If you’re considering purchasing a 250 gallon propane tank, you’re probably wondering how much it will cost. The cost of this size of tank will vary depending on a few factors, such as where you purchase it and whether or not it’s new or used.
On average, a new 250 gallon propane tank will cost anywhere from $800 to $1,300. If you’re looking for a used tank, you can expect to pay about half the price of a new one. Keep in mind that the cost of installation is not included in these prices.
There are a few things that will affect the cost of your propane tank. The first is the size of the tank. A 250 gallon propane tank is larger than the most common size (100 gallons), so it will be more expensive. The second factor is whether or not the tank is new or used. Used tanks are usually less expensive, but they may not be as reliable as a new one.
The last factor to consider is where you purchase your tank. Some retailers may charge more than others for the same size and type of tank. It’s important to compare prices before making a purchase.
Installing a propane tank can be a big job, so it’s important to factor in the cost of installation when budgeting for your new tank. The cost of installation will vary depending on the size of the tank and the complexity of the job. In general, you
Table of Contents
Factors that Affect the Cost of a 250 Gallon Propane Tank When You buy
There are a few factors that affect the cost of a 250 gallon propane tank when you buy. The size and material of the tank, the brand, and where you purchase it from are some of the most common factors.
Material of the tank
The material of the tank is one of the factors that can affect the price of a 250 gallon propane tank. Steel tanks are the most common and most affordable type of propane tank. They are durable, rust-resistant and suitable for outdoor use. They are also widely available and can be found at most propane suppliers.
Brand and manufacturer
The price of a propane tank can be affected by the brand and manufacturer of the tank. Some brands and manufacturers are known for their quality products and their tanks may cost more than others. However, there are also some brands and manufacturers who offer cheaper tanks but their quality may not be as good. It is important to do your research before purchasing a propane tank so that you know what you are getting for your money.
Location and delivery cost
The price of a propane tank can vary depending on the location and delivery cost. In some cases, the price of the propane tank can be affected by the availability of the propane. For example, if there is a propane shortage in the area, the price of the propane tank may increase. The delivery cost can also affect the price of the propane tank. If the delivery company charges a higher delivery fee, the price of the propane tank will be higher.
Installation and maintenance cost
We all know that the installation and maintenance cost of propane tank is not cheap. In addition, we also have to constantly monitor the level of propane in the tank to make sure that we do not run out of it. This can be a daunting task for some people, but it is essential to keep your home to have supply of propane.
Here are some tips to help you save money on the installation and maintenance cost of propane tank:
- Do your research: There are many companies that offer propane tank installation and maintenance services. It is important to do your research and find a company that is reputable and has a good track record.
- Get multiple quotes: Once you have narrowed down your list of potential companies, get multiple quotes from each one. This will allow you to compare prices and see which company offers the best value for your money.
- Take advantage of discounts: Many companies offer discounts for customers who sign up for their service contract early. If you know you will need propane tank installation and maintenance services for the entire winter, sign up for a contract as soon as possible to take advantage of these savings.
- Negotiate: Don’t be afraid to negotiate with the company you choose. If you feel like you are being charged too much, ask if they are willing to give you a discount. Many times, they will be happy to work with you to ensure you are getting the best value
Pros and Cons of Brand New and Used Tanks
It is important to weigh all of the pros and cons before making a decision on whether or not to purchase a used 250 gallon propane tank.
Pros of a Brand New Tank
- Guaranteed quality: A new tank is guaranteed to be free of defects and to meet industry standards.
- Longer lifespan: A new tank will typically have a longer lifespan than a used one.
- Warranty: New tanks often come with a warranty that covers repairs or replacement in the event of defects or other issues.
- Better safety features: New tanks often come with updated safety features to reduce the risk of accidents or leaks.
- Energy efficiency: Newer tanks are often more energy efficient, which can help to reduce costs over time.
Cons of a Brand New Tank
- Higher cost: Brand new tanks are typically more expensive than used ones.
- Lead time: New tanks may have a lead time for delivery and installation.
- Limited options: New tanks may be limited to certain brands and manufacturers, which may not be the best choice for everyone.
Pros of Used Tank
- Lower cost: Used tanks are typically less expensive than new ones, providing cost savings for the consumer.
- Availability: Used tanks may be more readily available and can be found faster than new tanks, especially in rural or remote areas
- No lead time: Used tanks are usually readily available and can be delivered and installed more quickly.
- Can be refurbished: Some used tanks can be refurbished, which can help to extend their lifespan and improve safety.
Cons of a Used Tank
- It can be less expensive than buying smaller tanks of propane.
- One is that you may not be able to get as good of a warranty with a used tank. Another is that the tank could have hidden damage that you are not aware of.
- A disadvantage of buying a used tank is that you don’t know how it has been maintained or what kind of condition it is really in.
- Used tanks may not be as reliable as new ones, and they may not come with a warranty. Additionally, you will need to have someone inspect the tank before use to ensure it is safe.
How to Save Money When Buying Propane Tank
When it comes to buying a propane tank, there are a few things you can do to save money. Here are a few tips:
- Compare prices from different suppliers. There can be a big difference in price, so it’s worth shopping around.
- If you’re buying a used tank, make sure to have it inspected by a qualified technician to ensure it’s in good condition.
- Ask about any discounts that may be available. Many suppliers offer discounts for cash payments or for ordering in bulk.
- Shop around for the best deal on installation and delivery charges. These can vary significantly from one company to another.
- Be sure to ask about any warranty or guarantee that may be offered with the purchase of your propane tank. This can provide valuable protection in case of problems down the road.
To Make a Conclusion
As a responsible homeowner, it’s important to know how much your 250 gallon propane tank costs. This way, you can budget for future fill-ups and avoid any nasty surprises.
There are a few factors that will affect the cost of your propane, including the current market price and the size of your tank. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $800 and $1,300 for a full tank of propane.
Of course, the best way to get an accurate estimate is to contact your local propane supplier. They will be able to give you a more personalized quote based on your specific needs.
In summary, it’s important to know how much your 250 gallon propane tank costs so that you can budget accordingly. By doing your research and contacting your local supplier, you can ensure that you’re always prepared for those cold winter nights!
Jeremy Duckstein is a highly experienced propane technician with over 15 years of professional experience in the field. He has dedicated his career to helping customers with their propane needs, from installation to maintenance and repair. Together with Mike, he co-founded a website to provide useful information and guidance to customers seeking reliable propane services.
FAQs
How long does a 250 gallon propane tank last for a house? ›
A 250-gallon residential propane tank holds 200 gallons of propane and will generally last around a month—but a tank can last much longer depending on a list of factors. A 500-gallon tank holds 400 gallons of propane and can last several months, ranging between 2 to 14 months.
How many gallons of propane are in a 250 pound tank? ›250 Gallon Propane Tank
Uses: Supplemental heating or 2 home appliances including water heaters, generators, and pool heaters. A 250 gallon propane tank holds 200 gallons of propane when full.
A small 100-gallon, above-ground tank costs $340 to $510 to install, whereas a 500-gallon tank costs about $1,650 to $1,850. Likewise, a 250-gallon tank comes in right in the middle at about $1,200. It's important to note that propane tanks typically only hold 80% of their rated capacity.
How much does it cost to fill a 250 lb propane tank? ›| Propane Tank Size (Gallons): | Refill Cost (At $2.00/Gallon): | Refill Cost (At $3.00/Gallon): |
|---|---|---|
| 250 Gallon | $400.00 | $600.00 |
| 500 Gallon | $800.00 | $1,200.00 |
| 750 Gallon | $1,200.00 | $1,800.00 |
| 1000 Gallon | $1,600.00 | $2,400.00 |
The fire code requires that this size propane tank be set ten feet from a building and a property line. A 250-gallon propane tank holds 200 gallons of liquid propane.
Is propane cheaper if you own your own tank? ›Owning your propane tank can save you money in many ways. Reduced price for propane: Many propane suppliers will give you a better price on propane if you own your tank. No monthly or yearly rental payments: You'll have the upfront cost of the tank and installation, but you won't have monthly or yearly rental payments.
How long will a 250-gallon propane tank run a whole house generator? ›You will have to install a tank that is generally between 250 and 1000 gallons. A typical whole house generator burns about 36 gallons of propane a day. That means even the small tank will run the generator for a full week.
Which is cheaper propane or electric? ›Propane is cheaper than electric.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating a home in the U.S. with a propane heating system costs far less than heating with an electric system.
250 Gallon tanks are approximately 7'8'' long and 30” in diameter. They hold 200 gallons of Propane at 80%. Generally for smaller homes, back up heat and appliances.
How many years does a 500-gallon propane tank last? ›While 500 gallons of propane can get you through several months, the tank itself will last much longer. On average, a propane tank can keep fueling your appliances for over 30 years.
How many hours will a 250 gallon propane tank last? ›
A 250-gallon propane tank lasts for anywhere between 26 days to 7 months and 2 days. That's quite a wide range. The longevity of a 250-gallon propane tank depends on use (how much propane per day you burn). This is indirectly connected with how big a house you want to heat with a 250-gallon propane tank.
How much does a 250 gallon propane tank weigh full? ›You will need to be able to handle it, and these tanks do have a considerable weight. For example, a 250-gallon propane tank weighs about 483 lbs when empty and 1,333 lbs when full.
Is 250 gallon propane tank big enough? ›250-gallon propane tank: This tank isn't large enough for whole-house heating but is instead for when you have three or more propane appliances such as water heaters and wall or space heaters. 500-gallon propane tank: If you use propane to heat your home, you'll need a tank of this size.
What is the cheapest month to buy propane? ›The cheapest time to buy propane lies between late September to early October. The reasons that propane becomes inexpensive during this time are: Stable weather conditions. Low demand.
Will propane get more expensive? ›We're seeing propane costs going up for residential propane users in 2022 and 2023, with an estimated 5% increase expected in the next year.
What is the future of propane? ›However, within the next few years, 100 million gallons of renewable propane will likely be available with a total potential of 300 million gallons in the next decade. In fact, by 2050, renewable propane could meet half the world's demand for non-chemical propane, according to the World LP Gas Association.
Is it cheaper to heat your house with propane or natural gas? ›That means, propane is more than twice the energy of natural gas. While the cost per gallon is less for natural gas, you'll use more of it to heat the same appliances. If you get two times the heat from propane, naturally, you'll use less fuel. In this combined round, propane wins for efficiency and overall cost.
How much does it cost to fill up a hundred pound propane tank? ›| Size | Cost |
|---|---|
| 20 lbs. | $40 |
| 100 Gallons | $500 |
| 500 Gallons | $1,500 |
| 1,000 Gallons | $2,500 |
250 Gallon Tank Dimensions
Empty Weight - Approximately 670 lbs.
Generally, the majority of tanks fall under a ten foot rule with regard to buildings and houses.
What size propane tank for a 2000 square foot house? ›
1,000 Gallon Tank
If you use a lot of propane throughout the year and have a larger square footage home between 2,000 to 4,500 square feet, this tank would be a good choice.
Depending on vehicular traffic, the depths can range between 12 to 18 inches underground. The reason for this depth requirement is simple: the earth, dirt, sand or whatever is covering the line needs to adequately protect the underground line from damage.
What is the future for propane in 2023? ›Prices peaked at $1.491 per gallon in late 2021 before dropping to about $1.123 per gallon in early 2022. The propane price forecast for 2023 sees prices increasing by approximately 5%, with the average household spending $1,668 on propane.
What time of year is best to buy propane? ›Early Fall is the Perfect Time to Buy Propane
In fact, prices are always fluctuating, even in the summer months where people are buying propane for grilling or camping. And the higher the demand, the higher the prices go. But early fall is the perfect time to buy propane.
Renting generally costs less up front than owning a tank.
With initial purchase and installation costs at the lowest starting fees, it could take about 17 years for a propane tank purchase to “pay for itself” compared with renting.
While gas-powered generators may be more cost-effective up front, propane-powered generators can save you money in the long run. You probably won't be using your generator every day, which means you'll be storing it for the majority of the time. When it comes to shelf life, propane is a far superior fuel supply.
Can you run a propane generator 24 hours a day? ›Theoretically, a generator can continue running as long as it has fuel to do so. However, some fuels might be more difficult to obtain a continuous supply of during a natural disaster or other emergencies. In essence, you can keep your generator running as long as you have access to the fuel needed to run it.
Should I turn off my Generac generator at night? ›Generac recommends shutting units down every 24 hours of operation to check the oil level and air filter. Turn OFF the homes main utility disconnect (located in either the transfer switch or homes breaker box).
What is the cheapest way to heat a home? ›As a general rule, heating your home with a natural gas furnace is the cheapest way to keep warm through the winter months.
How much propane does it take to heat a 2000 square foot house? ›Propane Usage Based on Household Square Footage
1,000 square feet will use an average of 440 gallons on an annual basis. 1,500 square feet will use an average of 670 gallons each year. 2,000 square feet will consume up to 900 gallons on an annual basis.
What are the disadvantages of propane? ›
- Propane produces fewer BTUs per gallon than oil heating.
- Propane-burning equipment often costs more to purchase than heating oil-based systems.
- Propane is combustible in air, so precautions are needed to operate the equipment safely.
500-Gallon Tanks
The 500-gallon tank is the most common size propane tank for residential propane use. It is often used for home heating, generator powering, cooking, pool heating, and more. The primary benefit of this larger tank is that you can go that much longer without having to get it refilled.
This is probably the most popular size. Propane tanks 250 gallons and above can be installed either above ground or underground.
How thick is the metal on a 250 gallon propane tank? ›A steel propane tank for a barbecue grill has a 12-in inside diameter and a wall thickness of 1/8 in.
When should I retire my propane tank? ›You may not realize it but your propane tank has an expiration date on it. It is between 10 and 12 years from the date of manufacture as seen on the handle of the tank – near where you find the tare weight.
What uses the most propane in a house? ›Furnaces, hot water heaters, and gas fireplaces use the most propane in your home. Here's how much propane they use. The average 100,000 BTU propane gas furnace uses approximately 1-gallon-per-hour or 500-1,200 gallons per year.
Is underground or above ground propane tank better? ›Generally, underground tanks are safer than above-ground tanks. One reason is that it's easier for these tanks to stay temperate in extreme weather, especially in the freezing cold. Underground tanks are also safer in the event of a leak.
How long will 500 gallons of propane run a whole house generator? ›If you're looking for a Generac home standby generator, you'll need to decide on the propane tank size. Generally, it's good to have a tank that holds between 100 and 500 gallons of propane. A 100-gallon propane tank will last 1-2 days, while a 500-gallon tank can last 7-10 days..
How often does a 250 gallon propane tank need to be tested? ›Generally, tank recertification needs to be done between 5 and 12 years based on the date of manufacture, and includes visual defects and other factors as well. Larger tanks may also need to be recertified, but through a different process.
How many gallons of propane does an average household use per month? ›| Number of people in household | Monthly Propane Usage |
|---|---|
| 2 people | 10-15 gallons per month |
| 4 people | 25 gallons per month |
| 5 + people | 30+ gallons per month |
What is the cost of a 250 gallon propane tank? ›
Likewise, a 250-gallon tank comes in right in the middle at about $1,200. It's important to note that propane tanks typically only hold 80% of their rated capacity. For example, a 100-gallon tank holds 80 gallons of propane.
How much does it cost to fill a 250 gallon propane tank? ›| Propane Tank Size (Gallons): | Refill Cost (At $2.00/Gallon): | Refill Cost (At $2.86/Gallon): |
|---|---|---|
| 250 Gallon | $400.00 | $572.00 |
| 500 Gallon | $800.00 | $1,144.00 |
| 750 Gallon | $1,200.00 | $1,716.00 |
| 1000 Gallon | $1,600.00 | $2,288.00 |
The size you need depends on the number of gallons your propane tank holds: 120-gallon tank: $50–$75. 250-gallon tank: $75–$125. 500-gallon tank: $125–$175.
Can you put a 250 gallon propane tank next to a house? ›The fire code requires that this size propane tank be set ten feet from a building and a property line. A 250-gallon propane tank holds 200 gallons of liquid propane.
How old can a 250 gallon propane tank be? ›How long should a propane tank last? Propane tanks are built for the long haul: on average, a high quality, properly maintained galvanized aboveground propane tank or propane cylinder should last 30 years or more, while some aluminum and composite cylinders can last even longer.
How many gallons of gas is in a 250 gallon propane tank? ›A 250 gallon propane tank holds 200 gallons of propane when full.
Is owning your own propane tank worth it? ›Owning your propane tank can save you money in many ways. Reduced price for propane: Many propane suppliers will give you a better price on propane if you own your tank. No monthly or yearly rental payments: You'll have the upfront cost of the tank and installation, but you won't have monthly or yearly rental payments.
What size propane tank do I need for a 2000 square foot house? ›1,000 Gallon Tank
If you use a lot of propane throughout the year and have a larger square footage home between 2,000 to 4,500 square feet, this tank would be a good choice.
Propane Usage Based on Household Square Footage
1,000 square feet will use an average of 440 gallons on an annual basis. 1,500 square feet will use an average of 670 gallons each year. 2,000 square feet will consume up to 900 gallons on an annual basis.
500-Gallon Tanks
The 500-gallon tank is the most common size propane tank for residential propane use. It is often used for home heating, generator powering, cooking, pool heating, and more.
Is propane still cheaper than electricity? ›
Propane is cheaper than electric.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating a home in the U.S. with a propane heating system costs far less than heating with an electric system.
- Propane produces fewer BTUs per gallon than oil heating.
- Propane-burning equipment often costs more to purchase than heating oil-based systems.
- Propane is combustible in air, so precautions are needed to operate the equipment safely.
It has a diameter of 30 inches. If you want to install a 250-gallon tank, you will need to roughly reserve a space that is: 8 feet long.
How long will a 500 gallon propane tank last for a whole house generator? ›Generally, it's good to have a tank that holds between 100 and 500 gallons of propane. A 100-gallon propane tank will last 1-2 days, while a 500-gallon tank can last 7-10 days..
What size propane tank do I need for a 1500 square foot house? ›A 500 gallon propane tank is an efficient option for larger homes (1,500 square feet or more) that use propane for several appliances.