Is It Time to Upgrade Your Neon Signs to LED Signs?

With the economic challenges of recent years, many businesses are now trying different ways to attract more customers while spending less money. One effective tactic that is catching on is making changes to the signs businesses use, especially from traditional neon signs to led open signs. Many businesses have traded in their older neon signs for more modern LED, with some electing to use combinations of both. Both will certainly command attention, but there are significant differences between the two sign types.


Surely, the first difference one will notice is that neon and LED signs are made from different materials. Neon signs are made using real glass tubes, which makes them vivid but more prone to breaking. Because LED signs are made using special polymer wrapping, they are much lighter in weight and also more flexible. Glass neon signs are still very popular for business and other lighting uses, yet this could begin to change, as LED signs are easier and faster to install.

A great number of businesses are now recognizing the energy saving benefits of LED signs, and have accordingly switched from neon. LED signs do not require as much energy to run, nor do they burn as much excess heat, which makes them significantly more cost effective. Even more, traditional neon signs can present a shock hazard, or otherwise breakdown, presenting safety risks. With higher energy costs and potential shock risks, many businesses still continue to purchase neon signs for their specific needs.

Both performing the same function, the choice really is a matter of what a given business needs or prefers for its advertising. The style or design of a certain business may be more cohesive with a neon sign than with a LED one. Yet, LED signs , being brighter, more energy efficient, and more creatively flexible, are fast becoming the sign choice of the future. Still, in the end, many businesses have simply chosen LED signs because they are inexpensive to run and maintain.

With its 20th Century technology, neon signs tend to give an impression that is warmer, more vibrant, and more inviting. Some businesses want to project a sense of progress and advancement, choosing LED signs for their more straightforward, futuristic feel. Other businesses have taken advantage of the benefits of each and use both neon and LED signs together, creating unique display effects. Though neon signs have been the standard for almost 100 years, the changes in our economy and energy technologies may soon call for LED signs to take their place. No matter what kinds of signs a business needs today, it should certainly keep future changes and developments in mind as it decides exactly how to promote itself.