If you’ve ever woken up to a low tank right before a nor’easter, you know the stress that comes with uncertainty. The good news? With the right information, a reliable supplier, and modern technology (hello, Tankfarm SMART Monitors), you can take the guesswork out of the entire heating season.

Here’s your simple homeowner guide to understanding your propane usage—and how to stay warm, confident, and in control all winter long.

1. The Biggest Factors That Determine Your Propane Usage

Propane usage varies widely from home to home, but several key factors have the biggest impact:

Your Home’s Size + Insulation

A 1,200 sq ft home in Rhode Island will use far less propane than a 3,000 sq ft colonial in New Hampshire. But it’s not just the size—insulation, window quality, and draft control all influence how hard your heating system needs to work.

The Efficiency of Your Furnace or Boiler

New England homeowners with older, 70–80% efficiency systems will burn through significantly more propane than homes with modern high-efficiency units.

Your Thermostat Settings

Every single degree matters. Setting your thermostat at 72°F instead of 68°F can increase propane usage by 10–15% over a season.

How Cold the Winter Gets

A “mild winter” in New England still means months of below-freezing nights. Propane usage climbs as temperatures drop, especially during:

• Polar vortex events
• Nor’easters
• Prolonged cold snaps in January and February

What Runs on Propane in Your Home

Every propane appliance counts. Heating is the biggest driver, but usage also depends on:

• Water heaters
• Cooking ranges
• Clothes dryers
• Fireplaces
• Pool heaters or generators

If you’ve ever wondered why your tank seems to dip faster than expected, it’s often because the whole home is benefiting from propane’s versatility.

2. Average Propane Usage for New England Homes

While every home is unique, most New England homeowners can expect the following seasonal propane usage range for heating:

If your home is newer, tightly insulated, or equipped with a high-efficiency system, your usage may be lower. If your home is older, drafty, or relies on propane for multiple appliances, your usage may be on the higher end.

3. Why Propane Usage Spikes During Deep Freezes

New England’s biggest propane spikes almost always occur:

• Overnight, when temperatures drop into the teens
• During multi-day storms, where heat systems run nonstop
• When homes lose power and switch to propane-powered generators

A tank that looks “fine” at 40% can drop to 15% shockingly fast when your furnace is working overtime to keep up with single-digit temperatures.

This is exactly why Tankfarm built an entire platform around never running out—ever.

4. How Tankfarm Helps You Predict—and Control—Your Winter Propane Usage

Most propane companies still rely on rough estimates or outdated delivery routes. Tankfarm uses technology, data, and automation to put homeowners back in control.

Fair and Transparent Pricing

New England homeowners deserve pricing that makes sense—not surprise tank rental fees, delivery charges, or “winter rate increases.”

Tankfarm’s platform is engineered around operational efficiency and transparency. You’ll always know exactly what you’re paying for—and what you’re not. And what you’re not paying for:

❌ Tank rental fees

❌ Delivery fees

❌ Hazmat fees

❌ Emergency fees

❌ Hidden seasonal upcharges

Just honest, competitive propane pricing powered by a smarter system.

Best in Class Customer Service

Tankfarm’s industry-leading service rating isn’t an accident. In 2025, we earned a Net Promoter Score of 82—more than double the national propane average.

Because when winter hits New England, you need a team that actually answers the phone, tracks your tank levels, and keeps your home running smoothly.

Free Smart Tank Monitoring (and Why It Changes Everything)

Every Tankfarm customer receives free tank monitoring, allowing you to see your levels in real time through the Tankfarm app.

Even better? We see your levels too.

That means:

• Automated deliveries when your tank reaches the ideal refill point
• No more checking gauges in freezing weather
• No more “I thought I had enough!” moments
• No more running out. Ever.

Tankfarm's smart system handles the math, the timing, and the logistics—while you handle… absolutely nothing.

5. How to Estimate Your Propane Usage for This Winter

Here’s a simple way to estimate your usage:

Step 1: Start with last winter's gallons.

If your home and lifestyle haven’t changed, this is the strongest indicator.

Step 2: Adjust for any new propane appliances.

A propane fireplace can add 200–300 gallons per season. A tankless water heater? Up to 400.

Step 3: Consider winter severity forecasts.

The 2025 New England forecasts show the bulk of winter arriving early, meaning heavier fuel use in December–January.

Step 4: Factor in home improvements.

New insulation, new windows, or a new furnace can all reduce your usage.

Step 5: Let Tankfarm do the rest.

Our monitoring technology learns your usage patterns and predicts future demand with remarkable accuracy.

6. The Easiest Way to “Never Run Out” This Winter

If you take one thing away from this guide, let it be this:

The only foolproof way to guarantee you never run out of propane is smart monitoring + automated delivery.

Tankfarm gives every homeowner:

• Real-time tank monitoring
• Automated refills
• Transparent pricing
• No hidden fees
• The highest-rated service in the industry

New England winters are unpredictable. Your propane supply shouldn’t be.

Ready to switch to Tankfarm? Check your service area and get an instant quote at www.tankfarm.io