What’s the Ideal Propane Tank Size for a Whole-Home Furnace?

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If you run the furnace that keeps your home warm in the winter on propane, you need to make sure you always have propane on hand when it is needed. That means having a propane tank. One of the biggest decisions when adding a propane tank is determining how big that tank should be. There are a few factors involved in that choice, so this page will walk through the process and help you understand which option is going to be best for you.

Hoping to work with a proven contractor to complete a stress-free propane tank installation in the Greensboro area? Berico should be your first call. Get in touch now to learn more about the process and to schedule an appointment.

 

How Propane Tank Sizes Are Measured

Propane tanks are typically measured in gallons. While there are a range of options available for residential properties, the two most common sizes for whole-home heating are 500-gallon and 1,000-gallon tanks. A 500-gallon tank is typically the minimum size recommended for homes using propane as their primary heating source, while larger homes or those with multiple propane appliances often benefit from a 1,000-gallon tank.

It’s important to note that propane tanks won’t hold quite as much propane as their actual size would indicate, due to safety limitations. For example, a 500-gallon tank will only hold around 400 gallons, as the rest of the space in the tank is kept open for safety (in case the propane gas expands). That much propane should still be able to get an average-sized home through a North Carolina winter comfortably.

 

Factors That Affect the Right Size Tank for Your Home

As you might imagine, a propane tank that is appropriate for one home might not be right for the next. There are a number of factors to look at when trying to figure out what size propane tank would be best for your needs, including the following points.

  • Home size. Of course, this is the place to start. When all other things are equal, a larger home is going to need a bigger propane tank than a smaller home.
  • Usage patterns. Some people like to keep their homes warmer than others. Think about how hard you run your furnace during the winter months to determine how much propane you are going to require.
  • Number of propane appliances. This is another big variable. If you will be connecting multiple systems to the propane tank, it’s going to drain faster, and you’ll want to consider going with a larger tank.
  • Refill preferences. If you don’t mind having the tank refilled regularly, you can go with a smaller tank and schedule deliveries more often. On the other hand, if you want to have enough propane for the whole winter, a bigger tank is going to be necessary.

 

Make a Long-Term Plan

Having a propane tank installed is a great first step, but that’s not the end of the story. You’ll also need reliable propane delivery to refill the tank at regular intervals to keep your furnace working throughout the winter. Many homeowners find it helpful to set up automatic delivery service, where your propane supplier monitors your usage and schedules refills before you run low—one less thing to worry about during the busy winter months. Fortunately, Berico is also your best choice for that task, so only one partner is needed to manage all sides of this project. Call Berico today to get started!