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Propane is one of the best fuels for home heating. It is an efficient energy source that lets homeowners save money and reduce environmental impact. Unlike natural gas which reaches homes via supply lines, propane is stored locally inside a home propane tank. There are no worries about supply interruptions since the containers safely reside within the property. Owners just have to make sure that they have enough by picking the right propane tank sizes.
How Big Does My Home Propane Tank Size Need To Be?
In this article, we discuss some of the factors to consider when deciding which residential home propane tank works best for your heating requirements.
1. Size of the Home
If propane is primarily used for heating, then the most important factor to consider is the size of the home. A floor area of 2,500 square feet will usually require a 500-gallon tank. If the floor size is doubled, then the tank should also be twice as big.
2. Number of Dependent Propane Appliances
The initial estimate focuses mainly on heating needs. If there are other appliances that use propane such as the stove, the clothes dryer, the fireplace, and the water heater, then the fuel requirements will increase. Think about everything else that is dependent on this fuel source and adjust accordingly.
3. Size of the Family
A large family will use propane-powered appliances more than a small family. Daily fuel requirements are different. For example, consider how many times people are going to take showers, wash their hands, cook meals, and so on.
4. Space Availability
Since the tank must be stored on the property, homeowners will need to check how much space is available. A wide yard should be able to accommodate a larger horizontal propane tank. For small yards, it may be necessary to install a vertical propane tank. Discuss your options with a reputable propane supplier.
5. Location of the Home
The propane requirements will also depend on the climate in the region. Some places have harsher winters than others. People should also think about the proximity of their house to the propane provider. If the fuel deliveries are coming from far away, then there is no telling how long they may have to wait during bad weather. In this situation, it would be prudent to go for a large tank that can last longer.
Why Do You Need to Find the Right Propane Tank Size?
Below, we discuss the importance of a suitable propane tank size for your home.
1. Avoiding Frequent Propane Deliveries
If the tank is too small for the home, then propane will run out quickly. People will have to get propane deliveries at a high frequency. This can be cumbersome and difficult when the weather turns sour. Correct propane tank sizing will avoid this problem.
2. Minimizing Propane Fuel Costs
To prevent the need for frequent refills, some homeowners might be tempted to get the biggest tank available and call it a day. However, this may not always be practical. Large tanks will need large spaces for storage. They will also require substantial upfront costs for tank acquisition and installation. However, with a larger propane tank, you can take advantage of minimizing propane costs as you will be able to buy in bulk.
3. Considering Safety Regulations
Although propane is relatively safe, local governments are still cautious about tank installation. There are stricter regulations for bigger tanks than smaller ones. It is necessary to consider feasibility given all of these rules.
What Do Home Propane Tank Sizes Refer To?
There are two ways in which tank sizes are described. The first is the volume of liquid in gallons within the containers. The second is the weight in pounds where these tanks are full. In any case, keep in mind that the tanks can only be filled up to 80% of capacity. The remaining 20% is there as a safety buffer for propane expansion.
What are the Common Propane Tank Sizes Available?
- 1 LB Tank: Typically used for portable grills and camping stoves. These are easy to spot at hardware stores and supermarkets.
- 20 LB/5Gallon Tank: A good match for large BBQ grills. These can be refilled at local gas stations.
- 33 LB/8Gallon Tank: These are big enough for demanding applications such as powering farm vehicles and forklifts for several hours. However, they are usually too small for home heating.
- 100 LB/25Gallon Tank: This size may be used to heat small homes and occasionally power a few propane-dependent appliances. This tends to run out quickly with frequent use.
- 200 LB/57Gallon Tank: This provides a good amount of fuel for small homes with big needs. There will be fewer worries about constant usage.
- 420 LB/100Gallon Tank: At this size, the tank can do more such as keeping a fireplace going and heating a swimming pool for long periods.
- 500 Gallon Tank: This is the most common tank size for residential home heating, cooking, and other applications. The contents should last much longer but the container is also much bigger. These tanks need a clearance of 10 feet all around for safety.
- 1,000 Gallon Tank: Massive homes might find a 500-gallon tank lacking. They can opt for the 1,000-gallon tank to match the scale of the structure.
Conclusion
Be careful during propane tank size selection. The choice will affect the reliability of home heating and the cost of installation. Consider the household needs given the number of occupants and appliances. Think of the size and location of the home. Find a tank that can meet all of your requirements to enjoy long-term use. Consult with a reputable propane delivery company in your area to find the best propane tank size to meet your needs.
Call Wilcox Energy For Reliable Propane Services
When you need a reliable propane delivery service on the southern shoreline of Connecticut, be sure to contact Wilcox Energy. We offer high-quality fuel deliveries that are fast, affordable, and friendly.
You can count on Wilcox Energy to provide you with unbeatable service each and every time.
Give us a call today to discuss our different delivery plans and financing options.
We also offer a full line of HVAC services to enhance your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. Some of the services that we offer include heater tune-ups, furnace repairs, HVAC installations, and much, much more. Call now!
For more information about our propane deliveries or HVAC services, contact Wilcox Energy. You can click here to contact us or you can call us at (860) 399-6218. We offer a full line of affordable and trusted home comfort services.