What Size Propane Tank Do I Need for My Home?

Propane is a fuel source that offers flexibility and cost-friendly options. You might use it infrequently or rely on it on a daily basis. Either way, you’ll want to make sure your tank meets your needs.

Too little propane can leave you without fuel at a crucial time, while a tank that’s too large can rust or leak by the time you need a replacement. Use our guide to determine the correct tank size for your situation.  

Understanding the Difference Between Tanks and Cylinders

You should have a general estimate of how much propane you’ll use within a given period.

If you only use the fuel for small appliances, such as portable heaters and outdoor grills, a propane cylinder is ideal. You’ll need a larger above-ground or underground tank to supply enough propane for indoor stoves, ovens, heating systems, and other large-scale uses. 

20-Pound Cylinder

Most people are familiar with these 18”x12” cylinders. They supply enough fuel for outdoor grills and small heaters.

100-Pound Cylinder

These 48”x14” cylinders provide propane for indoor stoves and other cooking appliances. They’re ideal for low-fuel-usage applications or as a supplemental source of fuel.

120-Gallon Tank

If you only use propane for a few things, this tank size is likely optimal. You can use it to power your water heater and cooking appliances. However, you should use an alternative fuel source for your heating system.

250-Gallon to 1,000-Gallon Tanks

If you plan to use propane to fuel your cooking appliances, water heater, heating system, and other equipment, a larger tank will be more efficient. The exact tank size will depend on your usage pattern, the size of your home, and the number of people in your household.

Factors That Affect Propane Tank Size

Picking the perfect tank size is more complex than you might imagine. A variety of factors will affect your fuel consumption rate. For this reason, choosing a suitable tank size often comes down to a careful estimate rather than a one-size-fits-all answer.

Know Which Appliances Use Propane

Go through your home and identify all of the systems and appliances that rely on propane. You should also consider how frequently you use each piece of propane-powered equipment. 

Estimate Your Overall Usage

Once you know where your propane will go, you can begin calculating your consumption. Each system or device should list a BTU (British thermal units) rating. One gallon of propane will provide enough fuel for 91,500 BTUs.

To power a 100,000 BTU device, divide 100,000 by 91,500. This will tell you that you’ll need 1.09 gallons of propane per hour to run the device.

Customize Your Estimate Based on the Season

Your fuel usage will change based on the season. In the fall and winter, you should expect to use more propane. Even though you’ll stop using appliances like outdoor grills, you’ll be using your home’s water heater and heating system more consistently. 

Add a Little Extra to Avoid a Lack of Supply   

Once you calculate your propane needs, increase that estimate by 10%–20% to create a small surplus. This will cover your needs if you end up using more fuel than you expect. Additionally, you’ll have a little extra fuel to account for supply chain issues, late deliveries, and other unexpected snags.

Learning How to Track Your Usage Takes Time

Even as you follow this guide, you might find it challenging to accurately assess your propane needs.

In the beginning, you can rely on a fuel consumption app or ask your propane provider for recommendations. Over time, though, you’ll become more familiar with your usage patterns, which will enable you to keep the correct amount of propane on hand year-round.

Need help determining the right size propane tank for your home? With automatic propane delivery and payment options that work for you, we make it easy to keep your home or business warm throughout the long New England winters.