---
title: Propane Tank Sizes: Lease or Own? | American River Gas
url: https://americanrivergas.com/services/tank-sizes-lease-or-own/
business: American River Gas Co., Inc.
phone: (530) 888-7438
address: 10290 Ophir Rd, Newcastle, CA 95658
hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM (closed noon-1:00 PM)
updated: 2026-10-28
---

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.

[Call (530) 888-7438](tel:+15308887438)[Open an account](https://americanrivergas.com/open-an-account/)

## 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.

[All questions →](https://americanrivergas.com/faq/)  ·  [Propane guides →](https://americanrivergas.com/guides/)

Related

## Related services

- [Propane Tank Installation](https://americanrivergas.com/services/propane-tank-installation/): Above-ground tanks set, connected and leak-tested.

- [Residential Propane Delivery](https://americanrivergas.com/services/residential-propane-delivery/): Route delivery to homes on leased or customer-owned tanks.

Guides

## Guides for this service

- [Propane tank sizes: which tank fits your home](https://americanrivergas.com/guides/propane-tank-sizes/): Tanks & gauges

- [Leasing vs owning a propane tank](https://americanrivergas.com/guides/leasing-vs-owning-a-propane-tank/): Tanks & gauges

- [Underground vs above-ground propane tanks](https://americanrivergas.com/guides/underground-vs-above-ground-propane-tanks/): Tanks & gauges

- [Buying or selling a foothill home with a propane tank](https://americanrivergas.com/guides/buying-or-selling-a-home-with-a-propane-tank/): Buying, building & moving

Sources: [Propane Education & Research Council: propane safety in your home](https://propane.com/propane-safety-in-your-home/) · [NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code](https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-58-standard-development/58)