How Long Does a 1,000 Gallon Propane Tank Last?

Propane is a low-carbon, highly efficient energy source. Are you one of the many Long Island homeowners taking advantage of the benefits of propane?

Whether you’ve been using propane for years or are looking to install your first tank, you want to get the best value from your propane service. Find out how long the lifespan of a 1,000 gallon propane tank is. You’ll also learn about how long you can go between refills in Long Island’s climate.

You’ll be able to get the most from your 1,000 gallon propane tank.

Using a 1,000 Gallon Propane Tank

Many sizes of propane tanks are available. Choosing the right size saves you money.

If the tank is too small, you’ll pay to have it filled more often. You may also pay a higher rate for the propane if each delivery is a smaller quantity. A larger tank will cost more upfront, and the installation costs will be higher. You want to use a tank size that will comfortably meet your needs.

1,000 vs 500 Gallon Propane Tank

A 1,000 gallon tank is suitable for very large homes that run a gas furnace as the primary heat source in the winter. It provides enough capacity for businesses or anyone else who uses a large amount of propane throughout the year.

1,000 gallon tanks are useful in places with cold winters, like Long Island, because propane burns cleaner and heats faster than electric heat. A 1,000 gallon propane tank will power:

Central heating
Hot water heater
Pool heater
Space heater
Generator
Clothes dryer
Cooking

A 500 gallon tank is the most common size for homes that are somewhat smaller but use propane as the main fuel source. It’s also suitable for pool heating and some commercial buildings. A 500 gallon tank will power the same appliances as a 1,000 gallon tank, but at a smaller scale. Consulting a propane professional will ensure you’re getting the right size tank.

Lifespan of a 1,000 Gallon Propane Tank

Your 1,000 gallon propane tank could be an above ground or underground tank. Propane tanks made of galvanized steel and typically last over 30 years when properly maintained. An aluminum or composite (carbon fiber) tank can last even longer.

The long lifespan of your 1,000 gallon propane tank will allow for long-term storage of your propane when needed. Propane can be stored for an almost unlimited amount of time, unlike fuels like kerosene, diesel, or gasoline, because it doesn’t lose its potency or degrade over time.

Inspections for 1,000 Gallon Propane Tanks

With regular inspections and maintenance, your above ground or underground 1,000 gallon propane tank will last for several decades. During inspections, your propane service company will check the rubber hose and valve for wear and replace when needed. If neglected, the rubber will begin to degrade and the valve will be at risk for leaks.

However, with regular inspections and proper maintenance, this is unlikely to be an issue.

How Often Will You Need to Refill a 1,000 Gallon Propane Tank?

To estimate how often you’ll need to refill your 1,000 gallon propane tank, you’ll need several pieces of information. First, you’ll need to know how many propane appliances you have. You’ll also need to know what type and size the appliances are.

You should determine how much fuel each appliance type typically uses. This depends on the size and efficiency of the appliance. The quality of the installation and maintenance affect how much fuel appliances use as well.

A gallon of propane produces around 91,500 BTUs of energy per hour as it burns. Here are some examples of typical energy use for a variety of appliances:

HVAC furnace: 100,000-200,000 BTU/hour (1-2 gallons/hour)
Gas range: 65,000 BTU/hour (5-10 gallons/month)
Water heater: 36,000 BTU/hour (1 gallon/day)
Clothes dryer: 35,000 BTU/hour (1 gallon/day)

The amount of propane you use each year for heating depends on the size of your home and how often you use your furnace. A Long Island home burns around 400 gallons per 1,000 square feet

The average homeowner can expect to use between 200 and 300 gallons of propane a year for hot water. Your usage could be higher depending on how many bathrooms you have and how many people are in your home.

Keep in mind that your propane tank can’t be more than 80% full. Propane expands when it gets warmer, so you have to leave room in the tank for safe thermal expansion. A 1,000 gallon tank holds 800-850 gallons of propane. You should refill your tank when the fuel level reaches 20-30% capacity.

Propane Tank Monitoring – Never Run Out of Propane

A tank monitor system helps you avoid the stress of keeping track of your fuel level and potentially running out of propane. A monitoring system gives you and your propane delivery service real-time information about your propane level.

Your propane company will install a base wireless monitor unit on your tank. The unit connects to the tank gauge and collects information about the fuel level. It transmits this data back to the webserver.

You can check your usage data through an online portal or an app. You can set an alert to notify you when your tank reaches a certain level. Depending on your service plan, you can then either place an order or your propane company will automatically send a delivery.

Maintenance Service Plans Take Worry Off Your Shoulders

A smart monitoring system simplifies reordering fuel, and a maintenance service plan takes the hassle out of maintaining your tank. Your propane company can set up a plan that will keep your tank working its best. Proper maintenance extends the lifespan of your tank as long as possible.

Regular maintenance will include services like:

Visual inspection
Operating pressure and ignition system check
Venting inspection
Leak testing

A maintenance plan is especially important if you only use your home for part of the year or if you have a rental property. You can be sure everything is working properly.

Save up to 30% on Propane

Propane Depot is Long Island’s top rated family owned propane company offering propane delivery and tank installation complete with 24/7 service. Plus you’ll never run out of propane again with our smart propane tank monitors.

Don’t overpay for propane! Click here for a quote or call us at 631-400-SAVE