Most people are unaware of the significant difference between a hot air balloon and a balloon filled with hot air. Both the hot air balloons and the helium balloons function by the same principle and are made of the same fabric but the techniques to fly are different. Some differences between balloons filled with helium and hot air balloons are listed below:
1. Helium is an odourless, colourless and tasteless natural gas that is lighter than air. This is called an uplifting gas and is used to lift ballons upwards. Helium balloons can be smaller and lift the same weight as hot air balloons. They are quite popular as anniversary and birthday balloons.
2. Helium is more expensive than hot air but it is preferred over hot air as hot air balloons require constant energy input in the form of fuel and it can be risky to carry highly flammable fuel during the flight.
3. Balloons inflated with air can float for a longer duration. These can last several days, even weeks, under the right conditions. The reason is that the helium molecule is tiny and easily leaks out of the balloon. The duration of the flight of a balloon filled with helium depends on the material, its size and its shape. Large and round balloons float for a longer time.
4. Balloons filled with helium float while air-filled balloons do not float. Hot air balloons float as the air trapped inside the balloon is heated up by a burner, making it lighter than the air around causing it to rise upwards. The pilot controls the ascent and descent by adjusting the heat.
5. Last but not least difference between Helium and Hot Air Balloons is Hot air balloons are open while gas balloon bouquets (which are in trend) are closed. Balloons that are tied and filled with air cannot be refilled. On the other side, helium balloons are refilled with more gas once the amount of gas inside decreases and the balloons start to deflate.
So, these were some of the major differences between Helium and Hot Air Balloons! Each type of balloon, whether filled with air or helium, comes with its own set of pros and cons. The choice ultimately depends on your likes, budget and the timeframe.
