Services
Propane tank sizes: lease or own
The right propane tank size depends on what it runs: a home heated with propane needs a much larger tank than one using propane for a range and fireplace. We deliver to tanks you lease from us and to tanks you own, and the office will recommend a size for your appliance list.
Updated · American River Gas office, Newcastle
Sizing starts with your appliances
List what the propane runs: furnace or wall heater, water heater, range, dryer, fireplace, and pool or spa heater. Heating is usually the biggest load. The more appliances and the colder the site, the larger the tank and the fewer deliveries you need.
- Cooking or a fireplace only: a small tank may be enough
- Whole-home heating plus a water heater: a larger residential tank
- Farms and businesses: sized to equipment and use
Tank size vs. propane it holds
Tanks are never filled to 100%. We fill to about 86% in winter and 80% in summer so the propane has room to expand. A tank's gauge also reads in percent, not gallons, so multiply the reading by the tank size to estimate what is left.
Leasing a tank
A leased tank belongs to the propane company that set it. The company maintains it, and it is filled by that company. Leasing keeps the upfront cost of a new system down. If you switch companies, the old company's tank is typically picked up and a new one is set.
Owning a tank
An owned tank belongs to you. We deliver to customer-owned tanks too; before the first fill we check the tank and the system, including a leak test. If you are buying a home with a tank on it, find out whether the tank is owned or leased before closing, and call us.
Painting a tank
If your tank was powder coated, do not paint it: the paint will not stick. A painted tank can be repainted after it is cleaned of dirt and rust, using an industrial oil-based primer and an oil-based alkyd paint in a light, heat-reflective color. Dark colors make the propane expand more and can open the relief valve. Please call the office before painting.
Questions
Straight answers
What size propane tank does a house need?
It depends on the appliances and whether propane heats the house. Call the office with your appliance list and we will recommend a size.
Can you fill a tank I own?
Yes. We deliver to customer-owned tanks. A new customer set-up includes a system check and leak test before the first fill.
Can I paint my propane tank a dark color?
No. Use a light, heat-reflective color and call us first. Dark colors raise the pressure inside the tank and can make the relief valve release propane.
Related
Related services
Propane Tank Sizes: Lease or Own across our service area
Sources: Propane Education & Research Council: propane safety in your home (opens in a new tab) · NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code (opens in a new tab)
Newcastle yard · since 1966
Questions about propane?
Call the office and talk to a real person. Or leave your details and we call you back.
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM (closed noon-1:00 PM)
After hours, weekends and holidays, our answering service reaches a staff member.
