Why Does Home Depot Not Refill Propane Tanks?

Whether you’re looking for new tanks or tank exchanges, Home Depot can be a great option.

Unfortunately, despite selling a wide variety of propane tanks in various sizes and offering propane tank exchange services, Home Depot does not refill propane tanks.

This is because working with propane and natural gas requires extensive training, permitting, and safety facilities. Only certified propane technicians are legally allowed to fill propane tanks, and Home Depot does not employ this type of technician.

However, Home Depot does offer customers the option of exchanging empty propane tanks for tanks that have already been refilled by AmeriGas.

home depot refill propane tank

Where Else Can You Refill Propane Tanks?

Three popular places that offer propane tank refill services include U-Haul, Tractor Supply Co and some AmeriGas locations. However, AmeriGas only offers small propane cylinder refills while Tractor Supply and U-Haul offer refilling services for larger tanks as well.

If you have a propane tank larger than 20 lbs, the best way to have it refilled is to call a local propane company in your area.

Does Home Depot Offer Propane Tank Exchanges?

Through the AmeriGas propane tank exchange program, Home Depot offers propane tank exchanges to all customers. Even if you bring a propane tank from another company or a tank without a label, Home Depot will accept these tanks for exchange and provide a new, refilled AmeriGas propane tank at a discounted price.

Exchanging a propane tank at Home Depot costs $22.98.

You can of course always purchase new propane tanks at Home Depot as well, including 1 lb, 5 lb, 11 lb, 20 lb, and 30 lb tanks. 

How Does Home Depot Propane Tank Exchange Work?

To exchange an empty propane tank at Home Depot, follow these steps:

  • Bring your empty propane tank to any Home Depot location (you can leave your empty tank in your car until after you’ve paid for your exchange)
  • Visit a Home Depot register and let an employee know that you would like to pay for a propane tank exchange (this costs $22.98)
  • After you’ve paid for your exchange, an employee will walk you out to an area outside the store where the propane tanks are kept inside of a locked compartment
  • Retrieve your empty tank, give it to the employee, and then head home with your full propane tank

Home Depot accepts propane tank exchanges from any company, including unlabeled tanks and expired tanks.

Can You Buy Propane Tanks At Home Depot?

If you do not have any empty propane tanks to exchange, you will always have the option of purchasing a new, pre-filled tank at Home Depot instead. 

Home Depot sells new 20 lb. AmeriGas propane tanks for $68.47.

They also sell empty tanks (which can be filled somewhere else) from BernzOmatic, Flame King, and Worthington.

You can purchase a 1 lb. BernzOmatic propane cylinder for $7.48.

FAQs

Does Home Depot refill RV propane tanks?

No. The only way to restock your propane at Home Depot is to exchange an empty tank for a new one at a discounted price from the cost of a new tank.

Does Home Depot refill forklift propane tanks?

No. The only way to restock your propane at Home Depot is to exchange an empty tank for a new one at a discounted price from the cost of a new tank.

How long does a 20 lb propane tank last?

How long your propane tank lasts will depend entirely on how often you use it and what kind of appliance it’s attached to. A 20 lb propane tank can last anywhere from a few days to a few months depending on frequency of use.

How can you tell when a propane tank is empty?

The easiest way to tell when a propane tank is empty is when it stops providing sufficient fuel to the appliance it’s hooked up to. However, if your propane tank is not hooked up, you can also try testing the level by picking up the tank. If you can hear the “sloshing” of liquid propane inside the tank, then it is not empty. Also, if it is heavier than the weight you would expect the empty container to be, then there is likely some propane left. There’s also a water test you can try to more accurately determine the level of your propane tank. Check out this video tutorial here.

Can I return an unused propane tank to Home Depot?

No. Once you purchase a propane tank from Home Depot, it is only eligible for exchange. You can certainly try to return your unused propane tank, but you will not be eligible for a full refund. If you have a full propane tank you simply don’t want anymore, you can leave it outside the propane area in front of any Home Depot and it will be returned to AmeriGas for inspection and reuse. 

Conclusion

Even though Home Depot doesn’t refill propane tanks, it’s still a great place to purchase new propane tanks or exchange an empty tank. Home Depot offers average prices on new tanks, and slightly below-average prices for exchanged tanks. If you’re looking for a place to refill your tank, try U-Haul or Tractor Supply Co. 

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