Fire pits are one of the best ways to enjoy your outdoor space. They offer warmth and ambiance for both gatherings and solitary nights. However, one common question many people have is: how long does a propane tank last on fire pit? Having an idea of how long you can expect a propane tank to last in a fire pit can mean you’re able to plan your outdoor activities, so you don’t have to worry about running out of fuel. In this blog post, we will explore the different factors that will affect a propane tank’s burn time, how to calculate your usage and provide some practical advice on how you can make your propane use more efficient. Additionally, we’ll suggest a useful calculator that will give you an idea of how long your propane tank will last, making your outdoor experience more enjoyable and hassle-free.
Factors Affecting Propane Tank Burn Time:
When thinking about how long a propane tank will last in a fire pit, it’s important to know the factors that will affect its burn time. By understanding these factors you can optimize your experience and get a better idea of when you’re likely to need to swap your propane tank.
Propane Tanks:
When considering the burn time of a propane tank for a fire pit, the size of the tank is something you need to take into account. Propane tanks come in various sizes, such as 20 lb, 30 lb, and 40 lb tanks. The most common residential fire pit tank is a 20 lb propane tank which holds 4.7 gallons of propane. The size of the tank will directly relate to how long your propane tank will last. Larger tanks will last longer. It’s important to think about how often you plan to use your fire pit and choose a tank size that will fulfill your usage.
BTU rating:
The BTU rating of a propane fire pit will indicate how much heat the fire pit can generate, and consequently, how quickly propane will be consumed. BTU ratings of propane fire pits can vary greatly, ranging from 30,000 to 100,000 BTU. A higher BTU rating results in more heat produced and faster consumption of propane, resulting in decreased overall run time for your tank of propane. For example, a propane fire pit with a 50,000 BTU rating will consume your propane tank more quickly than a fire pit with a rating of 30,000 BTU.
Efficiency Factor:
The Efficiency Factor of your propane fire pit is the factor that determines how efficiently your propane is converted into usable heat. There are a number of variables that affect your fire pit’s efficiency factor, including the design of the fire pit, maintenance and environmental conditions. If the design of your pit is energy efficient and your fire pit is well maintained, propane will be turned into heat more efficiently which will lead to extending the run time. You can also extend the run-time by cleaning your fire pit regularly, ensuring that there is proper ventilation and keeping the fire pit running at optimal settings to ensure efficiency.
How to Calculate Propane Usage:
The calculation of propane usage for your fire pit depends on knowing the size of your propane tank, the BTU rating for your fire pit, and how efficient the fire pit is.
To calculate propane usage, you can use the following formula:
Burn Time (hours)= (Tank Capacity (lbs)×21,594 ) / (Fire Pit BTU Rating (BTU/hr)) × Efficiency Factor
- Tank Capacity (lbs): This is weight of the propane in the tank. For example, a standard 20 lb propane tank holds around 4.7 gallons of propane.
- BTU Rating (BTU/hr): This is how much heat the fire pit is putting out. The higher the BTU rating, the more propane that it will use.
- Efficiency Factor: This is how efficiently your fire pit uses propane. A standard efficiency factor for a fire pit is around 0.9, but this can be different depending on maintenance and environment conditions.
Step-by-Step Calculation Example:
To help illustrate the calculation, let’s go through an example. Suppose we have a 20 lb tank and a fire pit with a BTU rating of 50,000 BTU/hr and assuming an efficiency factor of 0.9
- Convert Tank Capacity to Gallons:
A 20 lb propane tank is approximately 4.7 gallons. - Calculate Total BTUs in the Tank:
Total BTUs = 20 lbs ×21,594 BTUs/lb = 431,880 BTUs - Calculate Burn Time Without Efficiency Factor:
Burn Time = 431,880 BTUs / 50,000 BTU/hr = 8.64 hours - Adjust for Efficiency Factor:
Adjusted Burn Time=8.64 hours×0.9=7.776 hours
Therefore, a 20 lb propane tank would last about 7.78 hours with a 50,000 BTU fire pit at an efficiency factor of 0.9.
Using the Propane Usage Calculator:
To make this process easier, you can use our Propane Usage Calculator. Simply input the tank capacity, fire pit BTU rating, and efficiency factor, and the calculator will provide an estimate of how long your propane tank will last.
Other Factors Affecting Propane Tank Duration:
More than just tank capacity, the efficiency factor and BTU rating of the fire pit, there are other factors that can impact the lifespan of your propane usage, such as:
Temperature:
Temperature can have a big impact on how the propane tank is used to fuel the fire pit. During colder weather, the propane will vaporize more slowly, which will reduce the efficiency, resulting in less burn time. When the temperature is warmer it increases efficiency.
Wind:
Wind can have a significant impact on the consumption of propane and the performance of your fire pit. A windy environment can make your fire pit consume propane faster due to accelerated heat dissipation. By installing wind guards around your fire pit, the heat loss rate can be minimized, leading to less propane loss and more even fuel consumption.
Maintenance and Efficiency:
It is vital to give regular maintenance to your fire pit to sustain fuel use and its longevity. One of the maintenance tasks is cleaning the burner ports periodically for efficient propane combustion and to ensure proper ventilation. Additionally, keep hoses and connections in good condition to avoid leaks and wasted fuel, and to assure safe operation.
Flame Settings:
Adjusting the flame settings on your fire pit can greatly alter the propane consumption and the duration of the burn. Keeping flame settings low can provide the heat you need for comfort, without using excessive propane. Increase the flame settings when looking for more heat, but be prepared for an increase in propane consumption and less burn time. Choose a flame setting that is a balance between the preferred warmth and fuel use to optimize your propane consumption.
Conclusion:
All in all, when looking for an answer to how long a propane tank will last on a fire pit, consider the tank size, BTU rating, how well you have maintained your fire pit, and other external variables. By using our propane usage calculator and following the best practices for maintenance and use, you can best determine your propane consumption and enjoy a more seamless experience outdoors. Plan ahead and feel more comfortable using your fire pit when you will know you have enough fuel to enjoy your evening.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How do I know when my propane tank is low?
Some propane tanks have a gauge, otherwise, you can pour warm water down the side of the tank and check for cool spots, which is where the propane level is. You can weigh your tank, a 20-pound tank weighs around 18 pounds when empty.
Can I use any size propane tank with my fire pit?
Yes, you can use different sizes of propane tanks with your fire pit depending on the setup and burning expectations. The size of the tanks commonly used are 20 lb, 30 lb, or 40 lb tanks. The larger the tank, the more extended the burning time but you will need more storage space.
Is it safe to use a propane tank in cold weather?
Propane tanks can be used in cold weather, but their effectiveness may be reduced. Cold temperatures cause the propane to contract, which reduces the pressure inside the tank and can affect the flow rate. If you can, it is best to store tanks in a sheltered area that is protected from the cold, and possibly insulate them.
How Long Will a 20 lb Propane Tank Last on a fire pit?
Typically, a 20 lb propane tank will last 5-9 hours on a fire pit, but can be less depending on the BTU of the fire pit. In addition to BTU, the type of fire pit, flame setting on the fire pit, and environmental conditions, like the temperature and wind, will affect the burning time.
