Whether you need a propane tank for your barbeque or to keep your home warm in the winter, you’re probably wondering how long does propane last? Well, you’ll be happy to know that when it’s stored properly in a maintained tank, propane gas can have a nearly infinite shelf life.
What is propane gas?
Propane is most commonly used for stoves or barbeques although some people use it for their furnaces or heaters as well. It can also be used in camper or RV heaters. It’s an odorless and colorless byproduct of natural gas and petroleum refining and it has added odorants to it to help you sense it if there’s a leak.
How long does a barbeque propane tank last?
A standard gas grill will use a 20-pound propane tank which should be enough for ~20 hours of mid-sized barbeques. For larger grills or stronger barbeques, a 20-pound tank may run out after ~10 hours.
How long does a propane tank last for a house?
Most homes will need either a 500-gallon or a 1000-gallon propane tank to supply all their annual energy needs – heating, cooking, and all other appliances. Which of the two you need will depend on the size of your home. So, how long does a 500 gallon propane tank last, exactly? For an average four-bedroom apartment – about a year. If you also want to use it for hot tubs and swimming pools, however, a 500-gallon tank won’t last a whole year and you might want to go for a 1000-gallon tank instead.
How to maintain a large propane tank?
Large and stationary tanks used for heating an entire home need to be recertified 10 years after their manufacturing date as well as once every 5 years after that. Making sure you’re regularly recertifying your propane tank is a must for all safety concerns. Most propane delivery companies will (and should) refuse to refill your tank if it’s not certified.
Aside from that, you’d also want to perform numerous visual checkups for leaking, fuel quality, and so on. Doing this will ensure both the longevity of the propane within the tank as well as your safety.
