Can Propane Go Bad?

Written on: January 28, 2025

Don’t worry — the propane in your tank isn’t losing its effectiveness.

There’s no denying it: we’re in the thick of winter in New Haven County and throughout western Connecticut. Chances are you’re using quite a bit of propane to stay warm through the colder months. If you rely on a propane-fired furnace or boiler to heat your home, you know that your fuel usage leaps up when the temperatures plummet. Then, there are the year-round uses of propane, including cooking, drying laundry and heating up water. With so many crucial home functions depending on one fuel, you may be concerned about whether your propane can deteriorate or “go bad.”

At Seymour Oil & Propane, we know propane inside and out. Let’s clear up this question once and for all!

What Is Propane’s Shelf Life?

Here’s the good news — propane does not spoil, lose combustibility or go bad over time. Propane gas has an unlimited shelf life, making it an ideal fuel source that you can store without worry.

This is especially useful for propane-powered equipment that may not see regular use, such as backup generators or outdoor heating units. Whether it’s months or even years before you use these systems, you can rest assured that your propane will be just as effective when you need it.

How Long Do Propane Tanks Last?

While propane itself can last forever, your propane tank won’t. You’ll be glad to hear that the stationary tank at your home is built to last for decades. Aboveground propane tanks can remain in great condition for 30 years or more. Underground tanks typically have a lifespan of about 20 years.
Several factors affect the lifespan of propane tanks, including:

• the materials used to construct the tank.
• whether your tank receives regular maintenance from a qualified technician.
• for underground tanks, proper installation to protect the tank from environmental factors like underground electrical currents.

When you choose to lease a tank from Seymour Oil & Propane, we take care of everything for you. From installing your propane tank to providing routine upkeep and repairs, we’ve got you covered. And when it’s time to replace your tank, we’ll handle that, too.

How Much Propane Will You Use This Year?

If you’re trying to estimate how much propane you’ll go through in a typical year, several factors come into play, including the following:

• The number of propane-powered appliances and systems in your home.
• The age and efficiency of this equipment.
• The size of your home and the quality of its insulation.
• How warm you like to keep your home in the winter.

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) provides some general estimates for annual propane usage by appliance:

• Propane furnace — 550 gallons
• Gas fireplace — between 16 and 55 gallons (depending on usage)
• Clothes dryer — 28 gallons
• Gas range — 17 gallons

These are averages, and your usage may vary depending on your specific needs and habits.

Keep Your Tank Full with Seymour Oil & Propane

While propane itself lasts forever, your supply won’t. If your tank runs empty, we’ll need to perform an extra safety leak test before it can be refilled, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.

That’s where Seymour Oil & Propane’s Automatic Delivery service comes in. Our team carefully monitors your propane usage based on your customer profile and current weather conditions. We’ll deliver propane to your home right when you need it, ensuring your tank always stays full. That means no stress, no interruptions in your supply and no last-minute phone calls for emergency deliveries.

Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule your next propane delivery.