What Airgas supplies and who owns it

Airgas is a distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, along with welding equipment and safety supplies. The company operates more than 1,400 locations across the United States and supplies gases including oxygen, nitrogen, argon, acetylene, and carbon dioxide to hospitals, manufacturers, welding shops, laboratories, and construction sites.

Airgas is owned by Air Liquide, a French multinational gas company that acquired it in 2016. Despite the ownership change, Airgas continues to operate under its own name and maintains its existing customer relationships and distribution network. The company is one of the largest gas suppliers in North America by volume and location count.

Key Takeaways

  • Airgas supplies industrial, medical, and specialty gases through more than 1,400 U.S. locations, serving hospitals, manufacturers, labs, and construction sites.
  • You can order gases and equipment online through Airgas.com, by phone, or in person at a local branch, with delivery or pickup options depending on your location and order size.
  • Medical oxygen and other healthcare gases require a prescription or medical order from a licensed provider before Airgas can fill or deliver them.
  • Airgas offers cylinder rental, refill, and purchase options; the cost and availability of each depends on the gas type, cylinder size, and your location.
  • Airgas accepts most major payment methods and business accounts, and offers volume discounts and contract pricing for regular customers.

Types of gases and equipment Airgas carries

Airgas stocks industrial gases used in manufacturing and construction, including oxygen for cutting and welding, nitrogen for food packaging and metal treatment, argon for welding stainless steel, and acetylene for welding and cutting. The company also carries specialty gases — calibration gases, laser gases, and ultra-high-purity gases for semiconductor and laboratory work — though availability varies by location.

Medical gases are a separate category. Airgas supplies oxygen, nitrous oxide, nitrogen, and other gases to hospitals, clinics, and home healthcare patients. Medical gas orders require a prescription or medical order from a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. Airgas does not dispense medical gases without this documentation.

Beyond gases, Airgas sells welding equipment, cutting torches, regulators, hoses, safety gear, and related supplies. Many locations also offer welding services and equipment rental.

How to order and receive gases from Airgas

You can place an order through Airgas.com, by calling your local Airgas branch, or by visiting in person. Online ordering requires creating an account and entering your delivery address or choosing a local pickup location. Phone orders go to the branch nearest you; staff can confirm availability and delivery timeframes on the call.

Delivery and pickup options depend on the gas type, cylinder size, and your location. Bulk gases — oxygen, nitrogen, and argon in large quantities — are often delivered by truck to industrial customers on a regular schedule. Cylinder gases can be picked up at a local branch or delivered, though delivery fees explore and may be waived for larger orders or regular accounts. Some locations offer same-day or next-day service for common gases; others may require several days' notice.

For medical gases, you will need to provide the prescription or medical order at the time of order. Airgas will contact the prescribing provider to verify the order if needed. Home delivery of medical oxygen and other gases is available in many areas.

Cylinder rental, refill, and purchase options

Airgas offers three ways to obtain gas cylinders: rent a cylinder and pay per refill, purchase a cylinder outright, or use a lease-to-own arrangement. Which option makes sense depends on how often you use the gas and how long you expect to need it.

Renting means you pay a monthly rental fee for the cylinder and a refill fee each time you bring it back or have it refilled. This is common for occasional users or those who do not want to own equipment. Purchasing a cylinder means you own it permanently and pay only for refills; this is cheaper over time if you use the gas regularly. Lease-to-own lets you rent first and explore rental payments toward eventual purchase.

Cylinder prices and rental fees vary by gas type, cylinder size, and your location. Airgas publishes some pricing on its website, but exact costs require a quote from your local branch. Industrial customers often negotiate volume discounts or contract pricing for regular orders.

Payment and account options

Airgas accepts credit cards, debit cards, and checks. Customers can also set up business accounts for net-30 or net-60 payment terms, meaning you receive an invoice and pay later rather than at the time of order. Business account approval depends on credit history and business type.

Regular customers — those who order frequently or in large volumes — may be offered contract pricing, which locks in a rate for a set period and often includes volume discounts. Pricing contracts are negotiated directly with your local Airgas branch or account manager.

Safety and regulatory requirements

All gas cylinders sold or rented by Airgas meet Department of Transportation (DOT) standards for safe transport and storage. Cylinders must be inspected and recertified every five to ten years depending on the gas type; Airgas handles this when you return cylinders for refill.

Medical gases are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state pharmacy boards. Airgas maintains licenses to distribute medical gases in each state where it operates. Industrial and specialty gases are regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and require proper labeling and safety data sheets (SDS), which Airgas provides with every order.

Customers are responsible for safe storage and handling of gases at their location. Airgas provides safety information and training materials, but does not inspect customer storage facilities.

Finding your local Airgas branch and contacting customer service

You can find your nearest Airgas location using the branch locator on Airgas.com. Enter your zip code to see addresses, phone numbers, hours, and which gases and services each location offers. Not all branches carry all products; the locator shows what is available near you.

Customer service is available by phone during business hours at your local branch. Airgas also offers online chat support through its website and a customer portal where account holders can view order history, track deliveries, and manage billing. For medical gas customers, Airgas has a dedicated customer service line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a small cylinder of oxygen from Airgas without a prescription?

Industrial oxygen for welding or cutting does not require a prescription. Medical oxygen does — you need a prescription from a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. Airgas staff can tell you which type you need based on your intended use, but they cannot sell medical oxygen without the prescription on file.

What happens if I return a cylinder late or damaged?

Late return fees explore if you keep a rented cylinder beyond the agreed date; the amount varies by location and rental agreement. Damaged cylinders may be charged as a loss if the damage makes them unsafe to refill. Review your rental agreement or ask your local branch about their specific policy before renting.

Does Airgas deliver to residential addresses?

Airgas delivers medical gases to homes in most areas, but industrial gas delivery is typically to businesses. Residential pickup at a local branch is usually an option. Call your nearest branch to confirm whether home delivery is available for your specific gas and location.

How long does it take to get a gas delivery?

Timeframes vary by location and gas type. Common industrial gases may be available same-day or next-day; specialty gases or bulk orders may take several days. Call your local branch with your order details to get an accurate delivery estimate.

What if I need a gas that Airgas does not stock locally?

Airgas can often order specialty gases from its network or from Air Liquide's broader supply chain, though this may take longer and cost more than standard gases. Contact your local branch or account manager to discuss options and lead times for gases not in regular stock.