When you think about propane, most homeowners imagine heating their house or fueling a gas range. But propane is also one of the most reliable ways to protect your home during a power outage. For Larry D. of New Hampshire, propane was the key to a major home upgrade — one that included a backup generator, a new gas range, and peace of mind for his family.

This wasn’t a simple propane tank switch. It was a brand-new propane install, and Larry did what many homeowners don’t: he dug into the numbers, analyzed his energy usage, and carefully designed a system that would work for the long term. With the right planning and the right propane partner, he created a solution that fit his exact needs. Here’s how Tankfarm helped make it happen.

The Challenge: Building a Backup Power Plan That Works

Larry and his wife were in the middle of planning a kitchen renovation. At the same time, they knew they wanted to add a backup generator to their home. Living in New England, where storms and power outages are part of life, they wanted a system that would keep their household running comfortably for an extended outage — not just a few hours.

Because their home is heated with a heat pump, any backup system would need to provide reliable power to keep that equipment running. Larry reviewed his electric consumption for January, the coldest month of the year, and determined that his average load was less than 5 KW. With this data in hand, he selected a Kohler generator with a 14 KW capacity, allowing for extra demand while still being efficient.

But choosing the right generator was only half the equation. Larry needed the right propane storage to make it work. Based on his calculations, the generator would consume about 35 gallons of propane per day. To keep his family protected for at least seven days, he knew he needed a 500-gallon propane tank.

Why Smaller Tanks Weren’t the Answer

Most generator and propane companies recommended two smaller 120-gallon tanks.

“Although that would satisfy a short-term outage, it would not be suitable for an extended outage,” he explains.

This is a common issue homeowners face: undersized tanks may look more affordable at first, but they limit your ability to prepare for longer emergencies. An undersized propane tank means you’ll run out of fuel faster, and you may end up paying more in the long run with frequent refills.

Tankfarm took the time to listen to Larry’s research and objectives. Instead of pushing the smaller, quick-install solution, our team recommended the right option — a 500-gallon above-ground propane tank that could keep his home running for the duration of a major outage.

The Installation: Six Guys, One Massive Tank

Even with the right plan in place, the installation wasn’t easy. Larry’s property didn’t allow for a boom truck or any heavy machinery to position the tank. For most companies, this would have been a dealbreaker.

But Tankfarm’s team is trained for challenges like this. With no equipment access, six of our technicians lifted and moved the 500-gallon propane tank by hand into position. It wasn’t the easiest day on the job — but it was the right solution for the customer.

“Tankfarm exceeded my expectations and sent a crew capable of getting the install done without the use of a crane,” Larry says.

The Results: Reliable Propane, Peace of Mind

With the new tank in place, Larry’s home is ready for his Kohler generator and new gas range. He can rest easy knowing he has enough propane storage to weather a week-long power outage without interruption.

Larry sums it up best:

“The slogan on your trucks says it all. Your company is truly the ‘Future of Propane.’ I would certainly recommend Tankfarm to anyone interested in propane service.”

Why Homeowners Choose Tankfarm

Larry’s story highlights what sets Tankfarm apart from traditional propane suppliers:

• Right-sized solutions: Instead of recommending undersized propane tanks, we listen to your needs and provide the right capacity for your home.
• Technical expertise: From reviewing usage data to planning for generator demand, we match homeowners with propane systems that actually work.
• Hands-on installation: Even when the job is tough, our field teams go the extra mile — whether that means precision placement or, in this case, carrying a massive tank by hand.
• Future-ready propane service: With transparent pricing, smart tank monitors, and customer-first service, Tankfarm is reinventing how propane works for homeowners.

Propane + Generators: A Smart Pairing

If you’re considering a home backup generator, propane is one of the most reliable fuel choices available. Unlike gasoline or diesel, propane doesn’t degrade over time, making it ideal for emergency storage. Pairing a generator with the right-sized propane tank ensures your family is protected during outages — whether they last hours or days.

Thinking About Propane for Your Home?

Whether you’re planning a new install like Larry, adding a propane-powered generator, or switching from another supplier, Tankfarm is here to help. Our combination of technology, transparent pricing, and exceptional customer service is transforming the way homeowners experience propane.

Ready to learn more? Contact Tankfarm today to discover how we can help you design the ideal propane solution for your home.