If you’ve recently moved into a home that uses propane for heating and other gas appliances, you might be learning a lot about the dimensions and sizing of home propane tanks. Understanding your propane tank is key to ensuring you always have the fuel you need to keep your home comfortable and running smoothly.
At Dixon Energy, we help homeowners in Somerset County and throughout northern New Jersey identify and safely install the perfect home propane tank. Here’s a simple breakdown of how much these tanks weigh when empty and full, plus how you can tell how much fuel is inside.
To figure out the total weight of a full propane tank, you first need to know its tare weight (TW). This term refers to how much the tank weighs when it’s empty. This number is usually stamped on the tank itself.
Next, you need to know how much propane it holds. One gallon of liquid propane weighs about 4.2 pounds. So, to find the weight of the fuel, you multiply the tank’s gallon capacity by 4.2.
Total Weight = Tare Weight + (Gallon Capacity x 4.2 lbs)
It’s important to note that propane tanks are never filled to 100% capacity. We always leave about 20% of the space empty. This is a crucial safety measure that allows the liquid propane to safely expand as temperatures change.
A common example is a 20-pound propane tank used for barbecue grills. When empty, it weighs around 17 pounds. When “full” (at 80% capacity), it holds about 4.7 gallons of propane, adding roughly 20 pounds of fuel weight, for a total weight of about 37 pounds.
Dixon Energy offers propane tanks in various sizes to suit different household needs. Here are the common sizes for residential use and their approximate weights:
Checking your propane level is straightforward. Your tank has a gauge, usually under a protective lid on the top. It looks like a car’s speedometer, with numbers from 10 to 90 that represent the percentage of fuel in the tank. Remember, a “full” tank will read around 80%.
We recommend calling for a delivery when your gauge drops to 30%. Doing this ensures you have plenty of time for a scheduled refill without the risk of running out.
Choosing the right propane tank doesn’t have to be complicated. The experts at Dixon Energy can assess your northern New Jersey home’s needs and recommend the perfect size. With our affordable propane tank leasing program, we handle the installation, maintenance, and repairs, giving you complete peace of mind.
Contact Dixon Energy today to learn more about our propane tank installation and leasing services!