How Long Does a Propane Tank Last on Average?
Energy use is a hot-button topic that homeowners and business owners need to keep track of. Approximately 50 million homes in the United States use propane.
This is a form of fuel that is efficient and versatile, which is why many property owners also get tanks installed to use the fuel as they please.
How long does a propane tank last? Read below to get the answer to this question and others.
How Long Does a Propane Tank Last?

If you’re going to buy a tank to use for your property, you need to know how much use you can get from it.
A typical propane tank for a household will generally last between a month and a little over a year, depending on several factors. When you’re shopping around for a tank, consider the different factors at play.
How Often You Use It
The frequency of your propane tank use will play a major role in how long it lasts. Some people use propane minimally or as a backup source. Others use propane as a foundational component of their energy use.
You might also be judicious with your propane use to curb your consumption and focus more on sustainability.
The Number of Propane Applications
You must also consider the many different propane applications that are at play. Take stock of your property and energy use and figure out how many fixtures or appliances use this fuel source.
It’s not uncommon for people to use propane for their oven, range, grill, and other applications. You can also consult the manufacturer’s manual to learn how much propane these fixtures use. Doing your research will help you monitor how propane is used each time and over the course of a month or so.
The Tank Size
Perhaps the most important criterion to consider is the size of your propane tank. When you have a larger tank you’ll be in a much better position to use plenty of propane without interruption.
In most cases, a residential propane tank will come in a size of about 400 or 500 gallons. Always consult with a propane company in advance to find out what size tank you need and how long you can expect it to last based on the size.
The Nature of the Property
It’s also important that you consider your property and the attributes of the property that might play a role in your propane consumption. Consider the square footage of your property so that you know how far you can stretch your residential propane usage.
The larger the property, the more ground it has to cover — especially if your Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system is powered by propane. This will create far more propane consumption, which will cause you to refill your tank more frequently than you otherwise would have.
Shop for the Propane You Need
Now that you understand a bit more about propane longevity, it’s important that you shop for what you’re looking for. Do your due diligence so that you can order a tank and enough fuel to help you out.
Use these tips as your compass:
Find a Quality Company
Look for the help of a company that can assist you with propane tank installations and maintenance service. Make sure that the propane company comes highly referred and that they do quality work.
They can set you up with a home propane tank that is the ideal size for your property. A professional can set you up with a consultation and survey your property to find the ideal place to safely set it up. The professional will oversee the work from start to finish until it is installed to your liking.
Browse the Different Tank Types and Sizes
There are different types of propane tanks that you can check out when you are in the market. Some examples of the different types of propane tanks you can look into include vertical cylinders and horizontal tanks.
Ask about the tank size to make sure you get the capacity that works for you. The professional will generally sell you a tank that will suit your square footage and the frequency with which you use the propane.
Ask for Price Quotes
Finally, make sure that you also ask around for price estimates. Make sure to shop for the best propane tank for your needs, and then compare and contrast the amounts you are quoted for the tank, the installation labor, and ongoing service.
Many property owners choose to buy subscription services that include tank refills, maintenance, and fuel delivery. Read through the quote to get itemized charges so that you understand how much you’ll be paying out of pocket each year.
Go with a company that charges reasonable prices so that you are able to afford it without it breaking your budget.
Get the Propane Service That You Need
How long does a propane tank last? Now that you have this answer and many others, you can begin to get the propane service that you need. Take the time to reach out to a few different propane professionals that can assist you with the work you’re looking for. From there, you can start taking advantage of propane in the most cost-effective manner.
In the meantime, we’re your resource when you want to stay up-to-date on pertinent information. Begin with these points and rely on us if you need more help dealing with propane and other forms of energy.