Choosing The Right Propane Tank

Rand Wade’s Handy Guide Can Help You Decide!

You’ve probably used a portable propane cylinder to fire up your grill once or twice before. It’s easy to know what size you need—after all, the manufacturers’ instructions that came with your grill probably suggested the right size. But if you’re a new homeowner who’s never run a home with propane—or thinking of making the switch to propane—knowing what size propane tank you need for your home isn’t so obvious.

To know what size tank you need, you need to know how you will use your propane. Is it just for cooking, heating water, heating your home, or more? There are a lot of variables to consider, but the pros at Rand Wade are here to help you take the guesswork out of calculating the best size tank for your needs.

The Different Sizes of Home Propane Tanks

The first thing to know is that, unlike portable tanks, which usually give their capacity in pounds, residential propane tank size is usually given as their water capacity volume in gallons. Since propane is stored in a liquid state under pressure, it needs room to expand into a vapor. That’s why propane tanks are “filled” to 80% of its water capacity.

For example, a 120-gallon tank will hold approximately 100 gallons of propane when completely full.

Here’s a rundown of the most common tank sizes and their applicable uses:

• 40- to 100-pound cylinders: If you plan to use propane for a gas grill, patio heater, outdoor cookstove or for an RV, a refillable portable cylinder tank is what you want. 
• 120-gallon propane tank: This size tank is perfect if you only use propane just for water heating or space heating, or to fuel a range or clothes dryer.
• 150-gallon propane tank: If you have one or two low-Btu appliances, such as a water heater, cooking range, space heaters, wall heaters or a clothes dryer, this size tank should provide ample propane.
• 250-gallon propane tank: For three or more propane appliances like ranges, water heaters or fireplaces you may need to go up to this size. This size can also power home heating for residences between 800-1,200sq.ft.
• 500-gallon propane tank: With this sized tank, a medium-to-large sized home will have enough propane to centrally heat the residence, as well as fuel multiple appliances including fireplaces, ranges and water heaters.
• 800- to 1,000-gallon propane tanks: This capacity will fuel a large home (typically 3,000sq.ft. or more) or a small commercial business heated with propane that also utilized several propane appliances. This may also be ideal if you’re operating high-Btu propane appliances with regularity like pool and spa heaters.

Once we’ve helped you determine the best size tank for your needs, our pros can help determine the best location for your tank and make sure it’s installed safely. We’ve been providing propane tank installation for all kinds of homes and businesses for more than 45 years here in North Carolina! Whether you’re new to propane or just need to replace your tank, we’re here to answer all your questions.

Are You In the Market for a New Propane Supplier? Call Rand Wade!

Once you have your tank, you’ll want to ensure you have reliable propane delivery service to ensure you always have propane. You want a company that puts customers first. That inherently means offering fair, transparent pricing, but it also means offering real value and true reliability, with products and services designed to make your life easier.

Rand Wade has been dedicated to prompt, reliable, courteous propane delivery service to homes and businesses across Greene County, Lenoir County, Pitt County, Wayne County or Wilson County, North Carolina for almost half a century. Contact us today to learn more and get started on becoming a customer.