Advantages and Disadvantages

Above ground propane tanks come in a variety of sizes and can be used in many different applications. For many homes and businesses, above ground propane tanks are the way to go! Read on for a comprehensive guide to the pros and cons of above ground propane tanks.

• Accessibility:
  Above ground propane tanks are easier to fill, notice wear and tear, and check the amount of propane left in the tank. Furthermore, technicians have an easier time making repairs as no digging is required.
• Various Uses:
  Small above ground propane tanks are primarily used for outdoor living, including barbecuing, outdoor lighting, and other small applications. However, above ground tanks come in so many sizes that they can even be used to heat entire homes and buildings.
• Less Expensive:
  The installation and general upkeep of above ground propane tanks is less expensive than underground propane tanks. The installation does not require backhoes to dig a large hole, anode bags to placed, and can usually be placed closer to the house/heat source.
• Portable, Easier to Move:
  Small above ground tanks are very easy to pick up and take to your next party, event, or job. Also, small and medium-sized above ground tanks can be placed closer to your home or hidden out of sight in bushes. Placing tanks closer to your home means less propane line used.Lastly, adding new tanks to your property that tie together with existing tanks is also very easy.

• Appearance:
  Above ground tanks can be a major eyesore on your property. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to change their appearance or dress them up in any way. A common question homeowners often ask is, “Can I paint my propane tank?” Also, above ground tanks can get in the way of yard maintenance and utilizing the full extent of your property.
• Exposed:
  Above ground tanks are more exposed to harsh weather, making them more susceptible to wear and tear over time. In addition, if you live in a high-crime area, above ground tanks are vulnerable to vandalism.

Delivering to above ground propane tanks is very easy. Our truck will pull into your driveway or on the side of the road, remove the hose from the truck and connect it right to the top of your propane tank. During harsh weather months, finding above ground propane tanks is a lot easier for our drivers. Underground propane tanks can sometimes be a pain to see in the snow if they are not properly marked. 

Even if you have a smaller above ground propane tank with infrequent usage, we can add a remote gauge to your tank so that you can track your usage from your phone! No more worrying about odd usage patterns and forgetting to check your propane tank gauge! In addition, our automatic delivery customers benefit from our Constant Comfort Guarantee, our promise to never let them run out of propane during the heating season, or we pay them!!

Learn More About Propane Delivery

The installation process for above ground tanks is easy and gives the consumer more options. The regulations and installation codes for above ground propane tanks are less strict and allow tanks to be placed much closer to one’s home or business. In addition, tanks can be placed out of sight behind bushes, if desirable. However, the spot where the tank(s) are being placed must meet certain distance requirements from windows, doors, and sources of ignition. 

Smaller, above ground tanks such as 120 gallon tanks, will be placed on cinder blocks for stability. Larger, above ground tanks will have a concrete slab as a base to support the weight of the tank and provide a solid ground. 

Once the tank has been secured in place, propane lines are run from the tank to the appliance it is running and all safety features are triple checked. A pressure and leak check will always be performed after a new tank is installed at your property.

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Local Businesses: Above ground tanks are commonly used at local businesses. Commercial properties love the versatility these tanks allow for events and the money they save with propane!

Autogas: Business that run large fleets such as school buses, trucks, and landscaping equipment are quickly switching their choice of fuel to propane. It saves them a tremendous amount of money each year and they love how efficient their operations become by having an above ground propane tank refueling station onsite. 

Construction / Temporary Heat: During the cold winter months, temporary, propane-powered heating equipment on the job site can help contractors stay warm and be more productive. Depending on your project or emergency needs, GVP has the temporary heating solution for you. We can provide the necessary tank(s) and portable propane gas convection can heaters!

Propane can be used for powering just about anything. This means that everyone who uses propane will require different solutions, and why you should know what you are going to be using propane for in your home or business before purchasing a new tank. For example, if you plan to heat a small house, the proper tank size will be much smaller than what a business heating multiple large buildings will require.

20 lb propane tanks are commonly used for barbecuing and patio heaters. They hold about 4.7 gallons of propane. They are extremely portable and user-friendly. They can even be refilled and exchanged at our Malvern office! However, 20 lb propane tanks do not have a gauge on them and require other methods to figure out how much is left in the tank.

Construction jobs, events, and smaller applications such as fireplaces love 100 lb tanks. 100 lb tanks hold about 23.6 gallons of propane, giving the user plenty of propane to burn through without having to fill it up very often. Many homeowners and businesses use this size tank for its versatility and transportability. Like 20 lb tanks, the 100 lb tanks don’t have gauges, so it’s more difficult to determine how much propane is in the tank.

This tank is commonly found in smaller homes or used for powering one or two appliances. In addition, it is possible to link as many as four (4) 120-gallon tanks together, depending on the customer’s needs. When dealing with propane tanks, we only fill the tank to 80% capacity to allow for the environmental effects on the propane. This means that a 120-gallon tank will actually hold 96 gallons of propane. This size tank is generally vertical, whereas the larger tanks are horizontal in their orientation.

A 500-gallon propane tank is approved to hold 400 gallons of propane. It is suitable for larger homes that rely on propane to power all of their appliances and their heating system. A 500-gallon tank is also an excellent choice for small to medium-sized commercial applications.

A 1,000-gallon tank will hold 800 gallons of propane when filled to capacity, and while this is a lot, some businesses may require multiple tanks of this size. These tanks can also be found in residential applications where the home relies on propane to power their heating system and most of their appliances.

Both the 500-gallon and 1,000-gallon tanks can be placed underground as well. The key difference is how they are set up above the ground and the color of the tanks. Due to the heat and sun exposure, these larger above ground tanks should be white.