Propane Tank size

16 years ago

We're getting ready to install the propane tank for our heat pump after being without the backup propane function on our York units (2) for a year. Just in time too, with this extreme cold we're experiencing. My question is how do I know what size to go with? Our units are in separate locations, so I wasn't sure if they could run off one 500 pd tank or if I needed to do two smaller tanks. Our home is about 2800 square feet, btw. I think, price-wise, I'd get a price break if I used the 500 pd tank, but I'm not sure.

Also, is it better to buy the tank outright or rent?

Thanks!

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Comments (2)

creek_side
16 years ago
Buy it. If you rent it, you can't price shop and will pay higher prices for your propane. You may also pay an additional premium as a captive customer, since you won't be able to predict your usage very well.

They should be able to run off of one tank. For backup, I would buy a 500 gallon tank. By law, they can only be filled to 80% of capacity, so a 500 gallon tank only holds 400 gallons of propane.
bus_driver
16 years ago
Tank size is important for having sufficient area above the liquid for vaporization to occur prior to the gas going to the furnace. A small tank would starve your furnace due to limited vaporization area. Naturally, propane vaporizes more slowly in the cold. A 500 should work well for you.
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