With the summer break season going on, parties and night outs have become our everyday companions. These fun times of celebration calls for an inevitable requirement of balloons which gets merrier, especially the presence of helium-filled balloons.
Helium-filled balloons can be found in any decorator’s shop present around your area. Stores selling balloons might also have a possibility that they keep helium-filled balloons. Balloons can also be filled with Helium at home with a helium canister that can be brought from the store.
Materials of Balloons
Different balloons have different materials which determine the duration up to which they can float.
Foil and Latex balloons are the two available types. Considering an equal size, Latex balloons last between 4 to 5 hours while Foil balloons can float for 3 to 5 days, sometimes even longer. Foil balloons are much less porous than latex balloons and prevent Helium from escaping.
Usage of Helium Canister
Arranging a helium canister and preparing the balloons ourselves at home not only makes up for a memorable hanging-out time but also saves us the extra cost.
A correct estimation of the amount of Helium needed for the given balloons is a must. The size, material, and quality of the balloons play an important role in determining the amount of Helium needed.
An average estimate says:
A average small helium canister can fill up to 30 balloons
- 30 9″ Latex Balloons (or)
- 12 12″ Latex Balloons (or)
- 3 36″ Foil balloons
An average large helium canister can fill up to 50 balloons
- 50 9″ Latex Balloons (or)
- 20 12″ Latex Balloons (or)
- 5 36″ Foil Balloons
Charges of Balloons and Helium Canisters
Different locations offer different prices for the products. However, here is an average estimate of the costs.
The prices of helium canisters range from $37 to $50 depending on the size.
Along with the pricing depending on the number and size of balloons, the prices of foil balloons depend on the type of balloon which includes number balloons, letter balloons, shapes balloons, and balloon bouquets.
Foil balloons: $1.99 to $15.99 depending on the size and type.
Latex balloons: $0.99 to $1.29 depending on the size.
9 Known Shops
Here are some of the well-known shops that provide balloons filled with helium.
- Party City
- Walmart
- Dollar tree
- Target
- Dollar General
- CVS
- Kroger
- Meijer
- Publix
The best place to go, as mentioned above, remains a party store as they give various varieties at the best price.
Q)Can we put Helium in normal balloons?
Helium can be put in smaller normal balloons but they would not be able to float. This is mainly because the balloons are just too small and even though smaller balloons are lighter in weight, not enough Helium can be accumulated in them to make them float.
Q) How to make Helium balloons stay afloat longer?
Helium expands in the heat, so the balloons tend to deflate faster. To make the Helium balloons stay afloat longer, it is advised to fill the balloons up to 90% capacity so that even when they expand, they don’t deflate easily.
Some helium balloons also have ULTRA HI-FLOAT inside them which makes the balloons stay afloat longer. HI-FLOAT is a liquid solution that gets dried up and forms a coating in the inside layer of the balloon to prevent the helium from escaping easily. It increases the time up to which the balloon can stay afloat by 25 times the normal.
Conclusion
From the above, we can deduce that any nearby decorator shop or party shop can provide helium-filled balloons when needed. Even the grocery shops which are for everyday needs may keep the balloons. The price of these balloons varies according to their size and nature.
Buy your balloons and get ready for the party!
Frequently asked questions
Q1) Is it okay to inflate the balloons a night before the event?
Yes, It is completely fine to fill the balloons a night before the event. Putting the inflated balloons in a tightly bound plastic bag is suggested such that the balloons don’t oxidize to get chalky and ruined.
Q2) Do Helium balloons stay afloat longer in the cold?
It can be said helium balloons last longer in the cold as the size of the balloons shrinks because the cold air causes the Helium to shrink. The balloons stay afloat regardless.
Q3) What can be used instead of HI-FLOAT?
STP brand “Son of a Gun” is generally used instead of HI-FLOAT to prevent the chalky oxidation and makes the Helium last longer.
Q4) Is Helium bad for the environment?
Helium is a colorless, odorless, and non-toxic inert gas and is not bad for the environment.
Q5) Is it okay to inhale a little bit of Helium?
Pure Helium can be very dangerous if inhaled as it can cause asphyxiation in minutes. Inhaling Helium from balloons only has some side effects. It causes low oxygen and can make you pass out temporarily if taken in a large amount. Therefore, it is advised not to take more than a couple of breaths of Helium.
