If you are flying a balloon in the valley, the gas is a local problem with a local answer. Here is how it works.
Who sells it
Welding-gas and industrial-gas suppliers. Greater Phoenix has plenty across the valley and they are entirely used to small accounts that come back monthly.
Do not order helium online, and do not use party-balloon canisters: the volumes are wrong and the cost per cubic foot is far higher.
What it costs
Around $300 for a 200 cubic foot cylinder, roughly $1.50 per cubic foot.
Ask about **cylinder rental** on your first call. Most suppliers charge separately for the gas and for renting the cylinder, monthly or annually. Some waive it for regular accounts and some will sell you a cylinder outright, which pays back if you fly year round.
How much each size needs
A 5.5-foot sphere takes 113 cubic feet, about $170. A 13-foot blimp takes 170 cubic feet, about $255. A 30-foot blimp takes 1,510, over seven cylinders.
After the first fill you replace about one percent a day, so a 13-foot blimp flown continuously costs a few dollars a day rather than a refill.
The monsoon complication
From roughly July to September the balloon comes down often, which means it also gets refilled more often after being boxed.
Plan a slightly larger gas budget for those months, or plan not to fly through them. Both are reasonable; being surprised is not.
Or skip it entirely
In greater Phoenix and Tucson we run the whole thing on a daily rate: balloon, helium, installation, weather monitoring and removal. $247.25 a day for a balloon, $297.25 for a blimp.
You never touch a cylinder, never open a gas account, and never make the monsoon call. Billed the Monday after, no contract, and no charge on days weather grounds it.
Ask for a quote. Call 1-800-791-1445 or email sales@arizonaballoon.com and tell us the size and whether you want it printed.
More at giantballooncompany.com.