What Kind Of Propane Tank Do I Need?

What kind of propane tank do I need?

propane tank sizes idahoA storage tank is the heart of a propane-powered home, and choosing the right one isn’t always as easy as you might think (and it’s a big reason why we typically choose your tank when you become an Fall River Propane customer)!

Still, it’s always best to know as much as you can as a consumer, so we have prepared this short guide to talk about four factors that impact your propane tank selection: Above vs. below ground, shape, size, and leasing vs. buying.

Underground Vs. Aboveground

Choosing between an aboveground and underground propane storage tank largely comes down to size/capacity, whether or not it is legal to install an underground tank in your location and on your property, and general aesthetics. A propane expert can help you sort through options for your home or business.

Tank Shapes

Aboveground propane tanks come in two basic types: horizontal tanks and vertical cylinders. Horizontal tanks are large and typically used where propane is the main source of heat in the home; their size helps limit the need for winter propane deliveries, which can help in areas where weather is unpredictable. Vertical propane cylinders are generally smaller, so they can be placed out of sight – typically against the building itself.

Tank Sizes

Propane tanks come in sizes ranging from 120 to 1000+ gallons. Some common propane tank sizes are:

  • 120-gallon and 250-gallon tanks – Good for most propane equipment applications except whole-house heating. Equipment may include stoves, clothes dryers, water heaters, space heaters, generators or fireplaces.
  • 500-gallon tanks – These tanks are generally designed for households using 100–200 gallons a month; a 500-gallon propane tank will be appropriate to heat most houses ranging from 2,500 to 4,500 square feet.
  • 1,000-gallon tanks (and larger) – These tanks are used for large residential applications (4,500+ square feet) or commercial and industrial applications.

Lease Vs. Buy

Generally speaking, the disadvantages of owning your propane tank far outweigh the benefits.

For example, when you purchase your own propane tank, you are responsible for all installation and maintenance tasks and costs associated with your tank, including repair, replacement, and parts. You are also responsible for periodic tank recertification according to local and state laws, along with any fees charged by a supplier for using a tank that they don’t maintain and didn’t install.

When you lease a propane tank, on the other hand, like you can easily do with us, the supplier is responsible for installing and maintaining your tank – including securing the licensing and other common and specific requirements needed within your state. 

No-hassle propane tank installations in Idaho, Wyoming & Montana
When you become a Fall River Propane customer, we’ll provide you a propane storage tank and set you up for reliable propane deliveries in Eastern Idaho, Southwestern Montana and Western Wyoming. We’ll walk you through our recommendations, then install the tank correctly and in compliance with all applicable laws and codes. You’ll have none of the worry or cost of personal ownership of the tank, and you’ll know your propane tank will be installed the right way.

Whatever your preference or need, Fall River Propane can provide the best advice on commercial and residential propane tank installations in southwestern Montana, eastern Idaho, and western Wyoming. Contact us today to learn more!

And right now, you can save $.20/gal as a new OR existing Fall River Propane customer. That’s right – everybody wins! Give us a call today at: 833-682-3671 for a fill-up before the winter season settles in.