How Long Does A Propane Tank Last (And Why)?

Exact Answer: 18-20 Hours

Propane is a three-molecular carbon alkane with the formula C3H8. Propane is a compressible and transportable gas that is at a standard temperature and pressure. This gas is commonly used as a fuel in domestic and industrial applications and in low-emissions public transportation. Propane burns cleaner than gases like gasoline and coal.

Propane can be found in the form of tanks that can be used to warm the house. Propane has lower energy cost and boosts the efficiency of the heating fuel and hence is the best alternative to use in the winters. Propane is a clean-burning fuel and hence is better for the environment. So, in short, even high usage of propane does not cause any harm to the environment.

How Long Does A Propane Tank Last?

The typical time taken for a propane tank to last depends on how you are using it. If used at an appropriate temperature, the propane tank can last for 18-20 hours on average. If not burnt for a longer duration, the maximum time till when the propane can be used is 10 years. After that, the can may get leaking or the gas can get harmful.

Propane tanks can range from 100-1000 gallons in size. The smaller 20-pound tanks can be used for different household purposes like outdoor barbecuing or fireplaces. These cans however last for a smaller duration. Homes that have an area of 2500 square feet or larger and have multiple appliances using the propane tank use a 500-gallon tank.

Propane tanks that are larger than 500 gallons are reserved for commercial purposes. The propane gas doesn’t expire on its own and hence the long life expectancy adds to the reason why propane tanks are useful. The most important aspect of using a propane tank includes reading the gauge. The gauge should have a fuel level, not more than 80% full.

80% filling of the tank ensures that the tank can expand with no risk to the safety of the house. The time by when you should order a new propane tank is when the gauge starts to read 20%. This is the time that the propane tank needs to be exchanged for a new one. Twice a year refill of the tank can be expected if the user is at an average rate. A 500-gallon tank can last for 5 months at a stretch for a house.

Why Does Propane Tank Last This Long?

The speed at which the propane tank is used depends on a number of factors like the size of the home, the number of people using the gas, or the number of appliances using the gas. Propane tanks are used for a number of factors like to supply power to appliances in the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room. Propane is found to be more efficient than any other form of electrical energy.

Ovens and stovetops using propane are far more efficient and better. For a propane user, the process of igniting and ending the heat is done at the same time the knob is pressed, thus reducing any chances of wastage of the gas. The propane grills run on a secondary tank or a primary heating tank and emit less carbon monoxide or soot reducing any chances of damage to the environment.

The propane tanks are used in a variety of appliances like clothing dryers as they are less wasteful. Propane can also be used in tankless water heaters as it heats the water with greater efficiency and the water gets warmed up quickly. Tankless heaters using propane don’t store the water in faucets and hence the energy is preserved.

Conclusion

Propane tanks are a healthy alternative for a better future. These tanks are useful and eco-friendly and can easily last for 5-6 months depending on the usage. The most important pro of propane gas is that it doesn’t get expired so the product can be used for longer durations. The most vital usage of propane tanks is in the winters for fireplaces, barbeque, or heaters. The propane gas doesn’t emit any product to the environment and hence is beneficial for the environment.

References

1. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1243/095440803766612757
2. https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/pressurevesseltech/article-abstract/119/3/356/454422