Propane tanks come in a variety of sizes; more common ones include the 120-, 250-, 330-, and 500-gallon tanks. They come in horizontal or vertical configurations, though many of the sizes over 120 gallons are available only in horizontal forms. Above- and below-ground, installation can be chosen.

Uses

As discussed, the use of a 500-gallon horizontal propane tank is to store the propane needed to power one’s home. Many small commercial enterprises that use propane for lighting, heating, hot water, and alternative heating also utilize this size of tank; commercial cooking operations may use propane to power their burners. Other agricultural uses for the 500-gallon tank include tobacco curing, dry cleaning, and peanut drying.

If your home has a central heating system, the 500-gallon horizontal propane tank is most commonly recommended. When filled to 80 percent (accounting for expansion, propane tanks are only filled at 80 percent), the 500-gallon tank holds 400 gallons of propane.

Basically, you will need to calculate how much propane you will use on a monthly basis when determining the required tank size. If you’re running a furnace, fireplace, hot water heater, clothes dryer, and possibly more, you’ll likely go with the 500-gallon tank.

How Much Propane Do We Burn Per Winter? (Size Of Home)

An important factor that can increase or decrease the specified time of how long will a 500-gallon propane tank last is the energy efficiency of your propane-powered appliances. That usually means a propane furnace.

High energy efficiency propane furnaces (with above 90 AFUE rating) will require less propane for the same heating output. These superb units can prolong the time how long a 500-gallon propane tank last by up to 25%?

You can read our entire article about how long propane tanks last (any tank from 1 lb to 1,000-gallon tank) here. If you’re deciding between a 500-gallon vs 100-gallon, 250-gallon, or 1,000-gallon propane tank, you can check how similar calculations for:

• How long does a 100-gallon tank last?
• How long does a 250-gallon tank last?
• How long does a 1,000-gallon tank last?

If you have any questions about the calculations or the longevity of 500-gallon propane tanks, you can use the comments below and we’ll try our best to help you out.