A patio heater is a great way to make your outdoor patios warmer and more comfortable. When it comes to patio heating, propane patio heaters are a lifesaver.
One common question regarding propane patio heaters is how long a propane tank lasts on a patio heater.
Before buying a propane heater, homeowners need to learn more about them. That includes understanding more about how long the propane tank will last.
Learning about the safety tips of using a propane heater on your patios is also vital. In this article, we answer your questions and more!
How Long Will A Propane Tank Last In A Patio Heater
The longevity of your propane tanks in the patio heater will majorly depend on the size of the heater. That is, the larger the tank’s capacity is, the longer it will last.
However, the size of your propane tank should also be compatible with your patio size. You cannot use too large or too small tanks for your patio heaters.
In most cases, homeowners use the 20-pound propane tank to use their propane patio heaters. The average 20-pound propane tank contains about 4.7 gallons of fuel.
These tanks can produce approximately 40,000 BTUs per hour. So, a 20-pound propane tank will last around 10 hours on the highest setting.
Similarly, when the propane tank is more significant than 20 pounds, it will last longer than 10 hours.
You can easily calculate the hours a propane tank will last. For this, you will have to use a simple formula.
That is, find out the value of how much BTU your propane tank can hold. Then divide that value with your propane patio heater’s BTU capacity.
Let’s use an example to simplify the process. Suppose your propane tank can hold 430,000 BTUs of fuel or liquid propane.
This is the average capacity of 20-pound propane tanks. Then, assuming your heater has a BTU capacity of 40,000 BTUs per hour.
So, to determine how long your propane tank will last in this situation, simply use the formula. By dividing 430,000 by 40,000 we get 10.75.
So, the propane tank will last more than 10 hours, i.e., about 11 hours. Hence, using this simple method, you can figure out how long a propane tank lasts on a patio heater.
The following chart shows how long a 20-pound propane tank can last on different patio heaters.
| Propane Tank Size | Propane Patio Heater Size | Longevity (Hours) |
| 20 lbs. | 30,000 BTU | 14 |
| 20 lbs. | 35,000 BTU | 12.26 |
| 20 lbs. | 40,000 BTU | 10 |
| 20 lbs. | 48,000 BTU | 9 |
| 20 lbs. | 50,000 BTU | 8.5 |
| 20 lbs. | 60,000 BTU | 7.15 |
How Large Propane Tank Do I Need
The size of your propane tank will depend on your patio heater and patio area. For large areas, you will need to use a larger heater.
You might also be using multiple heaters. Similarly, for smaller areas, your requirements will be lesser as well. That is why your requirements will determine how much of a propane tank you need.
Most homeowners use the 20-pound propane tank in the case of patio heaters. This works smoothly to make the patio heater work effectively.
A 20-pound propane tank can hold about 4.6 gallons of propane when it is full. So, when it comes to patio heaters, a 20-pound propane tank is the ideal option for you.
But if you are wondering about using a propane tank for various needs, you will need bigger sizes. If your home is 2,500 square feet or larger, you will need a 500-gallon propane tank.
This will allow you to run multiple appliances on propane. The propane tanks that have the capacity of more than 500 gallons are usually taken for commercial purposes.
Propane tanks can assist you with many purposes. So, its uses will also determine how large a propane tank you should get. The table below shows different types of propane tanks, their capacity, and their uses. This might help you t understand your propane tank requirements better.
| Propane Tank Size | Uses | Capacity (Propane) |
| 56 Gallon | Ovens, clothes dryers, and ranges. | 48 gallons |
| 120 Gallon | Space heaters, water heaters, and pool heaters. | 100 gallons |
| 250 Gallon | Pool heaters, generators, and a combination of appliances. | 200 gallons |
| 500 Gallon | Pool heaters and central heating. | 400 gallons |
| 1,000 Gallon | Commercial spaces and larges condos. | 850 gallons |
| 20 lbs. | Generators, propane grills, and others. | 4.6 gallons |
Are Propane Tanks Safe for Patio Heating
Propane is a clean fuel and reliable for heating homes, outdoor patios, workspaces, etc. Propane tanks are safe for patio heating.
However, there is a broader discussion of this. While propane tanks are generally safe for patio heating, their use should be carefully done. Otherwise, there might be risks and hazards to your safety.
The first thing to remember is that propane tanks should be used only outdoors. As safe as propane tanks are, there are still some fire hazards.
So, handling them absent-mindedly can create hazardous situations. That is why experts highly advise using a propane tank outdoors.
So, make sure you use the propane tanks only on your outdoor patios.
However, there are some propane tanks you could use indoors. It is best to check the manufacturer’s instructions before you use them indoors.
Nevertheless, check with a reliable supplier or local authority before you install your propane tanks. Before using one, you should also get the basic idea and propane tank safety guidelines.
When you use propane tanks safely, they become perfectly safe for patio heating. In fact, with propane patio heaters, you can get multiple benefits.
Propane tanks and patio heaters are safe to use on multiple constructions. This includes- using a pavement patio, wooden deck, inside your gazebo, and many more.
To sum it up, propane tanks are safe for patio heating. Many homeowners worldwide prefer using a propane tank to run their patio heaters and many other appliances.
Regardless of its safety, you should always cautiously handle a propane tank or heater.
How Far Away Should You Set Your Propane Tank
An essential element that you should consider with propane tanks is their placement. You should place the propane tanks where they will be the safest.
So, when placing propane tanks for your patio heaters, you should do it in a secure location.
Conventional propane tanks are usually suitable for placing in both underground areas or overground.
Whatever your choice, the tank must still be at least 10 feet away from your home. This also applies in the case of patio heating.
The propane tank should be a minimum of 10 feet away from your patio and other structures.
Additionally, you must maintain a safe distance from the ignition source. The minimum distance from the ignition source is also 10 feet. This distance is applicable in the case of property lines too.
This safety distance increases when there are multiple propane tanks. In the case of two tanks, the restricted clearance is 25 feet.
So, you should install your propane tanks following these safety guidelines. This will ensure maximum safety for you.
Will Using an Infrared Heater Extend the Lifespan of My Propane Tank When Heating a Patio?
Using infrared heaters for patio can help extend the lifespan of your propane tank by efficiently heating the space without causing excess wear and tear on the tank. The targeted heat provided by infrared heaters can warm the patio area more effectively, reducing the strain on your propane tank and helping it last longer.
Final Thoughts on How Long Propane Tanks Last When On a Patio Heater
Propane tanks are one of the most convenient and reliable ways to heat your patio heaters. They come in handy for multiple purposes too.
So, get your propane tanks now by knowing how long a propane tank lasts on a patio heater.
