Helium Balloons 101: Explore and Understand

Are you planning a party and want to include helium balloons as part of your decorations? You're in the right place!

By the end of this post, you'll know:

  • How long helium balloons last

  • Where to get helium balloons

  • If helium balloons can be refilled and how to deflate them

  • Creative ways to decorate with and without helium balloons

If you’re looking for someone to inflate balloons for you, we offer our professional services in these three cities:

  1. Vancouver, BC

  2. Richmond, BC (Mobile Team)

  3. Burnaby, BC (Mobile Team)

Get ready to become a helium balloon expert and make your party truly unforgettable!

Timing is crucial when it comes to helium balloons, and we're here to help you navigate the process with ease! Read on below to become a helium balloons pro!

How long do helium balloons last?

Shortest Answer:

  • Latex Balloons (or “regular balloons” as most people call them): 8-12 hours.

  • Foil Balloons: 3-5 days.

  • Bubble Balloons: 2-4 weeks.

How to preserve helium balloons:

You can always add Hi-Float to pro-long latex balloons’ float time.

To preserve helium balloons, you can add a balloon sealant before inflating, store them in a cool, dry place, and keep them away from direct sunlight

How temperature affects helium balloons:

When helium balloons deflate quickly, a lot of people assume it’s because it is “low quality”. However, there are a lot of variables that come into play.

The most important variable is the temperature.

All molecules expand when hot and shrink when cold. This becomes a problem during the winter because the sudden change from a heated vehicle to room temperature will pop almost any balloon, no matter the quality.

You can find a more in-depth article on how long helium balloons last here.

How to deflate helium balloons if we want them refilled:

If you’re not re-using the balloon, carefully puncture the balloon near the knot and gently press on the balloon to release the helium gas.

If you want to refill the balloon, let the balloon deflate naturally. Helium balloons can only be refilled if they still have the self-sealing valve so it’s important not to puncture or manipulate the valve.

This usually only applies to Mylar or foil balloons. Most latex balloons are not refillable as it has already expanded and will not be aesthetically pleasing.

Where to get helium balloons:

To have helium balloons filled, you can visit party supply stores, supermarkets featuring a floral section, or local gas suppliers offering helium. For a more aesthetically pleasing result, consider stopping by a balloon studio or a dollar store specializing in helium balloons to ensure your decorations look their best.

If you’re looking for someone to inflate balloons for you, we offer our professional services in these two locations:

  1. Vancouver, BC

  2. Richmond, BC

Can you blow up balloons without helium? and will it float?

Yes, you can inflate balloons without helium by using air with a pump or your lungs.

Unfortunately, the balloon will not float if is inflated by air.

Creative ways to decorate with and without helium balloons:
It is still possible to decorate for your party without floating balloons. One popular option is to create balloon garlands or arches, which can be easily assembled by attaching balloons to a string or fishing line and securing them with tape or glue dots.

You can also make balloon bouquets by tying clusters of air-filled balloons together and attaching them to weights, creating a stunning centerpiece or room decoration.

Another innovative idea is to incorporate balloons into wall art by arranging them in patterns or shapes on the wall, using double-sided tape or adhesive hooks.

For a fun twist, try filling clear balloons with confetti, glitter, or small toys, and hanging them at various heights using ribbon or string for a festive and eye-catching display.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to balloon decorations without helium, allowing you to create a unique and memorable atmosphere for any event.

What happens when you inhale helium from a balloon?

Inhaling helium from a balloon can cause a temporary change in the pitch of your voice. However, it can also be dangerous, as it displaces oxygen and can lead to suffocation. It is not recommended.

Amy’s Solutions:

At Amy's, we pride ourselves on being balloon experts dedicated to making your party an unforgettable experience.

Not only do we offer exceptional balloon services to elevate your event, but we also provide the option to purchase balloons separately, allowing you to inflate them yourself for added flexibility and convenience in your party planning process.

While we always prepare and dispatch our orders within 1 business day and even ship during weekends, courier services like UPS and FedEx may not process shipments until the next business day.

To ensure timely delivery, please allow 3-7 days of shipping, especially if you place your order on the weekend.

Keep in mind that we ship Canada-wide and to the United States, offering free shipping on orders over $75.

Remember to consider shipping time when placing your order, so you can be sure your balloons arrives in time for your big event. Feel free to check out our full balloon collection and find the perfect one to complement your party!