Do LED Neon Signs Use a Lot of Electricity?
LED neon signs don't use as much electricity as standard light bulbs. But, a vital thing to note is that everyone's usage will be dependent on the size of the lights. Also, how often you use them will impact your bills.
Yet, LED neon signs are still beneficial than traditional glass neon lights. So let's learn about LED neon signs and how much electricity they need comparing to other options.
What Are the Main Difference Between LED Neon Signs and Ordinary Neon Lights?
LED neon signage is becoming popular among consumers. Whether for domestic or commercial use, people are moving away from traditional neon lights.
The construction and operation of the two are different. When it comes to mechanics, LED signage is of LED strips with enough spacing. The light-emitting diodes are well spaced to allow light sources to overlap.
It gives a constant yet bright glow, unlike what you find in the flickering neon lights. Overall, LEDs come wrapped in protective polymers. As a result, they are relatively lightweight compared to the old neon glass tubing. Also, they boast high flexibility.
Glass is breakable, and this means that the LEDs aren't as fragile as their counterparts. Most old neon lights are slightly taller and broader compared to LEDs. The latter can be as tiny as an inch thick, while the former's minimum size is about three to five inches.
Usually, the glass tube of traditional neon signs should extend far away from the backing. For these reasons, most people are considering LEDs for affordability. Moreover, it is a better method of creating ambiance and functionality.
How to Calculate the Electricity Consumption of a Neon Sign?
Most people using glass neon for commercial purposes don't know the importance of calculating the electricity consumption of these lighting. It helps you understand their operating costs to see if they are below, within, or above your expected budget.
Glass Neon signs will consume more electricity than LED neon signage. For this, we may need to find out the watts ratios used in each foot of the neon tube. Other factors that influence this are the transformer and the color of your light.
Also, get the average cost of electricity per kilowatt and the duration that your lights will be on. Then, multiply your answer by the total wattage consumed by the total hours.
For emergency lights that must remain on constantly, calculate it for all 24 hours. Then, multiply your answer with the average electricity cost per kilowatt. It should give you an estimate of your electricity consumption.
Electricity Consumption - LED Neon Signs vs. Glass Neon
No doubt LED neon signs are suitable to offer more while consuming less electricity. It is the reason why most people are shifting to them and bidding traditional neon lights goodbye.
Statistics show that LED neon signs offer over 90% more energy savings than their counterparts. There is so much controversy here, though.
Some users claim that energy inefficiency is a primary issue of concern in LED lights, unlike glass neon. LED neon signs with similar colors and sizes as the traditional glass neon lights will consume less power.
But, if left on for twelve hours straight each day, one foot of the LED lighting will consume about 3.5 kilowatts per year. So, yes, this is a significant saving in the amount of power used.
If you adjust the brightness of LED neon signs to match traditional ones, there will still be a difference in energy consumption. Even so, not as much as it would if you reduce it to its standard brightness.
Store owners who want more illumination and attraction can increase the brightness of their LED neon signs if they still want to save on their electricity costs.
Electricity Consumption - LED Neon Signs vs. Fluorescent Lights
For functionality and aesthetics, neon LED signs will remain top of the list if you look for excellent lighting fixtures. Besides being easy to use and maintain, you can use them for a longer time.
The cost of LED neon signs will vary depending on size. Big signs cost more, and as you increase the letters, the prices shoot.
Still working at their best, LED neon signs will be more efficient in energy consumption than fluorescent lights.
Fluorescent bulbs are commonly suitable for domestic, commercial, and industrial use. These came in to save on energy and had the traditional bulbs that produced yellow lights as competitors. But, due to the lack of viable options, they became a primary consideration among many users.
If you compare fluorescent fixtures to LED neon signs, the neon ones consume less energy. Moreover, some fluorescent lights are high output. It means they will use more power than standard ones.
For instance, a foot of the fluorescent light will take up about 70 kilowatts in a year if you leave it on for twelve hours each day. The difference in power consumption of incandescent bulbs and LED neon signs is vast. Incandescent bulbs will take up about four times more power than neon signs.
Why Are Neon LED Signs the Best Alternative for Glass Neon?
If you want convenience, ease of use, maintenance, durability, and energy efficiency, investing in neon LED signs is the best option.
There is a notable difference in the energy consumption of neon lights and LED signs.
LED lights are known for their numerous benefits that make them consideration for most businesses and households. Overall, LED neon signs are energy efficient in the long run, especially if your power consumption is heavy.
You can't ignore this if you are looking to save on your electricity costs. While the size, brightness, and duration of lighting might influence the amount you will spend monthly or yearly, you can't compare this to traditional glass neon.
LED neon signs save over 75% of energy, making it safe for the environment and your pocket.
What's more, durability is also an issue of concern. You wouldn't want to buy a light fixture today and have it ruined the next day. But, we all want fixtures that last long until we are ready to upgrade them.
LEDs are known for their durability. First, they are sturdy and very flexible. So you can handle them without any worries. Besides, these aren't breakable like glass neon lights.
In short, it means that the risks of damage and breakage are very low, especially if you have kids or flimsy handlers around. In addition, you will save on replacement costs as these can last twenty-five times longer. So, it could be time to forget about your incandescent bulbs.
Should You Upgrade or Replace the Old Light?
Did you know that you could retrofit your old signage with LED? You can fit most traditional neon signage systems with LED systems for energy efficiency. It is known as retrofitting and is possible to work on any illumination signage.
But, some old signage is past its best. It means retrofitting the old signs won't be the best option.
Instead, you can consider replacing them with modern yet professional LED signs that portray your brand better.
Besides being cost-effective, you will have a new fixture that is more durable, with no mechanical or technical issues and working efficiently.
Initially, people were using traditional neon signs outdoors to attract customers to businesses. But, this has changed over time with the evolution of LED neon signage. Nowadays, there are options for indoor and outdoor use.
Depending on your theme, plans, and budget, you can choose to have this anywhere in the home or business. Current designs for outdoor use are waterproof and create an aesthetical appeal like no other.
LED neon signs are safe for the environment as they don't use gas like traditional options. Thus, the risks of air contamination are null. Also, one can control the brightness level, making it comfortable for people around.
It wasn't possible in old neon lights. Besides, they don't get hot as their counterparts do. It means they are safe to touch even after being on for long hours. But, ensure you install them far from children since bright lights can easily attract them.
In short, LED neon signs are an excellent option for those opting for colorful signage. They save on as much power as possible while maintaining their glow. That's why most businesses and households are opting for them instead of incandescent or fluorescent lights.
Final Thoughts!
In the current times, if you want to make significant savings, choosing the correct signage is essential. If you are a regular user of neon signs and still want to save as much as possible, controlling your usage is vital. Schedule their turning on and off when necessary.
Choose the best styles that will portray your brand, personality, and enhance your space together. LED Neon signs are also excellent gifting ideas you can consider. As usual, ensure you get a professional to install the lights in your area to avoid risking damage and accidents.
