[Tmarkwald]

Originally Posted by richs631

ACE hardware fills the tanks and they only charge you for what they put in

Correct, and exchange tanks are only filled to 15 pounds rather than 20, so they run out faster and the propane costs a LOT more when exchanging the tank.

I only use exchange tanks when the certification date on the tank runs out and they won't refill them any more. I didn't notice here, but by my MD house the Sam's Club has a propane vending machine that exchanges the tanks for $14.

[Malsua]

Originally Posted by Catalina36

I would not leave the tank in direct sun light or in the garage or a enclosed lanai. The tank has a pressure relief valve. If the pressure in the tank goes too high the relief valve will allow the tank to vent.

Ask yourself a question. When was the last time you heard of a BBQ propane tank exploding or even venting? The fact is you haven't because it isn't something that happens unless there is an intense heat source very close to the tank.

All a hot propane tank will do is raise the internal tank pressure. The tank will start venting when it hits about 375 PSI. Normal pressure on full tank on a 100 degree day is about 175psi. Even at 125 degrees in Death Valley, it probably won't start venting. No amount of sunlight in Florida is going to cause that.

[Velvet]

Thank you, the ideas are very much appreciated. I am handing the thread to hubby who is the family grill specialist to help with the decisions.

[Remlod]

Ace Hardware in Wildwood also fill propane tanks. They only charge for what they put in the tank which is usually much cheaper than the exchange price.

[Villagesgal]

I store my tank outside tied to and under bushes. Neighbors can't see it and it's safe in a hurricane.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by JMintzer

Any competent plumber should be able to run a natural gas line. Just make sure you have a shut-off valve near the grill and that you buy a grill with the proper natural gas regulator. They are different from propane grills...

Although you can modify your current propane grill to accept natural gas...

We do not have natural gas here. I think a propane tank is fine.

[FUSSY LADY]

We had our line installed when the house was built, nothing like it. Shut off on the pipe with quick connect and disconnect, don't know why anyone would want bottles if they have gas, the best!!

[Nana4x]

We gave our gas grill to out pool boy a while back. We have always stored the propane tanks in our garage without a problem. Discovered a spare tank and on his next visit we gave the tank to the pool boy. It had been there for more than a year.

[sipops]

Originally Posted by Velvet

We havI ine natural gas at Mallory, hubby is thinking of a gas grill or propane BBQ but can’t figure where to store the propane tank safely when we are not here. Is a gas line worth it? What might it cost to instal and by who?

Had one for forty plus years in prior home never had a problem. Thought of running out of gas never existed. A plumber would be the one to call for installation..

[mulligan]

Originally Posted by JMintzer

Any competent plumber should be able to run a natural gas line. Just make sure you have a shut-off valve near the grill and that you buy a grill with the proper natural gas regulator. They are different from propane grills...

Although you can modify your current propane grill to accept natural gas...

May be true, but if he's not a licensed gas fitter, you could have a problem.

[B-flat]

Originally Posted by Ben Franklin

During a hurricane your tank could become a missile.

.

Yes it’s possible if it’s not anchored down in some way.

[jacRI]

There is a difference between propane gas and natural gas. You will need to have your grill specific to the type of gas you will be using. There are kits available to retro fit to natural gas. Had natural gas off house line up north. Propane, which is what most grill sold at retail stores are, down south.

[Tmarkwald]

Originally Posted by Ben Franklin

During a hurricane your tank could become a missile.

Worse case scenario, I suppose. but the tank weighs more than most of the lanai furniture, potted plants, etc.

If a hurricane hits TV in my lifetime, unlikely as it may be, I'll worry about it then. Everything is a missile in those kind of high winds....

And I won't be hanging outside on my lanai if it is windy enough to blow around a propane tank!

[Foxtrot]

I used propane back in Chicago, here I bought a Traeger grill that uses wood pellets. Can't believe how good the food tastes, I'll never go back to propane.

[Villages Kahuna]

One of the best things I ever did. No more lugging heavy propane tanks to Ace Hardware, waiting to get them filled, paying $20+, then lugging even heavier tanks back thru the house and crawling under the grill to hook a new one up.

A plumber with the proper gas license can do it pretty quickly. I can’t remember the cost, but it was worth every penny. And none of your worries about storing tanks while you’re gone.