It is important to take into consideration how long inflated balloons last for planning purposes, thereby avoiding any surprises that might occur during an event. The longevity of balloons, particularly helium-filled ones, depends on a variety of factors, including the type of balloon, size of the balloon, and environmental conditions. Below is an outline of how long different types of balloons are expected to last under normal conditions: (μπαλονια)
The life of helium-filled balloons is determined by balloon type and environmental conditions, like temperature and altitude.
Filled with air: Stand up to 12 to 24 hours
Filled with helium: Since plastic is a semi-porous material, a helium-filled plastic balloon would float for up to 8 to 12 hours
With helium: They can remain aloft for days, sometimes even a couple of weeks, depending on their surroundings
With air: They keep their shape for a month or more
These are just general guidelines. After all, temperature, humidity, and direct sun exposure can sometimes play an essential role in the life cycle of a balloon. For instance:
Cold weather squeezes helium in a balloon, causing it to deflate
Buoyancy is sometimes affected at high altitudes or with rapid temperature fluctuations, as demonstrated in the personal anecdote below
I once delivered a set of helium-filled balloon arrangements for a client's daughter's birthday. These were 11" (28 cm) balloons that should last 18 to 24 hours, but after only 5 hours, the client sent photos of the balloons on the ground.
By the time this complaint reached me, it was found that the air conditioning had been turned on after my departure, lowering the room temperature to 22ºC. This sudden dip caused the balloons to drop prematurely. Incidentally, the centerpiece helium balloons inflated by me at the client’s house were still very much afloat, showing how helium balloons can be drastically affected by temperature changes.
After ruling out poor-quality helium or flawed balloons, one can deduce that temperature is a more plausible reason. Sudden temperature changes can cause helium-filled balloons to deflate and lose buoyancy. In my case, it was the sudden drop from my warm studio to the cool air-conditioned room that caused the fall of the balloons.
To avoid such issues:
Inflate helium balloons on-site, where the temperature and atmospheric conditions remain constant
If inflating ahead of time, ensure that transport and event conditions are as similar as possible in terms of temperature and weather
Another option for extending the life of helium-filled latex balloons is to use Hi-Float. This product blocks helium from passing through, allowing balloons to float up to five times longer
By planning around these factors, your balloons should last as expected, and your event decorating will be foolproof! (μπαλονια γενεθλιων)