Everything You Need to Know About Propane Tank Sizes ...
Everything You Need to Know About Propane Tank Sizes ...
What is Propane?
Propane or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is a colorless, odorless, non-toxic gas that is used for furnaces, water heaters, cooking in a residential setting. This gas is highly flammable and can pose a threat if leaked. This is why propane has an odorant added to it so people can smell the gas if it is leaking.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit lpg storage tanks.
Large propane gas tank sizes have a capacity of 8 gallons and up to gallons.
What You Need to Know About Propane Gas Tanks
Capacity If you are new to propane, know that a propane tank can only be filled to 80% of its capacity for safety precautions. The 20% capacity left in the tank will give room for gas expansion when temperatures rise.
On many propane gas tank sizes, there is a safety flapper valve that wont allow a tank to be filled above 80%.
Tank Recertification Stationary propane tanks are required by the DOT and NFPA to be recertified periodically.
This recertification needs to be done twelve years from the date manufactured and every five years after the first recertification.
Building Codes If you have an underground propane tank, it must be at least 10 feet away from the building, property, and away from any traffic.
Fill Pricing Most propane companies sell propane by the pound or by the gallon. Its essential to know that there are 4.2 lbs in one gallon of propane.
Propane Gas Tank Sizes
These are the most common propane gas tank sizes used in a residential setting:
20 lb tank
This propane tank measures at 18 tall and 12 inches in diameter. The Tank holds 5 gallons of propane is portable and light to pick up. These are the standard tanks used for barbecue grills. You can exchange them at a propane station or have them refilled.
- Propane Gas Tank Price Range (empty) $35-$50
- Portable Yes
- Exchangeable Yes
- Above Ground Yes
- Below Ground No
- Average Cost to Fill $15-$20
33 lb tank
33 lb tanks are 2 feet and 1 foot in diameter. This propane gas tank size holds about 8 gallons of propane is also are portable. Barbeque grills and propane heaters use these tanks. Like 20 lb tanks, they can be refilled or exchanged.
- Propane Gas Tank Price Range (empty) $50-$60
- Portable Yes
- Exchangeable Yes
- Above Ground Yes
- Below Ground No
- Average Cost to Fill
100 lb tank
100 lb tanks are 4 feet tall and about 20 in diameter. They hold right around 25 gallons of propane and portable with help. Unlike the smaller tanks weve mentioned, these tanks can only be refilled at a propane refill station and can be exchanged. 100 lb tanks hold about 25 gallons when full.
Residential appliances in Rvs and motorhomes commonly use 100 lb tanks.
- Propane Gas Tank Price Range (empty) $120-$150
- Portable Yes
- Exchangeable Yes
- Above Ground Yes
- Below Ground No
- Average Cost to Fill
120 lb Tanks
These propane gas tanks sizes are 5 1/2 feet tall in length, and 2 feet in diameter are suitable for homes that use two to three LP gas appliances such as water heaters, clothes dryers, gas furnaces, and LP stoves. 120 lb propane gas tanks are commonly seen in large mobile homes or 5th wheel travel trailers.
These size tanks must be affixed permanently and are not transportable, but they can be permanently fixed to mobile homes and used on the road. 120lb tanks hold about 30 gallons of propane at 80%.
- Propane Gas Tank Price Range (empty) $400-$520
- Portable Yes
- Exchangeable Yes
- Above Ground Yes
- Below Ground No
- Average Cost to Fill $70
420 lb Tank
A 420 lb tank holds about 100 gallons of propane at 80% capacity. Common uses for 420 lb tanks are home heating, dryers, fireplaces, pool heat, and water heaters. They are approximately 4 feet tall and 3 feet in diameter.
- Propane Gas Tank Price Range (empty) $600-$750
- Portable Yes
- Exchangeable Yes
- Above Ground Yes
- Below Ground No
- Average Cost to Fill $200
325 Gallon Tank
A 325-gallon tank is 911 length and 30 in diameter. This propane gas tank size is perfect for someone who has a larger home who runs mostly appliances that run on LP.
Are you interested in learning more about cng trailer? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
- Propane Gas Tank Price Range (empty) $1,200-$1,300
- Portable Yes
- Exchangeable Yes
- Above Ground Yes
- Below Ground No
- Average Cost to Fill $650
500 Gallon Tank
This size tank has enough capacity to heat your house, back up generators, pool heat, or several appliances. A 500-gallon tank saves you from having multiple fill-ups in a small home in the range of - square feet. This tank usually measures out to 3 1/2 feet tall and 10 feet wide.
A tank size of 500 gallons can be placed below ground or above ground and can hold about 400 gallons at 80%
- Propane Gas Tank Price Range (empty) $1,600-$1,700
- Portable Yes
- Exchangeable Yes
- Above Ground Yes
- Below Ground Yes
- Average Cost to Fill $1,000
1,000 Gallon Tank
This is the tank to have if you have a large home and need to run your gas furnace as your primary source of heat throughout the winter. This tank will satisfy the needs of businesses, ranch-style homes, farmers, or anyone who uses a lot of propane throughout the year.
This tank is useful if you want to reduce filling your tank several times per year. You might consider automatic delivery if you have a 1,000-gallon tank and use propane as your primary source of fuel.
A tank this size is seen in places where the climate gets cold and bitter since gas heat burns cleaner and heats up faster than electric heat.
- Propane Gas Tank Price Range (empty) $2,500-$2,600
- Portable Yes
- Exchangeable Yes
- Above Ground Yes
- Below Ground No
- Average Cost to Fill $2,000
Which Tank is Best for Me?
This question all depends on your application. Small outdoor appliances such as barbecue grills and outdoor heaters commonly use 20-30 lb tanks. RVs and motorhomes will use propane gas tank sizes between 100-120lbs.
If you have a small house and are powering small LP gas-powered appliances, a 325-gallon tank should satisfy your needs. If you have a larger home and use propane as your primary source of heat, we suggest going with a tank that is 500 gallons or higher.
Here at Kauffman Gas, we are here to service any of your propane needs. If you have any questions regarding propane gas tank sizes, installation, or propane in general, please contact us.
Propane Tank Guide
What Are Propane Tanks and What Can They Power?
Propane tanks are cylindrical, pressurized containers designed for holding liquefied petroleum gas. These tanks can be made from carbon steel, aluminum and other durable materials and come in different sizes. Homeowners and businesses can store their propane tanks above and underground. After installing a propane tank, you can fill and refill them as frequently as needed. Commercial and residential propane tanks can power various appliances, including:
- Water heaters
- Grills
- Oven
- Pool heaters
- Cooktops
- Furnaces
- Fireplaces
- Clothes dryers
- Generators
- Space heaters
What Are The Common Propane Tank Sizes?
Propane sizes can range between 100 to 1,500 gallons. However, propane tanks can only hold 80% of their capacity, meaning the amount of propane you get when filling your tank will differ from your tanks gallon capacity. Your tank size can determine your load capacity and where you can install your propane container. Here are some standard tank sizes and their capabilities:
- 120 gallons: These cylinders can typically power two residential appliances and are often used for small heaters.
- 250 gallons: These propane tanks are ideal for two home appliances, like heaters and generators.
- 500 gallons: You can run two to three appliances like generators, supplemental heaters and pool heaters off 500-gallon propane tanks.
- 1,000-gallon tanks: These containers are ideal for running numerous home appliances and can adequately heat large homes.
Above the Ground vs. Underground Propane Tanks
Above and underground propane tanks differ in size, value, installation and maintenance. Selecting one depends on your needs and goals. Here are some differences between above-the-ground and underground propane tanks:
Size
While both tank types have various sizes, underground propane sizes can start from 250 to 1,500 gallons, and surface propane tanks typically come in 100 to 1,500 gallons.
Installation
Above-the-ground propane tank installation can be quicker and more economical compared to underground tanks. Installing an underground propane cylinder can be more labor-intensive. You might need to excavate the land and get a permit before installing your tank underground.
Price
Above-the-ground tanks can have lower initial costs, including installation, while underground tanks can be costly primarily due to the longer and more intricate installation processes.
Aesthetics
Underground tanks are primarily out of sight, while above-the-ground supply is visible. While underground containers can impact your building or property aesthetics less, you can sometimes hide surface tanks with landscaping as long you follow your local safety codes.
Maintenance
Both tanks can withstand harsh weather like snow and temperature fluctuations. However, the above-ground cylinder can require extra maintenance in cold and hot weather to preserve it and ensure excellent functionality.
How to Choose the Right Propane Tank Size
Selecting a suitable propane tank size can depend on your home size, climate, how often you use your tank and the number of appliances you need to run:
Contact us to discuss your requirements of cryogenic trailers. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.