Now that you know how to read your propane tank gauge, knowing (or at least having an estimate of) how long your propane will last is useful.
We need to start with the British Thermal Unit to figure out how long a propane tank will survive (BTU). A BTU is a standard unit of measurement for calculating the amount of energy required to generate heat. To put things in perspective, one gallon of propane has around 92,000 BTUs.
The BTU rating can also be used to determine the efficiency of your appliances, which will all consume propane at different rates. The length of time your propane tank lasts will be affected by this.
A furnace rated for 200,000 BTUs, for example, may produce twice the horsepower of one rated for 100,000 BTUs. A 200,000 BTU furnace, on the other hand, would not be used to heat a space that only required a 40,000 BTU space heater.
Here’s how to figure out how much burn time your propane tank has left:
- Check your gauge to discover how many gallons of propane gas are left in your tank (see chart above)
- Find out how many BTUs your appliances have. Here are some examples of BTU rates for common appliances:
- 40,000 BTU/hour water heater
- 35,000 BTU/hour clothes dryer
- 65,000 BTU/hour gas range stove
- 200,000 BTU/hour central furnace
The BTUs in one gallon of propane (92,000 BTUs) are divided by the BTU rating of your appliance. This will tell you how long it will take to burn through one gallon of propane.
Let’s have a look at a gas stove as an example:
One gallon of propane is burned by constantly using your gas burner for 1.41 hours (or one hour and 25 minutes).
This estimate should only be used as a guideline. Naturally, you should replace your tank well before it runs out.
Consider an automatic fuel delivery option if calculating the amount of fuel in your tank is too time consuming. Many propane businesses provide propane tank monitoring and delivery services to ensure that your gas arrives when you need it.
How can I tell whether the propane tank in my forklift is empty?
Some individuals prefer to use a propane tank weight chart to see if their tank is empty, although this isn’t always correct.
So, how much does a propane tank weigh when it’s empty? Take a look at the tare weight stamped on the propane tank’s collar/handle.
That is the only accurate way to determine the empty weight of that exact tank.
When you place a propane tank on a scale and the reading equals the tare weight stamped on the collar/handle, you know it’s empty.
If your propane tank isn’t empty, you’ll want to know how to check its level.
How do I check the propane tank’s gauge?
If you have a propane tank for household energy, you’ve probably seen that the tank indicator displays 80 percent following a propane delivery.
Don’t worry, you’re not being duped, and your tank or gauge are in perfect working order. Although you utilize propane as a gas, it is stored in your tank as a liquid to allow it to expand and contract when the ambient temperature changes. The maximum fill percentage will always be set at 80%.
To figure out how much gas is in your propane tank, do some easy math. Simply multiply the tank’s capacity by the tank gauge reading.
For instance, if your 500-gallon tank has a gauge reading of 60%, it implies you still have 300 gallons of gas in your tank (500 x 0.6).
If you don’t want to do the math, here’s a chart that will tell you how much gas is left in your propane tank based on the size of your tank and the reading on your gauge:
How do you decipher the symbols on a propane tank?
A set of stamped markings can be found around the handle. These documents contain vital information regarding the tank’s origins as well as its capacity rating. A date should appear near the valve on the handle, showing the date of manufacturing. It’s usually written in the normal Month-Year format. It would say “06-20” if your tank was built in June of 2020.
Each tank also has a unique identifying mark, similar to those found on cars. This enables the US Department of Transportation and propane dealers to keep track of and maintain safety data for each tank in use.
Additional markings reflect the cylinder’s empty weight, which is recorded as “TW.” If you want to weigh the tank to see how much propane is left in it, this is useful. The stamp “WC” denotes the water storage capacity of the tank, which allows dealers to determine the exact amount of propane that can be securely stored inside.
It’s also very uncommon to see the identity of a requalifier imprinted into the handle area of your tank. You’ll be able to tell how near the tank is to hitting its expiration date if you know the manufacture or recertification date.
What are the meanings of the numbers on a propane tank gauge?
The frequency with which you’ll need to order propane is determined by a variety of factors, including:
Modern propane tanks come with a gauge that allows you to see how much propane is remaining in your tank. Look for a round dial on your tank that looks like a speedometer to check the gauge. It’s usually found near the fill hose at the top of your propane tank. The gauge’s numbers range from 5 to 95. These figures represent the proportion of your tank that is filled, not the amount of gallons remaining in the tank.
It’s worth noting that propane tanks are supposed to be filled to 80% full. This is due to the fact that gas requires space to expand when temperatures change. The indicator on a “full propane tank” will display 80%.
If your gauge is reading 30% or less, it’s time to call for a delivery! This gives you adequate time to schedule and deliver your request without worrying about running out of time.
What’s the best way to tell if your propane tank is running low?
Checking the level of your propane tank on your barbecue differs from checking the level of your above-ground or subterranean tank.
Because it’s smaller, there are a variety of methods for determining how much propane is remaining.
Reading the Gauge
It’s still sometimes just a matter of reading the gauge. If the tank lacks a gauge, you can purchase one and install it yourself.
You don’t need a gauge for smaller tanks, though. There are a few more techniques to figure out how much propane is left.
That Hot Water Test
Pour a pail of boiling water over your propane tank. Run your hand along the propane tank’s side.
The heat will be absorbed by the propane. If you notice a cold spot, that’s your propane tank. This approach can be used to estimate the amount of propane in your tank.
Weighing the Tank
The handle on your propane tank will have a few numbers on it. The weight of your tank is one of them.
You can use a scale to determine the propane level if you know how much your tank weighs and how much propane (in weight) it can hold. The average propane tank weighs 17 pounds and holds roughly 20 pounds of propane.
Take your tank and set it on the scale. Subtract 17 pounds from the total weight, and the number that remains is the amount of propane in your tank.
What is the best way to read a gas gauge?
If you’re a will-call customer who handles your own heating oil or propane delivery, one easy but crucial task is to monitor your fuel gauge. But how do you go about reading one?
The good news is that reading a fuel gauge is simple whether you use heating oil or propane. Here are the fundamentals if you haven’t tried it yet.
For Heating Oil Tanks:
- The gauge on your heating oil tank is usually a clear glass or cylinder towards the top of the tank. The cylinder is frequently labeled with numbers, such as F, 3/4, 1/2, and 1/4. A red or yellow marker or float indicates how much fuel is left in your tank; if the marker is at the bottom of the gauge or is not visible, your tank is empty or nearly empty.
Additional considerations:
- The most typical heating oil tank size is 275 gallons, but keep in mind that heating oil tanks require space for air and non-combustible material that collects at the bottom. Most 275-gallon tanks only store around 240 gallons of fuel, thus when half-full, you only have about 120 gallons left (not 140 or so).
- The weather, the effectiveness of your heating equipment, and the air tightness of your home, to name a few, will all influence how quickly you use up your heating oil. But here’s a ballpark figure: A 2,500 square foot house will use around 6-7 gallons of heating oil per day if outdoor temperatures average 32 degrees during a 24-hour period.
For Propane Tanks:
- A built-in fuel gauge is commonly found under the tank dome or cover on domestic propane tanks and bigger propane cylinders.
- The gauge is usually a circular dial with numerals that display the percentage of the tank that is full, similar to a car’s gauge. Because propane gas expands as temperatures rise, most gauges read from 0 to around 95%; tanks are never filled to 100% capacity (space must be provided to allow for the expansion).
What are the meanings of the lines on the gas gauge?
The lines on the gas gauge show your gas tank’s gasoline level in 1/4 increments. An eight would be anything between two lines. If the needle is between 1/2 and 3/4, it means you have 5/8 of a tank of gasoline.
When it comes to propane tanks, how long do they last?
1. What should you do if your propane tank has run out?
When those 12 years are over, you have the option of replacing the tank or having it inspected for requalification for another five years of use.
2. What is the expiration date of the propane tank?
The date of manufacturing or requalification of a propane tank is stamped on its collar. The format will be month-year, for example, 06-21 for June 2021.
3. How should old propane tanks be disposed of?
Propane tanks with a volume of 100 pounds or less have a 12-year shelf life from the date of manufacturing. When those 12 years are over, you have the option of replacing the tank or having it inspected for requalification for another five years of use.
4. What is the average lifespan of a tank?
Propane tanks with a volume of 100 pounds or less have a 12-year shelf life from the date of manufacturing.
5. Do all tanks have an expiration date?
Large propane tanks used for residential heating and hot water are restricted by federal container restrictions in most states. According to the legislation, a propane tank can only be filled by the owner or someone authorized to act on their behalf. In practice, this means that the majority of household propane users lease their tank from a fuel supplier, who is responsible for keeping track of the tank’s expiration date.
6. Where can I have my propane tanks recertified?
Learn More about Propane Tanks:
- How to Check the Level of Your Propane Tank at Home
- How to Get Your Propane Tank Ready for the Winter
- Buying vs. Renting a Propane Tank for Your Home
- Is It Possible to Paint My Propane Tank?
- How to Dispose of Old Propane Tanks Correctly
- Propane Tanks: Above Ground vs. Underground
- Where Should My Propane Tank Be Stored?
- When Buying a House with Propane Heat, Here Are 5 Questions to Ask
- Changing from Natural Gas to Propane
- Is it better to rent or buy a propane tank?
What is the capacity of a propane tank in gallons?
The typical size propane tank for barbecue grills, mosquito magnets, turkey fryers, and small space heaters, the 20 lb tank is the most often used propane tank. The 20 lbtank, on the other hand, can be utilized for a variety of additional propane applications. A full 20-pound propane tank holds 4.5 gallons and weighs 37 pounds.
Does propane have a shelf life?
Another reason to use Bottini Fuel for propane delivery is that propane does not have a shelf life or an expiration date. This is due to the fact that propane is non-perishable! Other fuels, such as kerosene, diesel, heating oil, and gasoline, can degrade with time.
