For businesses looking to add eye-catching signage and lighting, LED neon signs offer an excellent modern solution with many advantages over traditional neon signs. Here’s an overview of what LED neon is along with the top reasons to consider LED neon signs for your store, restaurant or other commercial space.
What is LED Neon?
LED neon signs utilize LED technology to simulate the glow and visual effect of classic neon signs. Instead of shaping long glass tubes filled with neon gas into text or graphics and illuminating them, LED neon uses strings of LEDs to create the same vibrant appearance in a more flexible, energy-efficient way.
LED neon mimics neon’s continuous, uniform glow with LEDs spaced tightly together along electrified paths. Tubing or acrylic masks diffuses the light evenly into neon-like illumination. LED neon offers the same captivating luminosity that makes true neon so distinctive.
Lower Energy Costs
One of the biggest advantages of LED neon signs is dramatically lower energy consumption. Neon tubes require high-voltage power to excite the gas within and achieve illumination. This results in high energy bills. LED technology runs on just a fraction of the electricity while outputting the same or greater light levels. LED neon can slash sign power costs by 50% or more.
Longer Lifespan
The average lifespan of a neon tube is just 8,000 to 15,000 hours until brightness begins fading. LED light sources last 10 to 15 times longer, up to 100,000 hours, while maintaining consistent brilliance. Fewer bulb replacements makes LED neon signs a better long-term value. They also contain no fragile glass parts prone to breakage like neon.
Brighter Illumination
Modern LEDs emit very high light output, resulting in LED neon signs that look even brighter than classic neon. Customizable LED placement and density means light levels can be adjusted for maximum visibility or toned down as needed. Neon often looks dimmer on overcast days or when accumulated dirt reduces luminosity. LED neon shines through with super-bright illumination come rain or shine.
Full Color Capabilities
While neon tubing is limited to a single-color per tube, LED neon signs can display full RGB color across the lighting graphic. Vibrant multi-color animations and effects are possible. Different color mixes can be programmed on various sign elements. This leads to stunning visual polish that plain neon can’t match.
Instant Illumination and Movement
Neon requires several minutes to warm up and activate illumination as gas excites. LEDs achieve instant, flicker-free light. LED neon can also incorporate chase sequences, gradual fades, and smooth animation not possible with neon’s analog nature. This allows more dynamic, digitally-controlled lighting displays.
Weather and Vibration Resistance
Neon’s glass tubes make the signs vulnerable to weather events and physical disturbances. Wind vibrations, winter frost, excess moisture, and more can wreck havoc on neon. LED neon withstands these environmental stressors thanks to solid-state construction and durable materials like polycarbonate. LED neon braves the elements for reliable visibility.
Lower Maintenance Needs
With fewer replacement bulbs, no glass breakage risks, and weather-resistant construction, LED neon needs much less labor-intensive maintenance over its lifetime. You also avoid the need for certified neon specialists for repairs and servicing. LED systems are simple for any staff to maintain.
For any business seeking an eye-catching sign presence, LED neon brings all the retro-cool appeal of neon with 21st century advantages. Durable, vivid and energy-smart, it’s an investment sure to pay visual dividends for years to come. LED neon allows harnessing neon’s nostalgic charm while advancing boldly into the future.