How Long Does a 500-Gallon Propane Tank Usually Last?

A 500-gallon propane tank is a popular choice for many homes, especially those that rely on propane for heating, cooking, and other daily needs. But one of the most common questions people have is, “How long will it last?”

The answer can vary depending on how much propane you use, the size of your home, and even the weather outside.

In this article, we’ll break down the factors that affect your propane usage and give you a good idea of how long your tank might last.

How Long Does It Take to Use 500 Gallons of Propane?

Light Usage (50 gallons per month)

What is light usage? Light usage typically means you’re using propane for basic needs like cooking and some hot water, but not much else. For example, if you have a small household and only use propane for running your stove and perhaps a water heater, you’re likely in the light usage category.

How long does it last? At 50 gallons per month, your 500-gallon propane tank would last about 10 months. This means you could go almost a full year without needing a refill, depending on your actual usage. Light usage is common in homes where propane is a secondary energy source, such as those that rely on electricity for heating but use propane for cooking.

Moderate Usage (100 gallons per month)

What is moderate usage? Moderate usage means you’re using propane for more than just cooking and hot water. You might also be using it for heating your home during the colder months, or perhaps running a clothes dryer or a small fireplace. In this case, you’re using more propane on a daily basis, but you’re not relying on it for everything.

How long does it last? If you’re using about 100 gallons of propane per month, your 500-gallon tank would last around 5 months. This is typical for many average-sized homes, especially in areas with mild to moderate winters. You’d likely need to refill your tank twice a year—once before the cold season and again during or after.

Heavy Usage (150 gallons per month)

What is heavy usage? Heavy usage means you’re relying on propane for most of your energy needs. This could include heating your home, cooking, hot water, running appliances like a clothes dryer, or even heating a pool or hot tub. If your home is large or located in a colder climate, you’re more likely to fall into the heavy usage category.

How long does it last? At 150 gallons per month, your 500-gallon propane tank would last about 3.3 months. In this case, you’d need to refill your tank more frequently, possibly 3 or 4 times a year, depending on your usage. Heavy users often need to monitor their tank levels more closely to avoid running out during peak usage times, like the middle of winter.

By understanding whether your propane usage is light, moderate, or heavy, you can better estimate how long your 500-gallon tank will last and plan refills accordingly.

Factors That Affect How Long It Lasts

Household Size

The more people living in your home, the more propane you’ll likely use. For example, a family of four might use around 60-80 gallons of propane per month, while a single person might only use 30-40 gallons. More people mean more hot showers, more cooking, and more heating, which all add up.

Climate

If you live in a colder area, you’ll probably use more propane to keep your home warm. In a cold winter climate, you might go through 100-150 gallons of propane per month just for heating. In milder climates, you may only use 50-75 gallons per month during the winter.

Appliance Efficiency

Older appliances, like furnaces or water heaters, often use more propane than newer, energy-efficient models. For example, an older furnace might burn through 1 gallon of propane per hour, while a newer model could use just 0.5 gallons per hour. Upgrading appliances can help stretch your propane supply.

Frequency of Use

The more often you use your appliances, the faster your propane will run out. For example, if you’re cooking three meals a day, running the furnace, and heating water frequently, you might burn through 100-150 gallons a month. On the other hand, if you only use propane for occasional cooking and heating, you might use just 30-50 gallons a month.

Average Duration Based on Usage (Detailed Explanation)

Heating Only

When you use propane primarily for heating your home, the amount you consume can vary significantly based on your climate.

• In Colder Climates: If you live in a place with harsh winters, you may burn through 100 to 150 gallons of propane each month just to keep your home warm. With a 500-gallon tank (which holds about 400 usable gallons), you can expect it to last about 2.5 to 4 months. For example, if you use 120 gallons a month, the tank will last around 3.3 months.
• In Milder Climates: If your winters are not as severe, your heating needs will be lower, and you might only use 50 to 75 gallons per month. In this case, your tank could last much longer, possibly stretching out to 5 to 8 months. For example, at 60 gallons a month, your tank would last approximately 6.6 months.

Heating and Cooking

When you use propane for both heating and cooking, your overall consumption increases.

• In Colder Climates: If you’re already using 100 to 150 gallons per month for heating, adding another 10 to 20 gallons for cooking can bring your total usage to around 110 to 170 gallons per month. At this rate, your 500-gallon tank might last around 2 to 3.5 months. For example, if you use 140 gallons per month, you’d have about 2.8 months of propane supply.
• In Milder Climates: In a milder climate, your combined usage for heating and cooking might be lower, around 60 to 90 gallons per month. In this scenario, your tank could last around 4.5 to 6.5 months. For example, if you use 75 gallons per month, your tank would last approximately 5.3 months.

Full-Time Use (Heating, Cooking, and Hot Water)

If you rely on propane for heating, cooking, and hot water, your consumption will be at its highest.

• Average Household Usage: For a typical household, using propane for heating, cooking, and hot water could result in a monthly consumption of 120 to 180 gallons. This would make your 500-gallon tank last around 2 to 3 months. For example, at 150 gallons per month, your tank would last about 2.6 months.
• Lower Usage: If you’re more conservative with your propane usage, consuming around 100 gallons per month, your tank could last closer to 4 months. For example, if you’re careful with your heating and hot water usage, and you’re using just 100 gallons a month, your 400 usable gallons would last 4 months exactly.

By breaking down each of these scenarios, you can get a clearer picture of how long your propane supply might last, depending on how you use it. This information can help you plan ahead and ensure you don’t run out of propane unexpectedly.

Sizes of Homes That Use a 500-Gallon Propane Tank

Small to Medium Homes (1,000 to 2,000 square feet)

If your home is between 1,000 and 2,000 square feet, a 500-gallon propane tank can usually meet your needs. These homes typically use propane for heating, cooking, and hot water. On average, a home this size might use around 500 to 1,000 gallons of propane per year. For example, in a milder climate, you might use closer to 500 gallons annually, while in a colder climate, you could be looking at around 1,000 gallons a year. This means you’ll likely need to refill your tank once or twice a year.

Medium to Large Homes (2,000 to 3,500 square feet)

For homes between 2,000 and 3,500 square feet, a 500-gallon propane tank is also a popular choice. These homes tend to use more propane, especially if they rely on it for heating, cooking, hot water, and even running appliances like clothes dryers. In this size range, you might use 1,000 to 1,500 gallons of propane per year. For example, a home in a colder climate could easily use 1,200 gallons annually, meaning you’d need to refill your tank about twice a year.

Large Homes (3,500+ square feet)

If your home is over 3,500 square feet, a 500-gallon propane tank can still work, but you may need to refill it more often, depending on your propane usage. Larger homes that use propane for heating, cooking, hot water, and possibly additional appliances like fireplaces and pool heaters might consume over 1,500 gallons of propane per year. For example, if you’re using around 1,800 gallons a year, you’d likely need to refill your tank three times annually. In some cases, homeowners with larger homes might opt for a bigger tank, like a 1,000-gallon one, to reduce the number of refills needed.

Tips to Make Propane Last Longer

Maintain Your Appliances

One of the easiest ways to make your propane last longer is by keeping your appliances in good shape. For example, a well-maintained furnace can burn through 0.5 gallons of propane per hour, while an older, less efficient one might use up to 1 gallon per hour. Regularly cleaning and servicing your appliances can help them run more efficiently, which means you’ll use less propane overall.

Reduce Thermostat Settings

Lowering your thermostat by just a few degrees can make a big difference in how much propane you use. For instance, lowering the temperature from 72°F to 68°F can reduce your heating bill by up to 10%, which also means you’ll use less propane. Consider using a programmable thermostat to automatically lower the heat when you’re not home or at night.

Use Propane Wisely

Be mindful of how often you use propane-powered appliances. For example, if you’re cooking, try to prepare meals in batches to minimize how often you need to use your stove or oven. You can also use cold water for laundry when possible, as heating water with propane can use about 0.25 gallons per load.

Improve Home Insulation

A well-insulated home keeps heat in, so you won’t need to use as much propane to stay warm. Simple steps like sealing windows and doors can help. This might reduce your heating needs by 20-30%, which directly translates to using less propane.

Regular Tank Checks

Keep an eye on your propane tank levels so you don’t run out unexpectedly. It’s a good idea to check your tank at least once a month during peak usage times. If you notice you’re using more propane than usual, you can make adjustments before the tank gets too low. Many tanks have a gauge that shows the percentage of propane left. When your tank gets down to around 20%, it’s time to think about scheduling a refill to avoid any surprises.

When to Refill and Monitor

How to Monitor Tank Levels

Most propane tanks come with a gauge that tells you how full the tank is. The gauge usually shows a percentage, with 100% meaning the tank is completely full (though remember, it’s actually filled to 80% for safety). To keep an eye on your propane levels, check the gauge regularly—especially during the colder months when you’re using more propane. For example, if the gauge reads 50%, that means you have about 200 gallons left in a 500-gallon tank.

When to Schedule a Refill

A good rule of thumb is to schedule a refill when your tank level drops to around 20%. At 20%, you’ll have about 80 gallons of propane left in a 500-gallon tank. This gives you some cushion to avoid running out while waiting for the delivery.

If you know you’re using around 100 gallons per month during the winter, then 80 gallons will last you less than a month. So, if you see the gauge getting close to 20%, it’s time to call and set up a refill. If your usage is lighter, like 50 gallons a month, you might still want to refill at 20% to ensure you’re covered for any unexpected cold snaps or increased usage.

By monitoring your tank regularly and planning your refills around that 20% mark, you can avoid the inconvenience of running out of propane when you need it most.

To Conclude This

Figuring out how long a 500-gallon propane tank will last depends on how much propane you use for heating, cooking, and other daily activities. By understanding the factors that affect your usage, like household size, climate, and appliance efficiency, you can get a better idea of when you’ll need to refill.

Keep an eye on your tank levels, plan your refills when the gauge hits around 20%, and consider ways to conserve propane to make it last longer. With a little attention, you can ensure your propane supply meets your needs without any unexpected surprises.