How to Size a Propane Gas Tank

Choosing the right size propane tank for your home is something you should do in conjunction with your local propane company.  However, before you consult with a dealer you should be prepared to answer questions about your home and your energy needs.  Having this information ready before you talk to a dealer can save time and help to ensure that you get a propane system that fully meets your needs.

• Consider the total square footage of your home. If you will use propane to heat the house, you need to make sure your tank is large enough to get you through the winter. 


• Make a list of all the appliances in your home that will use propane for fuel. Include the BTUs of each appliance. This will allow you to calculate the total BTU load on the propane system. Underestimating your needs can cause problems and outages once the system is running. The dealer you work with will use the estimated BTU load to determine how much liquid propane you need available.


• Consider the climate where you live and the efficiency of your home's insulation. How many months out of the year do you run the heat? How much heat do you use in a season? The colder the climate and the less efficient your insulation, the larger the propane tank you will need to install.


• Note whether or not you have a pool heater that will run off of your propane tank. If so, note the size of your pool in gallons, how many months of the year you run the heater and how often the heater runs during the season to maintain your pool temperature. Pool heaters are very high BTU appliances, and your propane company will need to make special accommodations for this in determining your energy needs.