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How Long Will 500 Gallons of Propane Last?

How Long Will 500 Gallons of Propane Last

Table Of Contents:

1. How Long Does a 500-Gallon Propane Tank Last In An Average Home?

2. How Long Will 500 Gallons of Propane Last During Winter Months?

3. How Long Will 500 Gallons of Propane Last During Warmer Months?

4. Partner With Fisk Tank Carrier


    In the United States, most households that rely on propane use a 500-gallon tank. Propane doesn’t lose potency or go bad over time, so the main concern is ensuring the tank doesn’t run out.

    In considering how long a propane tank lasts, it’s important to keep in mind that propane tanks should only be filled to 80% of their total volumetric capacity for safety purposes. This guideline means that a 500-gallon propane tank refill is actually 400 gallons.

    All told, the average homeowner can expect to fill their tank roughly two to three times a year. Let’s take a look at some of the factors that affect the time between propane tank refills.

    How Long Does A 500-Gallon Propane Tank Last On Average?

    How Long a 500-Galloon Propane Tank Can Last

    Generally speaking, a 500-gallon propane tank can last the average American household anywhere from two months to eight months.

    The number varies depending on elements like:

    • House size: Larger homes require more heating, so they’ll consume propane faster than smaller homes.
    • Heating requirements: Climate also affects propane usage. Households in the northern U.S. require higher heat energy than those in the southern states due to their colder temperatures.
    • Energy efficiency: 500 gallons of propane will last longer when paired with more energy-efficient propane furnaces. The higher your furnace’s propane consumption, the sooner you’ll need a refill.
    • The number of appliances that use propane: Heating is just one household application for propane — it also powers appliances that people use to cook, dry clothes and complete other everyday tasks. Households that have more of these appliances naturally use more propane and require more frequent refills.

    How Long Will 500 Gallons Of Propane Last During The Winter?

    Propane use tends to be highest during the winter for obvious reasons. Lower outside temperatures call for higher heat indoors. You can generally expect a 500-gallon tank of propane to last around two months during this time, though it’s important to monitor usage to avoid running out. 

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    How Long Will 500 Gallons Of Propane Last In Warmer Months?

    Most homeowners run their propane appliances at lower capacity and for less time in warmer months. During these times, a 500 gallon propane tank refill can last eight months or so. 

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    If you’re looking for superior propane products, Fisk Tank Carrier is your solution. Our products have four times the life span of standard solutions, delivering four times the value. We’ve been in the industry since the 1980s, making us the experts you can trust.

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    Further Reading

    Can a Propane Tank Freeze?

    Common Propane Tank Sizes and Dimensions

    5 Benefits of Using Propane in Your Home

    What Is LP Gas?

    How Long Does Propane Last?