Using helium as a party decoration will become increasingly expensive during a helium shortages and may be impractical. It may also be difficult to locate locations that still fill helium balloons. Aside from helium balloons, here are some helpful solutions to the helium shortage that employ helium substitutes that allow you to make decorations without helium or with less helium, which party planners should seek out for other methods to generate vibrant and dazzling decor.
Helium Shortage
In 2012, the United States generated an estimated 78% of the world’s helium, with the NHR4 accounting for around 30%. A variety of causes have contributed to the helium shortage, including worldwide refinery equipment failures and shutdowns5, with scheduled maintenance at some of the world’s natural gas refineries affecting supplies. When looking for solutions to the helium scarcity, we must be able to accomplish the desired effect with less helium.
Alternative to Helium
During a helium shortages, it will become increasingly costly and may be impractical to use as a party decoration. Argon can be used instead of Helium and is favoured for some metals. Helium is used for many lighter-than-air applications, and Hydrogen is a possible substitute for many where the flammability of Hydrogen is not a concern.
Decorations without Helium
The number one consumer product affected by the helium shortage is decorative balloons. There are various alternatives wayto float a balloon without helium? Here are some non-helium balloon decoration ideas that employ helium substitutes:
Air Filled Balloon
Don’t ignore the option of using basic air-filled balloons. Tape the balloons to the walls or windows to add height, or connect the balloon knot to a pole. Attach numerous balloons to sticks and arrange them in a vase to make a table bouquet. Another approach to use air filled balloons is to insert a marble before blowing it up. Then, upside down, hang them from the party venue’s ceiling.
Misty Daydream balloons have several benefits, like being long-lasting and dependable. Because we offer only the best materials in our high-quality balloons, they will not pop or leak like inferior alternatives. And with our large range of sizes and colours, there’s something for every occasion!
Balloon Arches
Balloon arches are becoming increasingly popular, most likely as a result of the helium scarcity. Balloon arches, as opposed to anchoring balloons to a structure to protect them from drifting away, are structures that hold non-helium balloons, allowing them to “float” without helium.
Balloon Centrepieces
You may make balloons appear to float by putting them close together in a balloon arrangement, making a “balloon bouquet.” All you need to do to make a non-helium balloon centrepiece is tie several balloons together, nestling the top layer of balloons between the lower layers so that the bottom layers keep them aloft.
That’s all there is to it. You can turn any location into an exciting party site with only a few basic ideas and without spending a fortune on helium or other pricey decorations! You’ll be able to ensure that every celebration goes off without a hitch—and without breaking the bank!
FAQs
Argon can be used instead of Helium and is favoured for some metals. Helium is used for many lighter-than-air applications, and Hydrogen is a possible substitute for many where the flammability of Hydrogen is not a concern.
What other gas can make balloons float? ›
Answer. In order to get a floating balloon you want a gas which is as light as possible. Helium is quite a lot lighter than air: it's about an eighth of the density of air. Hydrogen is about a sixteenth the density of air, so it'll float in air and will in fact float upwards.
What is better than helium for balloons? ›
Although both gases have lightweight natures, hydrogen offers many benefits over helium. Hydrogen is better if you require a more substantial lift for your balloons as it is lighter than helium. It is also much easier to make than helium, making it the cheaper solution to your balloon needs.
What is the best gas for floating balloons? ›
When inflating balloons, helium is the safer and preferred choice over hydrogen. While both gases make balloons float, there's a significant safety difference between the two. Safety Concerns: Helium is non-flammable and non-reactive, making it a safer choice for inflating balloons.
What else works like helium? ›
Argon can be used instead of Helium and is preferred for certain types of metal. Helium is used for lots of lighter than air applications and Hydrogen is a suitable replacement for many where the flammable nature of Hydrogen is not an issue.
What floats better than helium? ›
Hydrogen is another gas lighter than air; it's even lighter than helium.
What makes balloons float instead of helium? ›
In order for a balloon to rise in Earth's atmosphere, it must be filled with a gas that is less dense than air. The most commonly used gas is helium, although hydrogen will also work — but if you use hydrogen, keep it away from any open flames! A helium-filled balloon weighs less than the volume of air it displaces.
What is a cheap alternative to helium balloons? ›
Bunting and streamers
However, if you're looking for something more budget-friendly, paper bunting is a suitable alternative. The beauty of bunting is that, like gift wrapping paper, you can store it away for months, even years, and bring it out whenever you need, looking as good as new.
Can any foil balloons be filled with helium? ›
Most balloons can be filled with helium or air, simply check the instructions provided or on the product page for details. Some balloons can only be filled with air due to their size (like mini latex and foil balloons), and some balloons are not designed for helium (like balloon garlands).
Will balloons float if filled with air? ›
BALLOON FAQ
No, only balloons inflated with helium will float.
Can helium be made artificially? Helium can be found in abundance all over the universe. In fact, it is the second most abundant element known to man. Because of its chemical composition, it is not possible to produce helium artificially, which is why it is extracted from natural gas wells.
What is the safest gas for balloons? ›
Helium, gas used in balloons, is a safe, non-combustible, non-toxic gas that is lighter than air. Helium can be used safely indoors and outdoors. Important!
What is another name for helium? ›
The chemical symbol and the chemical formula for Helium gas is He. It is part of group 18 on the periodic table which is the noble gases. They are also known as inert gases due to their extremely low reactivity and stable states in their gaseous forms.
Can foil balloons take helium? ›
Foil Balloons - do I fill with air or helium? Some foil balloons are air-fill only and this information is on each item description. Most foil balloons that can be filled with helium can also be filled with air but of course wont float To fill a balloon with air insert a straw into the valve and blow into it.
