Lighted signs are one of the easiest ways for businesses to attract attention. In the past, lighted signs were typically fitted with neon tubing, but the standards for innovative sign design change over time. With advancements in LED technology, it has replaced neon as the standard for lighted signs like channel letters. Let’s take a look at the difference between LED and neon signs and discuss how to select the right kind of channel letter sign for your business.
Benefits of LED Channel Letters
LED-lit signs have become popular for a variety of reasons. They use only a fraction of the electricity that a neon sign uses, and they last even longer, whereas with a neon sign, you may find yourself constantly paying for replacements and repairs. This means that you can save a lot of costs on your LED sign over time; plus you’ll know your sign is eco-friendly. That’s not the only benefit; LED tubing is less bulky than neon tubing, which requires the sign to be at least three inches thick. LED-lit channel letters can be as thin as an inch or less. While neon has a reputation for being tacky, there are many ways that sign cabinets and channel letters can be created to look high-end while still garnering attention. LED tubing also comes with many more color options than neon, giving you endless ways to display your logo or message.
Uses for Neon Lighted Signs
Most types of channel letters that were traditionally lit with neon can be created with LED instead. This includes front lit, reverse lit, and front/back lit channel letters. There is still one type of channel letter sign that is still typically fitted with neon. Open lit channel letters are also known as exposed neon channel letters because as the name implies, the sign’s neon tubing is exposed. While these signs are popular for bars and certain types of restaurants, they may not be appropriate for every business. Because neon signs give off a softer glow than bright LED signs, some people do find their appearance preferable, but it depends on your preference.
LED Retrofitting for Neon Signs
Many landlords and business owners get tired of constantly having to pay for replacement neon when their channel letters burn out, and they’d rather reduce the cost of their electricity bills. If your sign is already in good condition, there’s no reason to get the whole thing replaced in order to update it to an LED sign. Neon channel letters can be retrofitted with LED tubing by a skilled sign maintenance worker. This allows you to experience the benefits of a modern LED sign and display whatever you have to say brightly.
Choose the Right Lighted Sign for your Business
Whatever type of illumination you decide on for your channel letters, you need to make a decision that makes sense for your business or establishment. For a modern sign that is less expensive to maintain over a long period of time, LED-lit channel letters are ideal. If you’re still using neon and think it may be time to upgrade, you can either have your sign retrofitted or replace it entirely with brand new LED channel letters for your business.
