In this post we take a look at the 5 most energy efficient custom signs.
We've been in the custom sign business for over 10 years and we'd love to share our expertise and experience with you.
Here, we'll take a closer look at the most energy efficient signs, what makes them efficient, and where you can get them. So, let's get started.
Find out which are the most energy efficient custom signs
Energy Efficient Custom Signs
Consumers are more concerned than ever about businesses who care about the environment, so it's a good idea to think about energy savings not only in terms of your energy bill but also for getting and keeping your customers.
1. LED-Lit Signs
What are they?
LED stands for light emitting diode. It uses much less energy than traditional incandescent lights, as much as 75% less energy.
LEDs can also save you in replacement costs because they can last 25 times longer than regular incandescent lighting.
The following video will explain in depth how LEDs work.
LED lights are more energy efficient and last longer than incandescent lights
New LED-Lit Signage
If you are considering new illuminated signage for your business and would like to get one of the most energy efficient custom signs, consider choosing LED.
They are a great investment as they can reduce your overall energy bill and they will use considerably less energy than traditional illuminated signage. You will also save in maintenance costs as they need to be replaced less often.
LED Retrofitting
If you have an existing illuminated sign that's in good shape and you want to keep it, you may wish to consider having it replaced with LED lighting.
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.
You may choose to have your older signage retrofitted with LED lights
2. Energy-Star Certified Lights/Signage
Energy Star Lights
You can take your energy savings one step further by making sure that the LED lights or signage that you purchase are Energy Star certified. Not all LED lights are Energy Star certified.
Energy Star independently certifies the LED lights that meet their high standards for lasting a long time and saving energy. Choosing an Energy Star version will ensure that you get the maximum energy savings possible.
Energy Star lightbulbs are more efficient and they last longer
Energy Star Signage:
Energy Star certified signage displays are commercial or digital signage that are highly efficient and have "cooler-running panel technologies that can save you money."
Energy Star signage displays have to meet stringent energy efficiency standards. Therefore, they are 18% more efficient than conventional options.
3. Combination of Lit/Unlit Signs; Using Lit Signs Only When Needed
Another great idea for energy efficient custom signs is to use a combination of lit and unlit signs. You can put your outdoor signage on a timer to come on in the evening and to go off again in the morning.
You could also get a switch that senses the amount of light and will activate your lighting as soon as the outdoor light dims, similar to street lights. This is a great option for dark and stormy days.
If you don't want to invest in automatic timers or sensors, you can also manually switch your illuminated or backlit signage off and on when necessary to save on energy.
Turn your outdoor signage off on bright days
4. Neon Lights vs 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.
If your electricity costs about 13 cents per kWh then that means you will be paying $228 to run a neon sign and $347 to run a fluorescent one.
LED signs, however, are still less expensive to run. They will only cost about $80 a year.
Neon signs cost less to run that fluorescent ones
5. Vehicle Signage
It may seem strange to include vehicle signage in a post about the most energy efficient custom signs, however, when it comes to saving energy, vehicle signage does actually fit in.
Most businesses need to drive their vehicles anyway, for deliveries or pick-ups, so why not make use of them and include signage?
You won't use any more energy than you already need to, and they are a great way to get exposure for your business all around town.
Vehicle signs are very economical and will increase your exposure
Additional Light Saving Incentive
If you are a smaller business in Ontario that uses less than 100kW of electricity each month, you may qualify for the Ontario government's Small Business Lighting Incentive Program.
Even though this program doesn't apply to your signage, it could help you reduce your energy consumption with other lighting for your business.
Under the program, you could be eligible for up to $2,000 worth of free products and energy installation to assist you with lighting upgrades.
You will be given a free energy assessment of your business to determine whether or not you are eligible. Find out more here.
Let AGC Signs Help You Get the Most Energy Efficient Custom Signs
AGC Signs cares about being environmentally responsible and that's why we'd love to help you make more sustainable choices for your signage.
We can design and create highly energy-efficient custom signage that will get you noticed and help you save on your energy bills.
All of our custom signage is made from the highest quality materials, by our expertly trained staff using the most up-to-date techniques and processes. Contact AGC Signs today to get a free quote on your energy efficient custom signs.
"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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