Quick facts
- Shelf life
- Indefinite
- How much to keep
- At least several weeks to a few months of use
- Storage position
- Upright on a stable
- flat surface
- secured
- Leak check
- Soap and water on connections, rotten egg smell
- Portable sizes
- 20-pound, 30- to 40-pound cylinders
- 1,000 gallon tank
- Filled to 80%, about 800 gallons, about 659 days at 100,000 BTUs a day
If you're equipped with the necessary tools and have ready access to timber, wood emerges as an optimal choice. In a scenario where societal structures collapse, the continuous supply of propane would likely be disrupted, rendering wood a reliable alternative for the long haul. However, for immediate needs and possibly extending into a few years under survival conditions, propane presents a more practical solution. The ease of use and availability of tools designed for propane make it a superior option during the initial stages of a survival scenario.
Storing propane safely and effectively involves understanding best practices, addressing common concerns, and knowing the different tank sizes available. Here is a breakdown of each aspect to ensure you have all the information you need.
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Wood vs. Propane
One interesting consideration with wood vs. propane (this is coming from someone who love both fuel sources).
When choosing between a cord of wood and 1,000 gallons of propane for heating:
- Space Needed: Both take up about the same space, but propane contains more energy, meaning it heats longer from the same amount of storage space.
- How Long They Last: At the same 100,000 BTUs a day, a cord of seasoned hardwood (about 20 million BTUs, roughly 14 million delivered by a 70% efficient stove) lasts four to five months, while 1,000 gallons of propane lasts over two years. This calculation assumes you're using a set amount of heat each day, with propane being much more efficient and lasting far longer under the same conditions.
Calculations for the Propane: With 1,000 gallons of propane and a 90% efficient furnace, you have 82,350,000 usable BTUs. Note that a 1,000 gallon tank is only filled to 80%, so it holds about 800 gallons: roughly 65,900,000 usable BTUs, or about 659 days at this rate. If your daily consumption rate for heating a well-insulated 1,000 sq ft cabin is around 100,000 BTUs (a rough estimate for continuous heating under cold conditions), this amount of propane could theoretically last for approximately 823.5 days.
In simple terms, propane offers a more efficient, longer-lasting heating solution that's easier to manage, making it a practical choice for those looking for convenience and extended use.
Where/How to Store Propane
I store portable propane cylinders outdoors, upright, in a shaded and ventilated spot such as an open-sided rack or lean-to. NFPA 58, which most states adopt as law, does not allow grill-size and larger cylinders to be stored inside a house, basement or garage. If you're not comfortable storing your portable propane tanks in your garage, create a simple structure to keep your tanks out of the elements.
Propane Tank Garage Storage
Cylinders should be stored upright on a stable, flat surface to prevent leaks from the relief valve, which is designed to release pressure if it becomes too high.
While propane tanks are generally designed for outdoor use, protecting them from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and moisture can help prevent rust and extend their lifespan.
Considerations and Fears of Propane
The primary fear is the risk of propane leaks leading to fires or explosions. Regularly check for leaks using a soap and water solution on connections and smelling for propane, which has an added odorant that smells like rotten eggs.
Propane tanks are engineered with multiple safety features to prevent explosions, but under certain critical conditions, explosion risks can arise (but it's very unlikely):
Incorrect handling can cause valve damage or leaks. It's essential to transport and store cylinders upright and secure them to prevent falling over.
Tank Sizes and Comparison
Propane tanks come in various sizes, ranging from small portable cylinders to large stationary tanks, measured in pounds or gallons.
Common sizes include 20-pound cylinders, often used for BBQ grills and small heating devices, and 30- to 40-pound cylinders for RVs and camping. These are convenient for their mobility but require more frequent refilling.
Sizes range from 100 gallons (used for cooking or hot water) to 500 or 1,000 gallons for whole-house heating. The choice depends on usage, climate, and the size of the house.
Larger tanks exceeding 1,000 gallons are used for commercial, agricultural, or emergency backup purposes, providing a substantial fuel supply but requiring professional installation and maintenance.
How Much Propane Should I Keep?
When deciding how much propane to store, the guiding principle should be to stock as much as your storage space safely allows. Propane has an indefinite shelf life, which makes it ideal for long-term storage. The cylinders do have a date: portable cylinders must be requalified within 12 years of the manufacture date stamped on the collar before anyone will refill them. The amount you choose to keep on hand should reflect your anticipated needs for cooking and heating, considering both daily use and potential emergency situations.
Propane for Survival: Methods, Tools, and Key Considerations
Propane stands out as a versatile and reliable fuel source for survival situations, offering benefits for both immediate needs and long-term planning. Understanding how to integrate propane into your survival strategy involves exploring methods of use, essential tools, and important safety and storage considerations. Here's an overview to guide you through harnessing propane's full potential in your survival preparations.
Propane Usage Methods
Essential Tools for Propane Use
Propane tools I use
Cooking, heat, and power from the same fuel.
- Propane torch
- 1 lb propane cylinders
- Refill adapter for 1 lb cylinders
- Camping stove
- Blackstone griddle
- Propane freezer
- Cordless forced air propane heater
- Tank mounted propane heater
- 2000 watt portable inverter generator
- Large dual fuel portable generator
Everything on this list burns fuel. Generators run outside, at least 20 feet from the house, and only heaters rated for indoor use go inside, with a carbon monoxide alarm.
Questions this answers
Tap a question for the short answer.
How much propane should I store for emergencies?
Stock as much as your storage space safely allows, since propane never degrades. A good rule of thumb is enough to last at least several weeks to a few months, based on your cooking and heating use, the efficiency of your appliances, and your climate.
Can I store propane tanks in my garage?
No. NFPA 58, which most states adopt as law, does not allow grill-size and larger cylinders to be stored inside a house, basement or garage. I store portable propane cylinders outdoors, upright, in a shaded and ventilated spot such as an open-sided rack or lean-to.
Does propane go bad?
No. Propane has an indefinite shelf life, which makes it ideal for long-term storage. The cylinders do have a date: portable cylinders must be requalified within 12 years of the manufacture date stamped on the collar before anyone will refill them. Protect tanks from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and moisture, and inspect them regularly.
How do I check a propane tank for leaks?
Put a soap and water solution on the connections, and sniff for the rotten egg or sulfur odor that is added to propane. A gas leak detector gives an earlier warning before levels get dangerous. Also inspect tanks and connections regularly for wear, rust, or damage.
Is propane or wood better for emergency heat?
Propane is more practical for immediate needs and possibly the first few years, because it is easy to use and efficient. Wood wins for the long haul if you have tools and timber, since propane resupply would likely stop in a collapse. At 100,000 BTUs a day, a cord of seasoned hardwood lasts four to five months.
What size propane tank do I need?
It depends on usage, climate, and house size. 20-pound cylinders suit BBQ grills and small heaters, 30- to 40-pound cylinders fit RVs and camping, 100 gallon tanks cover cooking or hot water, and 500 or 1,000 gallon tanks handle whole-house heating.
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