Propane’s Shelf Life. Storage Friendly, Stable & Durable For Years | Paraco Gas (2024)

We are often asked how long propane can be stored before it goes bad. The simple answer is propane can last for decades. As a matter of fact, it is one of the most storage-friendly, stable and resilient energy sources around. With no expiration date, propane won’t degrade or lose its potency over time, so its shelf life is extremely long. To be clear on the term “shelf life”, it is defined as “the length of time a commodity may be stored without becoming unfit for use, consumption, or sale” (Wikipedia). Unlike diesel’s one-year shelf life and gasoline’s three- to six-month shelf life, propane can be stored indefinitely so it is highly effective and convenient for both residential and commercial sectors, and the ideal partner in emergency preparedness plans.

You’re in great hands with propane since propane cannot degrade. Residential uses include, but aren’t limited to home heat, fueling appliances, powering generators, pool heat, outdoor living, gardening, barbecues and grills, and more. Commercial uses are plentiful. Just think agriculture, building and construction, restaurants, forklift, autogas, BBQ exchange, and industry/manufacturing.

Moreover, the cylinders which propane is stored also have an extremely long shelf life. This is why propane cylinders are required to be recertified periodically by a qualified propane professional. Getting 30 or 40 years out of a stored propane tank is quite feasible when cylinder maintenance is properly adhered to.

A few examples of how propane beats other fuels hands down in convenience and longevity are home heat, portable cylinders used for BBQ and gardening/landscaping, space heat, forklift, autogas and emergency preparedness.

Oil-fired heating systems are large, dirty beasts that take up valuable real estate and require annual maintenance. The heating oil itself can become unsafe if it has been stored for too long. What is “too long”? Think 18 months or less, and that all depends on how well it’s been stored to begin with.

BBQ cylinders are commonplace. They’re portable, convenient, easily refillable and storable. When stored correctly, they can stay put for years and don’t require change outs or additives.

Emergency preparedness can mean propane in portable, small cylinders up to and including 1,000 gallon ones. Items like space heat and generators supported by diesel or gasoline are smelly, can create messy leaks and stains, and must be changed out regularly. But not propane! Its indefinite shelf life makes it a perfect fuel for portable use or robust standby generator systems that power everything in a home.

With all the convenience, versatility and peace of mind benefits, It’s no wonder residences and businesses love propane. You can learn more about all the great things propane can do for you by visiting our Residential and Commercial pages. We’ve got you covered at Paraco, fueling your every day.

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Propane’s Shelf Life. Storage Friendly, Stable & Durable For Years | Paraco Gas (2024)

FAQs

Propane’s Shelf Life. Storage Friendly, Stable & Durable For Years | Paraco Gas? ›

Unlike diesel's one-year shelf life and gasoline's three- to six-month shelf life, propane can be stored indefinitely so it is highly effective and convenient for both residential and commercial sectors, and the ideal partner in emergency preparedness plans.

What is the shelf life of propane gas? ›

Unlike diesel's one-year shelf life and gasoline's three- to six-month shelf life, propane can be stored indefinitely so it is highly effective and convenient for both residential and commercial sectors, and the ideal partner in emergency preparedness plans.

Can you use a propane tank that has been sitting for years? ›

Propane chemical properties allow it to retain its effectiveness indefinitely, regardless of how long it's been stored. Whether you use your propane frequently or it sits in the tank for an extended period, it will still burn efficiently and cleanly when you need it.

Can you use a 20 year old propane tank? ›

How Long Are Small Propane Tanks Good For? Propane tanks of 100 pounds capacity or less have an expiration date of 12 years from the date of manufacture. Once those 12 years are up, you can either exchange the tank for a replacement, or have it inspected for requalification for an additional five years of use.

Does propane gas get old? ›

Does Propane Expire? No, it will not. Unlike fuel sources that can degrade over time (kerosene, diesel, gasoline), propane fuel has no expiration date, nor will its potency suffer while being stored.

Can you use 10 year old propane? ›

But even the sturdiest tank has a shelf life, and as such must be periodically reviewed and inspected. A propane tank is good for 12 years from the date of manufacture.

Is it bad to use expired propane? ›

Does propane expire? Another way you get peace of mind with propane delivery from Bottini Fuel is that propane doesn't have a shelf life or an expiration date. That's because propane doesn't go bad! Other fuel sources can degrade over time, like kerosene, diesel, heating oil and gasoline.

How old can a propane tank be before it can't be refilled? ›

Under federal law, propane tanks - also called cylinders - can't be more than 12 years old. At that point, an LPG tank can no longer be refilled or reused, and should be disposed of in a proper and safe manner. Just like all things in life, time has a way of taking its toll.

Can propane be stored indefinitely? ›

How long can you store a full propane tank? Diesel, gasoline, and other fuels will degrade as they age, so, if you don't use them, you lose them. Propane gas however has an indefinite life when kept in a good tank and proper propane tank storage is practiced.

How old can a 500 gallon propane tank be? ›

A galvanized steel aboveground propane tank will typically last 30 years or more before needing to be replaced. An aluminum or composite propane cylinder will last even longer than a galvanized propane tank.

How to tell if your propane tank is still good? ›

The easiest way to check your propane tank's expiration is to look at the handle area or collar of the tank. Those sections usually list the manufacture date or most recent recertification date for that propane tank. The date will be listed as 4 numbers, the first two being the month and the last two being the year.

Is it worth it to recertify a propane tank? ›

Because propane is a highly flammable liquid and gas that's stored at a high pressure the Department of Transportation requires all portable propane tanks to be recertified periodically to make sure tanks used out on the road are safe.

What does the letter E mean on a propane tank? ›

“X”represents the symbol of the testing. method used for requalification: “E”: 5-Year External Visual Method. “S”: 10-Year Proof-Pressure Method.

How do you know if propane is expired? ›

The easiest way to check your propane tank's expiration is to look at the handle area or collar of the tank. Those sections usually list the manufacture date or most recent recertification date for that propane tank. The date will be listed as 4 numbers, the first two being the month and the last two being the year.

Do 20 lb propane tanks have an expiration date? ›

How long are propane tanks good for? In the United States, a bottle is qualified for 12 years from the date of manufacture, while in Canada it's good for 10 years. A recertified tank is good for 5, 7, or 12 years, depending on the method and type of recertification.

What fuel has the longest shelf life? ›

“While both gasoline and diesel fuel degrade with time, propane never goes bad,” he said. “It won't degrade through any natural process like it can with other fuels. That's why propane is a great choice for applications like emergency generators that may only see use every handful of years.”

How long is a 20 pound propane tank good for? ›

As mentioned above, 20-pound propane tanks are used for modest tasks like cooking individual meals. As a rule of thumb, one tank of propane will typically last between 18-20 hours if you're grilling on a medium-sized grill. Whereas larger grills can burn through 20-pounds of propane in as little as 10 hours.

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