Digital signage is a huge investment! That’s why you want it to be worth it. That’s why many business owners ask: how long do digital signs last? They aren’t just another expense. The right sign can be a marketing investment that boosts your visibility and ROI for years to come.

Modern digital signs for businesses are built to last. With proper use and care, they can remain bright, reliable and effective for years to come. Today, we will review factors that influence their lifespan ranges and how to maximize the longevity of your signage. Let’s get into it!

Aspects That Affect the Lifespan of Digital Signage

The lifespan of digital signage isn’t determined by one element alone. Each one consists of many moving parts. Here’s what affects the lifespan of your sign:

• Display Technology: Generally, LED displays last longer than LCD screens. Weather-proof LEDs are super durable.
• Usage Patterns: A sign running 24/7 will wear out sooner than one used solely during business hours.
• Environmental Conditions: Outdoor displays have to deal with sunlight, rain, snow, and dust, which further emphasizes the importance of weatherproofing. As a result, indoor displays always last longer.
• Installation Job: Poor wiring or improper ventilation will naturally shorten a sign’s lifespan. Professional installation makes a huge difference. 
• Maintenance Practices: Regular cleaning, updates, and timely repairs allow signs to last longer.
• Manufacturer Quality: Signs made by a reliable and reputed signage maker in Canada offer greater durability, performance, and long-term value.

All of these variables come into play. That’s why it’s important to have realistic expectations when it comes to your signage’s performance. 

The Lifespan of Digital Signs

How many hours is your digital sign going to last? The number of hours a display can function before its brightness starts degrading determines the lifespan of your sign. Here’s an overview of different technologies:

• LED Displays: These last 50,000-100,000, which roughly translates to 7-10+ years of use. With regular maintenance, high-quality LEDs can last even longer.

• LCD Screens: The majority of these displays last 30,000-60,000 hours (5-7 years). They’re best suited for indoor use in controlled environments.

• Outdoor Digital Signs: Designed with tougher, protective casings, outdoor-rated LED signs can last a decade or more with weatherproofing and regular maintenance.

Note that these ranges should only be used as benchmarks. The real-life lifespan is dependent on how and where the sign is used. When a sign is cared for, it naturally lasts longer.

Ways to Make Your Digital Signs Last Longer

Yes, Digital signs have many benefits, and one of them is that they’re designed to last. However, proactive care is essential to add years of reliable use. Follow these best practices:

• Schedule regular cleanings to remove dust, dirt, and debris that can clog vents or dull brightness
• Update your software and firmware to prevent glitches and improve performance
• Ensure proper ventilation and cooling, especially for indoor displays that run continuously
• Use brightness controls or dimming schedules to prevent unnecessary strain on LEDs
• Invest in professional installation and preventive maintenance contracts to prevent small issues before they get worse

By following this advice, you can extend the lifespan of your sign. It also ensures your sign looks as great as the day it was installed.

Reasons Digital Signage is Worth the Investment

The upfront costs of digital signage can be intimidating. However, their long lifespan and flexibility make them one of the smartest investments you can make for your business.

Why choose a digital sign? When you do, you get the following benefits:

• Ability to update messaging instantly without printing costs
• Display dynamic visuals that capture attention
• Present a modern, professional image
• Promote upsells and specials in real time, driving revenue

Digital signs provide a significant ROI (Return on Investment) over their lifetime. Ultimately, the many advantages outweigh the initial purchase and installation costs.

Find the Right Digital Signage for Your Business

How long do digital signs last? Although it comes down to your setup, most provide 5-10 years of reliable use. LED signs are the most durable option. At National Neon Signs, we help Canadian businesses design and install digital signage that looks amazing for years to come. Our goal is to set your business up for long-term success. 

Want to make your business shine bright? Contact us for a quote today!

Your storefront sign serves as a beacon for your business, attracting customers and guiding them to your facility. A cabinet sign is a durable, versatile, cost-effective way to advertise your business. By choosing to illuminate your cabinet sign, you can ensure your business is highly visible, even from a distance or at night. In today’s competitive market, it’s more important than ever to set your brand apart. In this post, we’re going to discuss innovations in cabinet signage, including LED lighting, customization, and digitalization.

What is a cabinet sign?

A cabinet sign, also known as a box sign or wall sign, is a box-shaped sign that can be used to display a company’s name, logo, or other message. The frame of the sign is typically made from metal or aluminum and the sign face can be made from a variety of materials, including acrylic, plastic, or metal. Many cabinet signs are illuminated with LED or fluorescent lighting to enhance visibility. Cabinet signs are mounted to a wall or other structure and can be used indoors or outdoors for a wide variety of applications, including:

• storefront signage
• menu boards
• wayfinding signs
• informational displays

Cabinet Signage Innovations: LED Lighting

You can choose whether or not you want to illuminate your cabinet sign. Non-illuminated signs are a cost-effective option best suited to indoor applications or well-lit areas. However, illuminated signs provide the best visibility, especially if you want your storefront to be seen at night or from a distance.

LED lighting is the most popular choice for illuminated cabinet signs, offering several advantages over other types of lighting, including:

• Energy Efficiency – LED lights are known for their energy efficiency and use significantly less energy compared to their traditional incandescent or fluorescent counterparts. This leads to significant cost savings on your monthly energy bills. Longevity – LEDs are extremely durable, with some lasting over 100,000 hours! This minimizes your sign’s maintenance requirements and replacement costs.
• Safety – Most LED lighting is made from epoxy lenses or plastic, not glass, and is shatter resistant. They are cool to the touch, reducing the risk of burns or fires. LED lights do not contain mercury or other toxic substances that can be hazardous to the environment or human health.

You may be able to retrofit your current cabinet sign to LED lighting. This means you can enjoy all the benefits of LEDs without needing to replace your entire sign!

Cabinet Signage Innovations: Customization

Cabinet signs are highly customizable and are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. Because they are so versatile, cabinet signs can be designed to suit your company’s brand. Let’s take a look at some of your options:

• Shapes – Cabinet signs can be built in a variety of shapes including circles, squares, rectangles, or ovals. They can also be designed into custom shapes.
• Sizes – You get to decide how large or small you want your sign to be. The best size for a sign will depend on your budget, where the sign will be placed, and the distance that most people will be viewing it. Do you want your sign to be seen by vehicles on a highway? Or pedestrians passing by on the sidewalk?  Ideally, your sign should be large enough to be easily seen, but not so large that it appears unprofessional.
• Graphics – The face of your sign can be customized with different images, fonts, and colors to suit your company’s branding.
• Materials – Cabinet signs can be made from a wide variety of materials, including aluminum, acrylic, wood, stainless steel, or PVC. The material you choose might depend on the sign’s location, your budget, and your aesthetic preference.

Cabinet Signage Innovations: Digitalization

In today’s fast-paced world, you only have seconds to grab  the attention of your potential customers. Digital signage can display content such as texts, graphics, or videos to convey your company’s message in an impressive, eye-catching way. Here are a few things a digital cabinet sign can do for your business:

• Customizable Display – With a digital cabinet sign, you can further customize your display, even allowing you to change your message depending on the time of day or to advertise a specific promotion. Having the flexibility to adapt your sign can make your business more relevant and have a long-term, cost-effective advertising solution.
• Interactive Content – Digital signage allows you to engage your consumers with interactive content such as entertaining videos or games. This type of content can captivate passersby and give your business a boost.
• Multi-Purpose – A single digital sign can be programmed for multiple purposes including advertisements, important safety notices, displaying promotions, or entertainment.

Cabinet signs are one of the most popular types of signs for businesses because of their versatility and cost-effectiveness. New, innovative features allow you to captivate your audience more than ever before! To discuss your options, contact us today at National Neon.

Your business needs an illuminated sign. Two leading options in the industry are neon and LED signs. What’s the difference and how do you choose the right one? Both neon and LED lighting elements can create a bright, eye-catching display that attracts customers to your business but there are some significant distinctions between the two. Understanding these distinctions will help you choose the best sign for your business. In this post, we’re going to compare neon and LED lights.

Neon Lights

Neon lights are tried and true. They have been used for over a century for signs, advertisements, and other decorative displays. Neon signs are named because they use neon or other gases in a glass tube. When electricity is added, the gases produce a bright, glowing light. Different gases are used to create different colors, and the glass tubing can be bent to form various shapes or designs to promote a particular business or product.

LED Lights

LED lights are considered the wave of the future. LED stands for “light-emitting diode”, which is are tiny string of lights used to create a vivid display. These lights project light in one direction, creating a crisp beam of light available in a wide variety of colors. LED signs are highly customizable and can be used to create attention-grabbing LED digital signs.

Neon Vs. LED Signs: A Bright Comparison

When choosing between neon and LEDs to light your sign, there are many factors to consider, including:

• Energy Efficiency – LED lights are known for their energy efficiency. Less energy usage leads to lower monthly utility bills.
• Longevity – LED lighting is incredibly durable, with some lasting up to 100,000 hours. This means your LED sign could last over a decade! Traditional neon lights have a typical lifespan of around 10,000 hours.
• Initial Cost – Prices will vary depending on the size and style of your sign. Typically, LED signs cost about 10% less than neon signs upfront.
• Sustainability – LEDs are considered environmentally friendly when compared to other types of lighting, which is important to many of today’s consumers. LED lights use less energy, lowering your company’s carbon footprint, and they last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements. LEDs are made from non-toxic materials, whereas traditional neon lights may contain toxic substances like mercury, which can be harmful to the environment or human health. LEDs are 100% recyclable, whereas neon lights must be disposed of carefully to avoid contaminating the environment.
• Maintenance Requirements – LED lighting requires little maintenance. Regular dusting and inspecting the bulbs can help ensure their longevity. Neon signs do require a bit of maintenance, such as checking for cracks and leaks in the tubing and regularly cleaning any accumulated dust or debris. They can withstand cold weather but extreme cold can make neon signs appear faded or off-color. Keeping your neon sign indoors can help protect it from the elements or adding a protective cover can help shield it from rain, snow, or ice.
• Safety – LED signs are considered safer than traditional neon because they use less voltage and are usually made from materials such as epoxy lenses or plastic instead of glass, making them shatter-resistant. LED lights are cool to the touch and reduce the risk of burns, fires, or electrical shock. On the other hand, traditional neon lights may break easily and may contain harmful substances. However, today’s neon lights usually have protective features to prevent breakage or added safety features compared to neon lights from a century ago.
• Aesthetics – The whole point of your sign is to look good and attract customers. When it comes to neon vs. LED, personal preference might come into play. LED lights provide a bright, cool light that is highly visible and can be easily seen from a distance. However, the nostalgic quality of neon is very appealing to many of today’s consumers. Traditional neon lights give off a warm, vibrant glow that may be easier on the eyes than LEDs.

When comparing neon vs. LED signs for your business, the right choice depends on your unique needs and personal preferences. Certainly, LED lighting offers several advantages over traditional neon, including the ability to create digital displays. However, many customers are still attracted to a retro neon sign.

For more information, contact us today at National Neon!