How Long Does a Propane Tank Last – and Other Important Questions | Hocon Gas (2024)

FAQs

How long does a tank of propane gas last? ›

As a rule of thumb, one tank of propane will typically last between 18-20 hours if you're grilling on a medium-sized grill. Whereas larger grills can burn through 20-pounds of propane in as little as 10 hours. On average, you'll use one or two pounds of fuel per meal if you use a medium-sized grill on high heat.

How long should a propane tank last? Propane tanks are built for the long haul: on average, a high quality, properly maintained galvanized aboveground propane tank or propane cylinder should last 30 years or more, while some aluminum and composite cylinders can last even longer.

The average above-ground propane tank should last you about 30 years. Composite and aluminum cylinders can last even longer than thirty years.

Many fuel sources, such as gasoline and diesel, tend to degrade over time, losing potency and efficiency. On the other hand, you'll be relieved to know that propane can be stored, in safe conditions, indefinitely. Unlike other fuel sources, propane will not lose potency over time when stored properly.

A standard 20 lb propane tank should last about 18-20 hours on most grills. We always recommend that you have an extra tank on hand because you don't want to run out in the middle of a bbq!

The short answer is that the typical 50,000 Btu firepit will burn for about seven hours on a 20-pound cylinder. For perspective, the same amount of propane will get you about 18 to 20 hours of grilling time.

No, it will not. Unlike fuel sources that can degrade over time (kerosene, diesel, gasoline), propane fuel has no expiration date, nor will its potency suffer while being stored. The only thing you need to worry about when storing propane is maintaining the health and integrity of the propane storage tank.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates roughly 600 propane tank explosions occur each year. Yet, according to a study from the Department of Energy, the risk of a person dying from a propane explosion is about one in 37 million. But propane tanks do not explode, nor do they rupture or come apart on their own.

The 1lb propane tank can last from 1 to 2 hours at full capacity, depending on the appliance's consumption rate. However, sometimes, it depends on the usage patterns in each operation.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating a home with propane has cost far less than heating with electricity. Over time, propane water heaters can cost one-third less to operate and recover water twice as quickly as electric water heaters – saving you money!

What is the longest lasting propane tank? ›

A galvanized steel aboveground propane tank will typically last 30 years or more before needing to be replaced. An aluminum or composite propane cylinder will last even longer than a galvanized propane tank. Underground propane tanks have a shorter lifespan—generally between 20 to 30 years.

Air and moisture that penetrate an empty propane tank can cause rust build-up inside the tank. Rust decreases the concentration of the odor of propane, making it more difficult to smell.

In warm weather your propane tank can still be stored outdoors on a flat, solid surface. You'll want to keep the tank in a shaded area so that it's not in direct sunlight for long periods of time—this will keep the tank at a safe temperature, note exceeding 120 °F (49 °C).

Improper Storage: Storing propane tanks in areas with high temperatures or direct sunlight can cause the gas inside to expand and increase pressure, potentially leading to an explosion.

Propane tanks should always be stored outdoors in well-ventilated areas. Storing propane tanks in garages or sheds is discouraged because if a valve isn't fully closed, vapors could escape and concentrate indoors. A flat, level, outdoor area that is out of direct sunlight is the ideal location.

The average portable propane patio heater houses a 20lb propane tank or about 4.7 gallons of fuel. A 20lb propane tank can last up to 10 hours and costs between $15 - $20 to fill up, making the average cost per hour between $1.5 - $2.