We’re in the midst of outdoor living season in Connecticut, which means it’s time to fire up your propane BBQ grill! Simply ensure that you have extra gas for your next summer BBQ.
However, as any veteran propane griller knows, most 20-pound propane barbecue cylinders lack a gauge, which means you’ll need to figure out how much fuel is left in your tank in another method.
Here are three easy ideas to get you started:
1. Make use of warm water. This safe and straightforward method for determining how much propane is left in your tank was given by the FiX IT Home Improvement Channel. To accomplish this,
- Fill a small bucket halfway with warm to hot tap water and set aside.
- Pour the water down the tank’s side.
- Feel for a cool location around the tank’s side using your hand.
The fill level of the tank is at the top of the cold spot (it’s cool because liquid propane inside the tank absorbs heat from the water, making the tank’s metal wall cool to the touch).
2. Check the tank’s weight. On the handle of most propane grill tanks are two numbers: the water capacity (“WC”) and the tare weight (TW), which is the weight of the tank when it is empty. When empty, most grilling tanks weigh around 17 pounds and store around 20 pounds of gas.
Simply weigh your tank on a scale and subtract the TW number to find out how much propane is left in it. If a 27-pound tank has a TW of 17 pounds, there’s about 10 pounds of gas left, or little more than half a tank.
3. Install a gauge on the outside of the building. Options for external propane tank gauges include:
- Installed between the gas line from the grill and the tank’s cut-off valve, inline pressure gauges measure pressures to determine how full the tank is.
- Analog propane scales resemble luggage scales and are pre-programmed to account for your tank’s TW.
- A digital display of remaining cook time and gas fill percentage is provided by digital propane tank scales. Some even have apps for smart phones.
Choose a gauge that you like (they’re available at your local hardware shop and on Amazon) and try it out!
Don’t let your propane cylinder burn you.
Before your next summer party, use these ways to figure out how much gas is left in your tank. Don’t panic if you run out of propane; simply visit one of our Connecticut showrooms for a propane cylinder refill!
How can you know when your propane tank is running low?
When empty, most propane tanks weigh roughly 18 1/2 pounds. Subtract 18 1/2 from the weight of your tank on a household scale. You may then calculate how much money you have left. Cooking medium to high on a 500-square-inch grill will require around 1 1/2 pounds of propane per hour.
What happens if your propane tank runs out?
We see it all the time, especially when the weather changes abruptly: clients believe they have enough propane to carry them through the week until they notice their gauge is in the red, indicating that they only have around 20% of their tank remaining.
There are a number of issues with such scenario, ranging from inconvenient to hazardous. We’ll discuss why running out of propane is a bad idea and how to avoid it in this blog.
The Problem(s) With Letting Your Gas Get Too Low
A propane run-out is a severe problem since it can leave you without heat when you really need it, as well as posing various safety risks and costing you money. Here are just a handful of the issues that a propane shortage can cause:
- When the gas runs out, valves or gas lines are left unprotected, leaving your system prone to leaks during a refill.
- In an empty or nearly empty tank, air and moisture generate rust, weakening the tank.
- The stench of propane is likewise removed by rust, making leak detection considerably more difficult.
- A fire or explosion can occur if gas vapor comes into contact with an ignition source.
Allowing your propane tank to get dry has a number of risks, not the least of which is that your pilot lights will go out, necessitating the services of a propane specialist. After a shutdown, a leak test is required by law, which can be both costly and time-consuming.
Three Things To Do Your Propane Dips Below 20 Percent
What should you do if the propane tank in your home is less than 20% full? Here are three ideas to consider:
- Don’t be concerned. You have a few days unless you’ve depleted your tank to less than 10%.
- Reduce your consumption. Reduce the temperature in your home by a few degrees and limit your propane-burning activities to those that are absolutely necessary. If at all possible, avoid turning off your pilot lights.
Avoiding a Propane Run-Out With a Propane Tank Monitor
Someone must keep track of how much propane is left in your tank to avoid running out. Why don’t we make that happen?
A propane tank monitor is a little gadget that is installed in your tank that keeps track of how much propane is in it and alerts us (and you, via your phone) when it’s time for a propane delivery. Although there is a little price for this service, most of our customers consider the peace of mind to be well worth it!
Is there a propane tank gauge?
Your propane tank has a gauge on it, regardless of its size, so you always know how much propane gas you have on hand and when it’s time for a propane delivery. But keep in mind that reading propane tank gauges is not the same as checking your car’s gas gauge.
How long would a 20-pound gas tank keep you going?
Grills, water heaters, and fireplaces all use small, portable propane tanks, often known as DOT tanks. They can weigh anywhere from 20 to 100 pounds. Its lifespan is determined by the size of your grill and how frequently you use your heater or fireplace.
A medium-sized grill on high heat will use about two pounds of fuel per meal as a rule of thumb. On a medium grill, a 20lb propane tank will give 18-20 hours of cooking time if you follow this rule. In as little as 10 hours, a larger barbecue can burn through 20 pounds of propane.
What do my propane tank’s two gauges mean?
There are two gauges on a propane tank. Most users are familiar with a face gauge, also known as a dial gauge, which is used to read how much gas is left in their tank. This gauge, which is displayed as a percentage, shows how many gallons of propane are in a tank. The second tank gauge is a fixed liquid level gauge, sometimes known as a “bleeder valve,” which delivery staff utilize during the tank filling procedure. Each gauge is discussed below and plays an important function in the propane volume level.
In a 20-pound propane tank, how much propane is there?
Propane grills, generators, patio heaters, and other outdoor equipment are examples of its use. Find a location near you to buy or exchange a 20-pound tank. Grill cylinders are 20-pound propane tanks that store 4.6 gallons of propane when fully charged.
When a 20-pound propane tank is full, how much does it weigh?
The most popular size of BBQ propane tank is 20 lb. It can also be used to fuel a number of propane heaters and even propane generators.
The dimensions of a 20-pound propane tank are 8 inches length and 4-inches wide. According to the 80 percent safety guideline, a 20 lb propane tank can hold a total of 16 lb of propane.
The empty 20-pound propane tank weighs around 13.5 pounds. Aluminum 20 pound propane cylinders are lighter than steel cylinders.
On average, a full 20-pound propane tank weighs 29.5 pounds. To determine the total, add the 16 pound of propane to the empty weight (13.5 pound) of the 20 pound propane tank.
Overall, a 20 pound propane tank has a lot of BTUs. What is the precise number of BTUs in it?
344,470 BTUs are contained in a 20 pound propane tank. That’s enough to keep a 10,000 BTU/h heater running for several days (34.4 hours, to be exact).
How low should your propane tank be drained?
Don’t be alarmed if your propane tank gauge reads 20%. While this means it’s time to restock, you probably still have a few days of propane left. To avoid running out of propane, call your propane provider and plan a supply.
Reduce your propane usage as much as possible until your tank is refilled. If at all possible, avoid turning off your pilot lights. If your propane tank gauge falls below 10%, your technician will be forced to perform a safety check, which may incur an additional fee.
A professional propane supplier will do everything possible to have your delivery scheduled as soon as possible. Just keep in mind that you might have to buy a certain amount of gallons or pay a higher price if you buy less.
If you must use alternative fuels while waiting for propane, make sure all propane valves are closed. Make sure your space is well ventilated. Carbon monoxide and soot can be released into your home if you burn your fuels in an incomplete manner, especially if you use wood or coal.
What percentage of your propane tank should be refilled?
Keep in mind that a tank can only be filled up to 80% of its capacity. IMPORTANT: Order more gas before the gauge on your tank drops below 25%. Call Couch Oil Company before your propane tank gauge reaches 25% or below to avoid out-of-gas deliveries. Even though your gauge reads 5%, it’s possible that your tank is empty.