The duration that propane will last depends largely on the tank size, the appliances it powers, and how often they are used.
- For a 100-gallon propane tank , if used to power one or two appliances (like a hot water heater running about 2 hours per day), it typically lasts about 25 to 30 days. If used for home heating, water heating, and multiple appliances, it usually requires a refill every 4 to 6 weeks
- A 100-pound propane tank (smaller than 100 gallons) can last between 50 to 100 hours depending on the BTU rating of the appliances it fuels
- For a 500-gallon propane tank , which actually holds about 400 gallons usable propane (tanks are filled to 80% capacity for safety), the duration varies widely:
- If used for just a few appliances, it can last as long as 14 months.
- For whole-home heating, water heating, and multiple appliances, expect to refill every 6 to 8 weeks during winter.
- On average, a 500-gallon tank lasts anywhere from 2 to 8 months depending on climate, home size, heating needs, and appliance efficiency
- Usage examples:
- A furnace may consume about 1 gallon of propane per 3 hours of operation, so 100 gallons could run a furnace for roughly 34 hours
* A typical hot water heater uses about 1.5 gallons per day.
* Propane stoves use very little propane and can make a 250-gallon tank last for years if used sparingly
In summary, the longevity of propane depends on the tank size and consumption rate. A 100-gallon tank generally lasts about a month with moderate use, while larger tanks like 500 gallons can last several months to over a year if usage is low. Monitoring appliance usage and BTU ratings helps estimate how long your propane supply will last.
