Should I Get A 500 Or 1000 Gallon Propane Tank?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

For homes over 2,500 square feet that will be using propane for heating and running multiple appliances, a

500-gallon tank

would be the best choice. If your home is over 4,500 square feet, the 1000 gallon tank would be better suited—but only if you have the outside space to store it.

How much does a 500 gallon propane tank cost?

500-Gallon Propane Tank Price

A 500-gallon propane tank averages

$700 to $2,500

when installed above ground. When installed below ground, this tank costs between $1,500 and $3,000. This is the minimum tank size required to heat most homes. This is a large horizontal cylinder instead of vertical smaller tanks.

What is the size of a 500 gallon propane tank?

A standard 500 gallon tank holds 400 gallons of propane and is generally installed for standard central home heat and small commercial applications. Each tank is

9′ 11” long and 371⁄2” in diameter

.

How far does a 500 gallon propane tank need to be from house?

from his property line, a 500-gallon tank needs to be

at least 5 ft. off the property line

upon which it is set, which equates to 10 ft. This is in addition to being at least 10 ft. from any significant building or another 150- to 500-gallon tank.

Does a 500 gallon propane tank expire?


Propane has no expiration date

Unlike other fuels, propane does not “go bad” or lose potency after time. So, as long as there is propane in your tank, you can keep using it—no matter how long it’s been there.

How long will a 500 gallon propane tank run a 20kw generator?

As for another example, again depending on what you are powering and the size of your generator (let’s say 20kw in this example), a propane generator may use around 2-3 gallons/hour. So, if you have a 500-gallon tank, which can only be filled to 400 gallons, then a full tank would last you

around 6 to 7 days

.

How often do 500 gallon propane tanks need to be recertified?

Once you establish you have a D.O.T. the next step is to find the manufacture date. Once again its stamped on the tank collar. Per DOT regulations tanks need to be recertified

every 12 years from date of manufacture

and every 5, 7 or 12 years thereafter depending upon how the last certification was performed.

How long does a 1000 gallon propane tank last for a house?

Lifespan of a 1,000 Gallon Propane Tank

Your 1,000 gallon propane tank could be an above ground or underground tank. Propane tanks made of galvanized steel and typically last

over 30 years

when properly maintained.

How much does a 500 gallon propane tank weigh?

You can expect an average 500 gallon propane tank weight to be

about 2,876 pounds (1,305 kg)

when full. This includes both the weight of the tank and the propane inside. An empty 500 gallon propane tank weighs about 1,180 pounds (535 kg). Liquid propane weighs 4.24 lbs/gallon (1.92 kg/gallon).

What is the average size propane tank for a house?


The 500-gallon tank

is the most common size propane tank for residential propane use. It is often used for home heating, generator powering, cooking, pool heating, and more.

How do you hide a 500 gallon propane tank?

One of the easiest ways to conceal an above-ground propane tank is by

planting dense shrubs and bushes

, like juniper and photinia bushes; these will typically grow to at least six feet and thus can effectively conceal your tank.

How far does a 250 gallon propane tank need to be from house?

Placement Restrictions: The minimum distance from a building is

10 feet

. The minimum distance from a source of ignition is 10 feet. The minimum distance from a property line is also 10 feet. If two of these tanks are placed within 3 feet of each other, the restriction clearances increase to 25 feet.

How long will 100 gallons of propane last?

A 100-pound propane tank holds 23.6 pounds of propane when it’s full. If your fireplace is 20,000 BTU and you use it 12 hours a day, the 100-gallon propane tank will last you

around nine days

.

Is propane cheaper than electricity?


Propane is cheaper than electric

: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating a home in the U.S. with a propane heating system in recent years has cost far less than heating with an electric system. … Reliable propane works when and where other energy sources don’t – which makes it quite versatile.

What is the average propane usage per month?

Number of people in household Monthly Propane Usage 2 people

10-15 gallons per month
4 people 25 gallons per month 5 + people 30+ gallons per month

How much more expensive is propane than natural gas?

The U.S. average cost for propane is

$2.41 per gallon

. One million BTUs of natural gas is roughly 11.20 gallons of propane. Which means for the same amount of fuel, you’ll pay $6.23 for natural gas and $26.99 for propane. The more efficient the fuel is, the less you’ll use, which plays a role in overall cost.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.