What Kind of Propane Tank Do I Need?

A storage tank is the heart of a propane-powered home, and choosing the right one for the job isn’t always as easy a decision as you might think (a big reason why we supply your tank when you become an Irish Propane customer).

Still, it’s always best to be an educated customer, so we’ve prepared this short guide to talk about some of the decisions that go into selecting a propane tank that’s right for your Rochester- or Buffalo-area home.

Consideration 1: Underground vs. aboveground

Choosing between an above-ground and under-ground propane storage tank largely comes down to three factors: your preferred aesthetics, whether or not it is legal to install an underground tank in your town and on your property, and what size you need (underground propane tanks can have a larger capacity than aboveground propane tanks).

Consideration 2: Shape

Aboveground propane tanks come in two basic types: horizontal tanks and vertical cylinders. Horizontal propane tanks are high-capacity containers typically used where propane is the main source of heat in the home. Because they hold more propane, they reduce your need for winter propane deliveries, which can help in areas where weather is unpredictable (like, we don’t know, everywhere around here). Vertical propane cylinders are generally smaller, so they can be placed out of sight against a building or near a property line.

Consideration 3: Size

Above ground propane tanks come in sizes ranging from 120 to 1000+ gallons. Some common propane tank sizes are:

• 120-gallon, 150-gallon or 250-gallon tanks – Good for most propane equipment applications except whole-house heating. Equipment may include stoves, clothes dryers, water heaters, space heaters, generators or fireplaces.
• 325-gallon or 500-gallon tanks – These tanks are generally designed for households using 100–200 gallons a month; a 500-gallon propane tank will be appropriate to heat most houses ranging from 2,500 to 4,500 square feet.
• 1,000-gallon tanks and larger – These tanks are used for large residential applications (4,500+ square feet) or commercial and industrial applications.

Consideration 4: Owning vs. Leasing

Although there are some advantages to owning your own propane tank (controlling who supplies your propane gas being the big one), for most people the disadvantages of owning your propane tank far outweigh the benefits.

When you buy your own propane tank, for example, you are responsible for all installation and maintenance tasks associated with your tank, including repair, replacement, and parts. You are also responsible for recertifying the tank according to local and state laws.

When you lease a propane tank, on the other hand, the supplier is responsible for installing and maintaining your tank, and all the costs and procedures associated with those tasks.

No hassle propane tank installations when you become an Irish Propane customer

When you become an Irish Propane, we’ll provide you a propane storage tank and set you up for propane deliveries in Buffalo and Rochester. We’ll walk you through our recommendations, then install the tank correctly and in compliance with all applicable laws and codes. You’ll have none of the worry or cost of personal ownership of the tank, and you’ll know your propane tank will be installed the right way.

Whatever your preference or need, Irish Propane can provide great advice and expert propane tank installation in Buffalo and Rochester, NY. Contact us today to learn more about propane tank installation, or to become an Irish Propane customer!