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!
