uses
Choosing the right size propane tank for your needs is essential for ensuring you have enough fuel to power your appliances and systems without running out or needing frequent refills of propane.
Factors include:
- The size of your home.
- The number and types of appliances you use.
The most common home propane tank sizes include:
100-Pound Cylinder
- Typically used for mixed heating systems or residences with very limited propane usage, such as fireplaces, dryers, and grills.
- Rarely used to heat an entire home.
- 23.6 gallons of propane are held in this size and are usually 4-feet tall and 1.5-feet in diameter.
- Above-ground.
100-Gallon Tank for Homes 1,000 to 2,200 Square Feet
- Typically used for residences that rely on propane for house heating and gas cooking.
- 100-gallon tanks are generally 52 inches high and 30 inches wide.
- Above-ground.
500-Gallon Tank for Homes 2,500 to 4,500 Square Feet
- Typically used for larger homes that have several propane appliances.
- These tanks are usually 10 feet long and 38 innches in diameter
- Can be above-ground or underground.
1,000-Gallon Tank for Commercial Use and Homes 3,500 Square Feet or More
- Typically for large homes, farming equipment, office heating, large commercial businesses, and the agricultural industry.
- These tanks are 16 feet long and 41 inches in diameter.
- Can be above-ground or underground
Determine The Right Size Tank For You, Your Home, and Your Life
You don’t have to calculate your estimated propane usage all by yourself.
Your provider and trained technician will survey your home, usage, and climate to help you determine the appropriate size tank for you.
Factors they’ll consider when measuring usage include:
- Square footage of your home
- Propane appliances installed
- Total BTU load of all installed appliances
Average BTU usage for a mid-sized home:
| Appliance | Furnaces | Clothes Dryers | Gas Stove Ranges | Hot Water Heaters | Gas Fireplaces |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTU | 100,000± | 35,000± | 65,000± | 40,000± | 30,000± |
| Gallons (annual average) | 500-1200 gallons | 15-25 gallons | 25-50 gallons | 200-300 gallons | 100-300 gallons |
Owning vs. Leasing Your Propane Tank
You have the option of owning or leasing your tank from a propane supplier.
Owning Your Tank
Owning your tank means that you are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and safety of the tank.
But, you have the freedom to purchase propane from any company and avoid rental fees.
Leasing Your Tank
Leasing a propane tank, on the other hand, means that the propane supplier owns and maintains the tank, and you pay a rental fee for its use.
This option is more cost-effective in the short term, but it also limits your choices and ties you to a specific supplier.
Propane Tank Installation Process
Installing your propane tank includes site selection, permitting, and working with a propane supplier or contractor.
For Brand New Propane Customers:
If you are switching to propane and do not have a propane line installed already, that will lengthen installation time, and you should expect higher installation costs.
What to Expect During Your Propane Tank Installation
Inspection – The company will start by quickly inspecting your property. This will allow them to pick the best location for your tank that’s the proper distance from your house, property line, and other objects.
Testing – Before they leave, the installers will run a test to make sure the propane tank works properly.
Setup – Next, the installers will put your tank in place and connect it to your home’s system. If you are brand new propane customer, the installers will put in the new propane line to run propane from the tank to your home. Depending on your home’s layout this can be a quick process or require more time to ensure the line is properly installed.
Prep work – Next, the propane company will do some “landscaping” on your property to ensure the tank has a flat, level place to sit. If you’re getting an above-ground tank, this might include laying out a concrete platform. For in-ground tanks, the company will excavate where necessary.
How long will the installation process take?
Generally, installation won’t take more than a day.
Install time depends on a host of factors, including:
- Your area
- Weather
- Type, and the size of the propane tank
- Waiting period for tank supplier
Fees Expected with Your Propane Tank Install and Use
- Propane tank upfront payment (if buying)
- Installation fee
- Minimum monthly purchases (if leasing, this costs will include the cost of the tank)
- Propane delivery fees
More Resources:
- Underground Propane Tank Installation: What Service You Should Expect
- Your Guide to Residential Underground Propane Tank Installation
- Propane Tank Replacement: Top Signs You Need a New Propane Tank
- Underground Propane Tank Installation: What Happens to Your Yard
- Propane Tank Installation in Chester County, PA
Keeping Your Propane Tank in Good Condition
Yearly tank maintenance helps you avoid leaks, corrosion, and other problems that can compromise the tank’s integrity and reduce its lifespan.
Regular maintenance includes:
- Tank inspections
- Valve and regulator checks
- Propane tank painting
More Resouces:
Finding the Right Propane Provider in Chester County
Your first step to having your propane tank installed or replaced is finding the right propane provider for you. Three main things to consider are:
- How long propane suppliers have been in business
- Which suppliers have the best reviews from customers
- How much the supplier charges
Experience
You want to look to a company’s existing clients to help verify if they indeed provide good service. Check out customer reviews online; on the company’s website as well as Google and third party sites.
Pricing
You want a supplier whose cost matches your budget, but cheaper isn’t always better. Locking in with a reliable provider and paying cents more for your propane gives you the peace of mind that you’ll never be left out in the cold.
Credibility
Ask if their propane techs and drivers have national certification. If not, is there a good reason why? Ask the company if they have the insurance that is needed to be able to work on your property.
FAQs
1. Why choose propane for a home energy source?
Propane can power heating, water heating, cooking, clothes drying, fireplaces, generators, and outdoor appliances. It’s typically more affordable and efficient than other fossil fuels, and burns cleaner with fewer greenhouse gas emissions. A correctly sized tank and system deliver reliable comfort, long equipment life, and convenient delivery scheduling year-round.
2. Above-ground vs. underground tanks—what’s the difference?
Any size tank may be installed above ground; they resist flood damage, are serviceable, and can be screened with landscaping or fencing. Underground tanks (commonly 500- or 1,000-gallon) stay out of sight, always horizontal (“torpedo” style). Choose based on yard aesthetics, soil and drainage, code setbacks, access for trucks, and budget.
3. How far from the house should my tank be placed?
Plan adequate clearances. Many residential setups require at least 10 feet from the home for typical tanks, while 1,000 gallons or larger often require 25 feet or more. Maintain setbacks from property lines and ignition sources. Codes vary locally, so your installer will confirm exact distances and handle permitting and inspections.
4. Which propane tank sizes are most common for homes?
Typical residential options include: 100-pound cylinder (about 23.6 gallons), good for limited loads like fireplaces or dryers; 100-gallon tank for smaller heating plus cooking; 500-gallon tank for larger homes with multiple appliances; and 1,000-gallon tank for very large residences or light commercial. Each size can be above-ground or underground.
5. What are the dimensions of common tank sizes?
A 100-pound cylinder is roughly 4 feet tall and 1.5 feet in diameter. A 100-gallon tank is about 52 inches high and 30 inches wide. A 500-gallon tank is roughly 10 feet long and 38 inches in diameter. A 1,000-gallon tank runs about 16 feet by 41 inches.
6. How do I determine the right tank size for my home?
A technician will survey square footage, climate, and appliances, then total BTU load to estimate annual gallons and delivery cadence. Typical appliance BTUs: furnace ~100,000, dryer ~35,000, range ~65,000, water heater ~40,000, fireplace ~30,000. Right-sizing balances comfort with fewer deliveries while avoiding overspending on capacity you won’t use.
7. Should I own or lease my propane tank?
Owning delivers long-term control: you choose any supplier and avoid rental fees, but assume installation, maintenance, and safety responsibilities. Leasing shifts maintenance to the supplier and lowers upfront cost, yet ties you to one company and possible minimum-purchase terms. Compare lifetime costs, service levels, and flexibility before deciding.
8. What happens during a typical tank installation?
Expect a site assessment, utility locates, and code review; ground prep or excavation for underground tanks; setting the tank; trenching and installing the gas line if needed; regulator placement; pressure and leak testing; and final inspection. Above-ground tanks may sit on a pad or blocks; underground models get backfilled and landscaped.
9. What fees should I expect with a new propane tank?
Budget for the tank purchase (if owning) or lease fees, installation labor, pad or excavation costs, regulators and fittings, permit/inspection fees, trenching, and initial fill. Ongoing costs may include delivery fees, monthly minimums (for leases), and maintenance. Transparent proposals list each item so you can compare apples to apples.
10. How can I avoid running out of propane?
Know your gauge: it shows percent full, not gallons, and tanks are typically filled to about 80% for expansion. Set a reorder point around 30% to allow delivery scheduling. Consider automatic delivery or tank monitoring, especially in winter. Track appliance use and seasonal spikes to predict consumption more accurately.
11. Can I hide or landscape around my tank?
Yes—use shrubs, lattice, or tasteful fencing to soften visibility while preserving air flow and full service access to valves, regulators, and the dome. Don’t fully enclose the tank or block delivery paths. Underground tanks leave only a small lid visible, which can be discreetly integrated into landscaping.