Today we're going to take a look at custom neon signs and LED neon signs.
We've been in the custom signage industry for over 10 years, and we specialize in sign design, manufacturing, maintenance, and installation of all types of signage. We'd love to share our expertise with you.
We'll outline the advantages and disadvantages of both custom neon signs and LED neon signs and help you decide which would be the best choice for your business. So let’s get started.
What Are Custom Neon Signs?
Neon signs are long glass tubes filled with gas
Neon signs are actually a very durable and efficient form of a light bulb, very similar to a fluorescent light. They are made out of long luminous gas-discharge tubes that have been heated and bent into various shapes and letters.
Custom neon signs reached their height of popularity through the 1920s to the 1960s, but really died out in the 1990s with the development of LED technology.
Even though the word "neon" is used to describe this type of lighting, neon gas is only used to produce about one third of the colours including red, orange and intense shades of pink.
Argon gas mixed with a drop of mercury is used to produce blue, yellow, green, violet, and white as well as some of the softer pink shades.
When the electric current hits the electrodes in the tube, its atoms begin to glow.
The following video gives you a simple explanation on how a neon sign works.
When the electric current in the neon sign hits the electrodes in the tube, its atoms begin to glow.
What Are LED Neon Signs?
LED stands for light emitting diode. LED Neon signs are made from these small individual Light Emitting Diodes which are set close together into a thick plastic backing that can be bent into the shape that you want and be cut into the length that you need.
The following video will explain in depth how LEDs work.
LED Neon signs are made of bendable plastic tubing
Advantages of Custom Neon Signs
The Gases in Your Neon Sign Have a Long Lifespan: Neon signs are designed to last a long time. The gas in your sign is actually able to produce light for up to 50 years.
More Energy Efficient than Fluorescent Bulbs: Neon signs use less energy than fluorescent bulb signs, however, they do use more than LED. Over the course of a year, if you keep your signage on for 12 hours a day, an average neon sign will use about 1,752 kWh of power in a year, whereas a fluorescent one will use about 2,672 kWh.
Cost Less to Run than a Fluorescent: If your electricity costs about 13 cents per then that means you will be paying $228 to run a neon sign and $347 to run a fluorescent one.
Neon signs cost less to run than fluorescent signage
Disadvantages of Custom Neon Signs
Electrical Parts Don't Last as Long as the Gas: Even though the gas in your neon sign will last up to 50 years, the electrical parts of your such as the transformer, however, will probably last only up to 15 years. The better quality of transformer you have, the longer it will last.
Not Suitable for Exposure to the Elements: Custom neon signs should only be used outside if they are fully protected from the rain, snow, and ice underneath a porch roof or a large roof overhang. They are much better suited to indoor use.
Cost More than LED Neon Signs: It's difficult to give an exact cost for your custom neon sign, because it will depend on the size and complexity of your design. On the whole, though, a neon sign will cost more than a LED neon sign.
Cost More to Run than LED Signs: Neon signs are more expensive to run than LED signs. An average LED sign will only cost about $80 a year to run whereas an average neon sign will cost about $228 a year.
Custom neon signs are more expensive to run than custom LED neon signs
Advantages of LED Neon Signs
More Energy Efficient: LED signs use much less energy than traditional incandescent lights, as much as 75% less energy. They also use less energy than neon signs.
Last Longer than Incandescent Lights: LEDs can also save you in replacement costs because they can last 25 times longer than regular incandescent lighting.
Your Old Signage Can Be Retrofitted with LED: Most traditional signage lighting systems can be replaced with energy-efficient LED systems. This process is called retrofitting. Retrofitting can be done on almost any type of illuminated sign.
If, however, your old signage is past its best, it may be more cost-effective to replace it with one that is modern, professional, and portrays your branding better than to invest in retrofitting it.
Better for Outside Applications: LED neon signs are waterproof so they are great for both indoor and outdoor signage.
More Visible in Sunlight: LED lights are usually more visible in sunlight so they are a better choice for outdoor applications.
LED neon signs are more energy efficient
Disadvantages to LED Neon Signs
Not as Bright: Neon signs have more lumens per watt than LED which means that LED signs are not as bright as traditional neon signs.
Don't Cut Through Fog: LED neon signs will not cut through the fog as well as a traditional neon light.
Custom Neon Signs vs Custom LED Neon Signs - Which Is Best?
When choosing between custom neon signs and custom LED neon signs, the key is deciding on the purpose for you sign.
If you have a business that has a really retro feel to it and you want to have authentic signage and you aren’t worried about the cost then choosing custom neon signs would be a good option.
However, if you want to have you signage outside, and you want a neon look without a hefty price tag, then an LED neon sign would make the most sense.
You can trust AGC Signs to manufacture and install any type of signage you require, even LED custom neon signs. Here are some of the great signage options that we offer:
Construction Hoardings
Murals & Prints
Custom Banners
Vehicle Graphics
Awnings
Custom Signs
We have over 10 years of experience in the signage industry in Ontario and we strive to exceed industry standards by providing our clients with superior signage solutions through in-house custom design, fabrication, and installation. Contact us today for a free quote.
"I worked with AGC Signs on a signage project and was really happy with how it turned out. Rhonda took the time to explain to me how everything works and we went back and forth a few times looking at proofs. She was super helpful and I'm really happy with the quality of work I received. Would definitely recommend!"
- Lisa Ng
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