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Should I Buy Helium-filled or Air-filled Balloons?

How do you choose which balloons to buy for your event? Both latex and foil balloons can be filled with either helium or air and both come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.   Here are a few things to consider when deciding whether to go with helium-filled or air-filled balloons. Float Time Helium is less dense than air so helium-filled balloons typically rise higher than air-filled balloons and float effortlessly.   That makes helium a good choice if you want dramatic party decorations like a bunch of balloons floating over each table. Float time for helium-filled latex balloons is about 8-10 hours (longer if treated with Hi-Float).   Float time for helium-filled foil or Mylar balloons is usually about three to four days.   Some balloon brands can stay inflated for up to three weeks.   Air-filled balloons don’t really float but they look great taped to the ceiling with ribbons and are excellent for building balloon arches. Cost Helium-filled balloons can be more exp
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The Global Helium Shortage and How Balloon Businesses Can Deal With It

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You may have heard reports of a global shortage of helium or that the helium market will be tight in 2019.   Fluctuations in the  helium supply  are nothing new. About three quarters of the global helium supply comes from the U.S. and a move by Congress in 1996 to privatize the Federal Helium Program has been cited as a cause for disruptions and instability in the availability and price of helium [1].  In addition, worldwide refinery equipment failures and increased demand for helium from newly industrialized countries such as China, exacerbates the shortage. All this can negatively impact your balloon business. Source: wojtek mich on Unsplash Where Does Helium Come From? Helium is the second most abundant element in the universe but it only makes up about 0.0005% of the earth’s atmosphere. So do we get it from the atmosphere? No. Helium is recovered from underground natural gas deposits. Most helium sold today is a byproduct of the natural gas industry.  Much of the U.S.  nat
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Reasons to Rent a Helium Tank to Fill Balloons

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Balloons definitely mean party! Floating helium-filled balloons add that special decorative excitement to any kind of celebration.  Do you want to bring the fun and excitement of balloons to your event? Consider  renting a helium tank  and filling balloons yourself.  Here are some reasons to do so. photo: alvaro at unsplashed Suits Any Occasion People  rent helium tanks  to fill balloons for all kinds of celebrations. Birthday and graduation parties, wedding receptions, and baby showers immediately come to mind. Then there are grand openings, ribbon cuttings, and other corporate events.  Whatever you want to celebrate, helium-filled balloons add a special something to it.  You can use balloons to make sculptures, centerpieces, bouquets or other more elaborate decorations to create a party theme limited only by your imagination.  Renting a tank and filling the balloons yourself gives you the flexibility to go with your imagination. Cost-Effective If you need lots of balloon
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What Types of Balloons Can You Fill with Helium?

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Any type of balloon can be filled with  helium . Balloons vary by material, shape, size and purpose — from small decorative balloons and toys to large parade balloons, weather balloons or airships.  As long as the balloon is made of non-porous material it will hold helium.  Whether to use helium depends on what you want to do with the balloon. If you are using small balloons to twist into animal shapes, you probably want to use air.  If you want the balloon to float, then you should use helium.  Weather balloons and airships need to float. The most common balloons that are filled with helium are latex and foil/Mylar party balloons. You want party balloons to float. To float, the volume of the inflated balloon must be large enough relative to its weight to hold enough helium to lift it. Size and shape determine whether the balloon will float and for how long. Round latex balloons inflated to 9 inches or larger will float with helium.  Float time for latex balloons is about 8-10 h
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Choosing a Helium Supplier

Are you looking for helium refill near you ? When choosing  helium suppliers , there’s a lot more to consider than cost.   Here are some key things to consider. Helium Expertise Look for a supplier who is an expert on helium and how it is used.   Your supplier should be able to explain the different grades of helium and the uses of each so you understand exactly what you need. An expert on the gas should be familiar with all of its properties as well as safety and equipment requirements for handling, usage, and storage of helium gas and cylinders.   Expertise on safety and compliance requirements is very important. Rules and regulations can vary by state. Equipment Expertise and Training Make sure the  helium supplier near you   is also an equipment expert. Once you have your helium tanks, you need the regulators, brackets and transport equipment for storage, as well as replacement parts for things like O-rings. Your supplier should be able to supply all the parts and advise
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Choosing Helium Balloons for your Party

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Are you planning a wedding, graduation party, or birthday party? Balloons add a decorative touch and bring a party theme together. Helium balloons stay inflated longer than air-filled balloons, and helium for balloons is easy to obtain. Compare cost, float time, and variety of shapes for your perfect choice. Latex balloons are the most common and cost effective. They come in a huge variety of colors and usually inflate to around 9-10 inches. Some people have an allergic reaction to latex, so be sure to check with your guests beforehand. Plan to inflate latex balloons 1-2 hours before the party. Over-inflated latex balloons are more likely to pop, so be careful. Float time for latex balloons is about 8-10 hours. Latex balloons can also be treated with a liquid called Hi-Float to make them last up to 3 weeks. Foil or Mylar balloons are more expensive than latex, but they come in a wide range of shapes and stay inflated longer.   Float time for foil balloons is usuall
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