Propane tanks come in size ratings from 20 lbs. up to 2,000 gallons. although containers larger than 2,000 gallons are seldom used in households.
Of course, multiple factors go into choosing a propane tank, but perhaps the most important decision you have to make is that of size/capacity.
This page elaborates all you need to know regarding propane tank sizes for homes and should help you get your size selection right.
Propane tank sizes for homes – what size propane tank do I need?
For the benefit of first-timers, we shall first explain how to size a propane tank for a house.
Remember that various home propane gas tank sizes are intended to serve different uses (it all boils down to your residential fuel needs).
\To be clear, the most important thing to keep in mind is that the following considerations will largely determine your ideal propane tank size:
- How big is your home (the size of the house in square footage)
- The number of appliances you plan to power using propane.
- The size of the appliances that will be using propane (you need to have an estimate of the total BTUs they can consume).
In other words, when it comes to the size of residential propane tanks, it will be easier for you to make an informed choice if you have the above information beforehand.
I must add that where you live and the local climate matters too.
For instance, it’s common knowledge that you may need a bigger tank (for essential applications such as home heating) if you live in a colder area than in an area with a milder climate.
Propane tank sizes for homes – narrowing down on the correct size
Now that you’re familiar with the basics, let’s help you narrow down on the most suitable tank size for your home.
To do this, we shall first introduce you to the standard propane tank sizes and describe briefly what each size typically powers efficiently.
Small propane tank sizes
In general, these sizes are not big enough for home use.
They include:
20 lbs. propane tanks
This size holds less than five gallons of gas (when full) and is only adequate for appliances such as home propane grills, patio heaters, mosquito catchers, etc.
Concerning dimensions, the tank is about 18 inches (tall) X 12.5 inches. (in diameter)
30 lbs. propane tanks
When filled, a 30 lb propane tank holds about 7 gallons of propane gas.
The size is usually used in construction heaters, space heaters, and most campers/camper trailers.
Its dimensions are around 24 inches (tall) X 12.5 inches (in diameter).
40 lb propane tank
The 40 lbs tank holds around 9.4 gallons of gas and is commonly used to power large commercial grills, space heaters, construction heaters, propane hawk torches, etc.
Turning to 40 lb propane tank dimensions, these tanks measures approximately 29 inches (tall) X 12.5 inches (in diameter).
Quick Note: The other small sizes- 50 lb propane tank (holds 11.4 gallons of propane) and 60 lb propane tank (holds 13.7 gallons of gas)- are not very popular.
Recommended propane tank sizes for homes
Tank capacities between 100 lbs to 1000 gallons are generally considered best suited for homes.
To guide you, here is a complete breakdown of the appropriate uses for each size/capacity:
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100 lb propane tank
The first capacity to truly serve homes sufficiently is the 100 lb propane tank. It holds 23.6 gals of propane when full and can be used for applications like cooking and drying your clothes.
Mostly, the tank is 48 inches (tall) X 18 inches (in diameter).
100 Gallon Propane Tank
Note that when it comes to the capacity for bigger tanks, some propane suppliers tend to indicate the number of gallons it can hold (not weight).
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And so a 100 gallons propane tank will be bigger than a 100 lbs. propane tank though it holds at least 80 gallons (don’t forget that tanks are normally refilled up to 80%) when full.
Such a tank should, therefore, meet whole-house heating needs and other important applications, including gas cooking for both small and mobile homes.
Remember that two 100 gallons tanks may be needed to heat your mobile home adequately (depending on its size). Each tank is 48 inches (tall) x 36 inches (diameter).
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500 Gallon Propane Tanks
The 500 gallons propane tank is the best choice for homes starting at 1500 square feet (and above) as the 100 gallons tank may need frequent refilling.
In terms of uses, there is a lot of this can power, from fueling propane furnaces for cabins, gas ranges, gas fireplaces, to gas clothes dryers.
Don’t forget that it holds 400 gallons at full capacity. The tank is 9’11” (long) X 37.5 inches (in diameter) and can be buried underground (You might be aware that propane tanks are placed either underground or above ground).
1000 Gallon Propane Tanks
This extra-large propane tank holds 800 gallons of gas when full. Go for this size if you own a super large home (4,500+ sq. ft).
The tank is 16’2″ (long) X 41 inches (in diameter) and can be buried underground too.
Quick Note: The maximum capacity we would recommend for a propane tank for home is 1000 gallons, so we have deliberately omitted bigger capacity tanks from the above propane tank size chart. Sizes ranging from 1500 to about 2000 gallons are designed for larger organizations with several high-BTU appliances to run on one tank.
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Propane tanks for homes come in myriad capacities/sizes- big and small- since it is not practical to have one size for all fuel purposes.
In this article, we have discussed selecting the best propane tank size for your home energy needs to help you make an informed decision.
Use this information to choose the right size and enjoy lower household heating bills (among other benefits).
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