How Long Does Propane Last?

Propane is a very effective fuel source for nearly countless applications, from firing up the grill to keeping your home heated and warm. It does have one caveat, however — learning how to maintain your supply.

This can feel like a challenge at first (maybe even a bit frustrating), but we’re happy to say that with the barest of preparation and information, you can store adequate amounts of fuel to meet all your needs.

Looking for a reliable fuel supply company in New York, New Jersey, or PA?

Contact our propane delivery experts today at SOS Xtreme Comfort to schedule your consultation or call PA: (570) 618-8055, NY: (845) 351-4700, or NJ: (973) 827-8179.

Does Propane Expire?

No, it will not. Unlike fuel sources that can degrade over time (kerosene, diesel, gasoline), propane fuel has no expiration date, nor will its potency suffer while being stored. The only thing you need to worry about when storing propane is maintaining the health and integrity of the propane storage tank.

You need to have on-site tanks re-certified every decade, and it’s wise to get the tank inspected by a professional to detect any possible leaks annually.

How Long Will My Propane Burn?

The most important thing to understand about how long your propane will last is your burn rate — or how long your fuel will last per pound/gallon. For this, you’ll probably want to break out a calculator.

It’s important to know that one gallon of propane translates to roughly 92,000 BTUs of heating power, and that one gallon is equivalent to 4.24 lbs of fuel. With this information, you can check the BTU demand of your propane furnace (this can range from 20,000 to as high as 200,000 — it’s important to know the exact number).

With this information, you can divide the BTU/hour of your furnace by the BTU available in a single gallon of propane (92,000) to learn how far that one gallon will get you in an hour of heating.

Next, take the total capacity of your tank — 80% of it to be precise, since this is how much a fuel delivery company will fill the tank for safety reasons — and multiply it by the burn rate you totaled above, and voila! You should now know how long your tank, when filled, can be expected to last.

Schedule propane delivery with SOS Xtreme Comfort any time, or call PA: (570) 618-8055, NY: (845) 351-4700, or NJ: (973) 827-8179.

Fuel Storage Safety Facts

We want to leave you with some important safety information. Propane is a powerful and reliable fuel, but it demands a bit of care and respect, too. Simple tips include:

• Propane expands and contracts with temperature variance. When it’s above 60 degrees outside, the fuel is roughly its “normal size,” and below that temperature, it will contract.
• Always work with your propane tanks in an open, well-ventilated area. Even a minor leak can severely harm your health.
• Propane tank overfilling can be very dangerous, so always be sure to have your tanks filled with a respectable supplier. It’s also wise to familiarize yourself with how to inspect for overfill.
• If you notice any strange odors when handling your propane tank, do not use the tank — have it inspected, and possibly bled/replaced instead.
• An easy check for leaks along the release valve is to apply soapy water — pour some dish detergent in a bowl of water or a spray bottle. Using the spray bottle or a sponge, apply the soapy water to the entire hose assembly, including the tank’s valve and regulator. See bubbles? If so, you have a leak! This is not a replacement for a proper inspection, but it’s a good self-check to use occasionally.

Choose SOS Xtreme Comfort for Propane in NY, NJ & PA

When you choose us for all your propane needs throughout southern New York, northern New Jersey, and northeastern Pennsylvania, you’re guaranteed to have clean, affordable, and efficient propane.

Whether you need propane delivery or a new propane tank installed on or near your property, our team is qualified, experienced, and ready to help. As your number one source for propane services in Warwick, Middletown, Goshen, Monroe, New City, and surrounding towns in Rockland, Orange, Ulster, Bergen, Passaic, Sussex, and Pike counties, we look forward to serving you.

To schedule a propane delivery or tank installation, contact us online or call PA: (570) 618-8055, NY: (845) 351-4700, or NJ: (973) 827-8179.