How Long Does a Propane Tank Last? 

The amount of time your propane tank lasts depends on several factors including:

  • Appliance Usage: The size and efficiency of the appliances you're using with the propane will significantly impact how long the tank lasts. For example, a space heater will use propane much faster than a gas grill.
  • Weather Conditions: Extreme cold weather can decrease the efficiency of propane appliances, causing them to use more fuel to maintain the same temperature.
  • Tank Size: Larger tanks hold more propane and will naturally last longer than smaller tanks between refills.

Here's a breakdown of estimated runtime for common tank sizes, but remember these are just a starting point:

  • Small Propane Tanks (20 lbs):
    • Typically used for grills or portable heaters.
    • On a standard grill, expect 4-6 hours of cooking time on high heat.
  • Mid-Size Propane Tanks (100 lbs):
    • Often used for home heating systems, pool heaters, and generators.
    • For a home with a propane furnace, a 100lb tank could last anywhere from a few weeks to a2 months depending on usage and climate.
  • Large Propane Tanks (500+ gallons):
    • Used for supplying propane to large homes or businesses.
    • A 500-gallon tank can last a household several months to a year depending on usage and home size.

Follow these steps to estimate your propane usage (Remember this is just an estimate! Actual usage will vary depending on factors mentioned above):

  • Check your appliance's BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating. This indicates how much heat the appliance produces per hour.
  • Look up the average propane consumption per BTU for your appliance type (often available in the owner's manual or manufacturer's website).
  • Divide the tank size (in gallons) by the propane consumption rate to estimate the theoretical runtime in hours.

Follow these steps to increase your propane tank’s fill life:

  • Regularly maintain your propane appliances for optimal efficiency.
  • Use appropriate propane tank size for your needs.
  • Consider weather conditions when planning propane usage (use less during very cold spells).

By understanding how propane usage works, you can better anticipate refills and avoid unexpectedly running out of fuel. Need to refill your propane tank? Stop by Boyd’s Equipment today for all your propane tank needs.