Neon versus LED: an indepth neon sign comparison.
Neon and LED neon signs are two different lights extensively used for signage, advertising, and decoration. Both types of signs are recognized for their brilliant, eye-catching look and ability to draw attention, but there are some significant distinctions between neon and LED neon signs to be aware of. In this “neon versus LED” comparison, we’ll look at how neon and LED neon signs differ in terms of illumination, energy efficiency, durability, color possibilities, flexibility, maintenance, longevity, safety, and convenience. Understanding these distinctions will assist companies and people in making an educated decision when deciding between neon and LED neon signs for their requirements.
This is chapter 3 in the neon sign library
What are neon signs? How do they work?
For years, neon signs have been used for multiple purposes - like advertising, decorating, and displaying signs. They are often used to draw attention to a business or to promote a particular product or service. These electric signs use gas-discharge tubes to produce a bright, glowing light and can be made into various colors. Furthermore, they can be customized to spell words or form shapes and designs that grab attention and promote particular products or services.
The tubes are made of thin glass sealed at each end and contain a small amount of neon gas. When an electric current is enacted through the gas, it becomes ionized and produces a bright glow. The tubes are bent into various shapes to form letters or symbols and are mounted on a metal or plastic backing to create the sign. The colors of neon signs are created by adding different elements to the neon gas, such as argon or mercury, which produce different colors when they are ionized.
What are LED neon signs? How do they work?
LED neon signs employ light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to provide a vivid, brilliant light. LED neon signs employ a flexible strip of LEDs set on a transparent or semi-transparent background, in contrast to conventional neon signs, which use neon gas-discharge tubes to create light. The formation of a continuous, luminous line is produced by connecting the LEDs to a power source and programming them to turn on and off precisely. LED neon signs are often employed as a more resilient and energy-efficient replacement for conventional neon signs. LED neon signs are a popular choice for advertising and adorning businesses and public areas since they can be made in various sizes and styles.
Learn more: How to make custom neon signs? The easy guide for sign store owners.
Neon versus LED: Which signs provide better visibility?
Both neon signs and LED neon signs have distinctive characteristics that make them both useful for increasing visibility in various contexts. Neon signs have a vivid, luminous appearance. Due to their vibrant and eye-catching look, they have long been a preferred option for increasing visibility in enterprises. Contrarily, LED neon signs may be favored by certain individuals because of the vast variety of colors they can show and may be more appropriate for usage in specific situations, such as in low light. In general, LED neon signs could feel more contemporary than conventional neon signs.
People’s opinions of the lighting from neon signs and LED neon signs may differ. Someone may see neon signs’ brilliant & glowing effect as more eye-catching and attention-grabbing. Whilst others may find LED neon signs more serene and quiet due to their ability to display a wide range of colors. Furthermore, how a neon sign or LED neon sign is used may influence how people see them.
As an illustration, a neon sign utilized as a decorative element in a shop or restaurant may create a lively and inviting ambiance. A flashing LED neon sign, on the other hand, maybe more suited for usage as a safety sign to warn people of potential dangers. The effect of neon signs and LED neon signs on people’s emotions ultimately depends on the environment in which they are utilized as well as the preferences of the particular observer.
Which signs provide more affordable prices?
In general, LED neon signs are more affordable than neon signs due to the different materials and processes used to create them. Neon signs are made with glass tubes filled with a gas, such as neon or argon, and then electrified to create a bright, glowing effect. This process can be time-consuming and requires skilled labor, which can drive up the cost of neon signs.
LED neon signs are made with LED lights encased in flexible plastic tubing, which is a more efficient and cost-effective process. As a result, LED neon signs tend to be less expensive than neon signs. However, it is necessary to note that the price of both types of signs can vary significantly depending on factors such as the size and complexity of the sign, the materials used, and the provider or manufacturer.
Learn more: Why are neon signs so expensive? Shopify sign store guide
Are neon or LED neon signs more durable?
The durability of neon signs and LED neon signs can vary depending on many factors, including the quality of the materials used and the conditions in which the signs are used. In general, neon signs may be more prone to breakage due to the fragile nature of the glass tubes. If a neon sign is subjected to rough handling or extreme temperatures, it may be more likely to break or malfunction.
In comparison, LED neon signs are made with LED lights encased in flexible plastic tubing, which is more durable than glass. As a result, LED neon signs may be more resistant to breakage and damage than neon signs. However, it is important to note that both types of signs can be prone to malfunction or failure if they are not properly maintained or used in inappropriate conditions. To ensure the longevity and durability of any neon or LED neon sign, people must follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for use and care.
Neon versus LED: Which signs allow more color options?
When it comes to the range of color options available, LED neon signs tend to have a wider variety of colors to choose from compared to neon signs. The color of the light produced by a neon sign is determined by the type of gas used, with neon gas producing a bright red light and argon gas producing a pale blue light. Other gasses, such as krypton and xenon, can produce different colors, but the range of colors available is generally limited compared to LED neon signs. However, LED neon signs are made with LED lights encased in flexible plastic tubing and can be customized to display a wide range of colors. Overall, LED neon signs offer more color options compared to neon signs.
Which signs are more flexible for design?
Regarding flexibility for design work, LED neon signs tend to have an advantage over neon signs due to the versatility of the materials used to create them. LED neon signs are made with LED lights encased in flexible plastic tubing, allowing for a greater range of design options than neon signs.
In addition, the plastic tubing used in LED neon signs can be bent and shaped into various forms, allowing for more creative and customizable design work. This flexibility makes LED neon signs well-suited for use in multiple settings and for different purposes, such as creating visually striking displays or promoting a specific brand image.
But, Neon signs are made with glass tubes filled with gas and electrified to create a glowing effect. While neon signs can be used to create visually striking displays, the rigid nature of the glass tubes limits the range of design options compared to LED neon signs. As a result, LED neon signs may be more flexible for design work compared to neon signs.
Which are more energy efficient: neon or LED neon signs?
In terms of energy efficiency, LED neon signs tend to be more energy-efficient than neon signs. LED lights are known for their energy-efficient design, using less electricity to produce the same amount of light as traditional incandescent bulbs. This makes LED neon signs a more energy-efficient choice compared to neon signs, which are made with glass tubes that are filled with gas and electrified to create a glowing effect. The electrical components used in neon signs can be more power-hungry than LED lights, resulting in higher energy usage and costs.
The energy efficiency and cost savings of both types of signs can vary significantly depending on factors such as the size and complexity of the sign, the materials used, the conditions in which the sign is used, and the local cost of electricity. However, as a general rule, LED neon signs tend to be cost savings on energy bills over time than neon signs.
For example, suppose a business was to replace a traditional neon sign with an LED neon sign. In that case, they can reduce their energy usage by 10-50% or more, depending on the specific circumstances. It could translate into hundreds or even thousands of dollars in cost savings over the lifetime of the LED neon sign. However, these estimates are purely illustrative and may not reflect the actual energy efficiency and cost savings in a particular setting.
Maintenance comparison: neon versus LED signs
When it comes to maintenance, both neon signs and LED neon signs have their own unique considerations. Neon signs, which are made with glass tubes filled with a gas and electrified to create a glowing effect, may require more frequent maintenance due to the fragile nature of the glass tubes and the electrical components used to create the glowing effect. If a neon sign is not maintained correctly, it may be more prone to breakage or malfunction over time. This can result in higher maintenance costs and the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
LED neon signs are made with LED lights encased in flexible plastic tubing and are generally more durable and longer-lasting than neon signs. As a result, LED neon signs may require less maintenance compared to neon signs.
Which signs have a longer lifespan?
In terms of lifespan for lighting, LED neon signs tend to have a longer lifespan compared to neon signs. LED lights are known for their lengthy lifespan, with some LED lights rated to last for 50,000 hours or more. This makes LED neon signs a more reliable and long-lasting lighting option compared to neon signs. But, the electrical components used in neon signs can be more prone to failure over time, which can result in a shorter lifespan for the lighting.
Additionally, the fragile nature of the glass tubes used in neon signs can make them more prone to breakage, which can also shorten the lifespan of the lighting. As a result, LED neon signs tend to have a longer lifespan for lighting compared to neon signs. The lifespan of both types of signs can be impacted by factors such as the conditions in which they are used, the level of maintenance they receive, and the quality of the materials used.
Neon versus LED neon signs: Which are safer?
In terms of safety, both types of signs involve the use of electricity, which can present certain safety risks if not used properly. However, LED neon signs may be considered safer in certain respects compared to neon signs. One reason for this is that LED lights are generally cooler to the touch compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, which can be hot to the touch when in use. This can make LED neon signs safer to use in areas where children or pets may come into contact with them, as there is less risk of burns or injuries.
Besides, LED neon signs are made with flexible plastic tubing, which is less prone to breakage compared to the fragile glass tubes used in neon signs. This fact can make LED neon signs safer to use in areas where the sign may be bumped or knocked over, as there is less risk of shards of glass causing injuries.
Overall, both neon signs and LED neon signs can be safe to use when used properly and in appropriate conditions, but LED neon signs may be considered safer in certain respects due to the cooler temperature of the LED lights and the more durable nature of the plastic tubing.
Learn more: Are neon signs dangerous? How to handle them safely & avert accidents?
Installation and mounting: Which are more convenient?
Regarding installation and mounting, LED neon signs may be more convenient than neon signs due to the flexibility of the materials used to create them. This flexibility makes LED neon signs easier to install and mount in a variety of locations and settings. In addition, the plastic tubing used in LED neon signs can be cut to size and secured in place using mounting hardware or adhesives, allowing for a quick and easy installation process. In contrast, the rigid nature of the glass tubes used in neon signs can make them more challenging to install and mount, especially in areas where the sign needs to be bent or shaped in a specific way. As a result, LED neon signs are more convenient for installation and mounting compared to neon signs.
Nostalgic appeal: The reason makes unique brands still love neon signs.
Despite the increasing popularity of LED neon signs, many businesses and individuals continue to choose glass neon signs for their nostalgic appeal. Neon signs have been a popular choice for creating visibility in businesses for many years, and they are often associated with a certain retro or vintage aesthetic.
For some brands, the nostalgic appeal of neon signs is an important part of their identity and helps to differentiate them from their competitors. The bright, glowing effect of neon signs can also create a sense of excitement and energy, which can be attractive to certain businesses or individuals. Further, the fact that neon signs have been around for so long may make them more familiar and trusted to some people, which can make them more appealing for use in specific contexts.
How can sign store owners let customers compare Neon and LED signs in real-time?
There are several ways where sign store owners can provide customers with the option to choose between neon and LED signs in real-time on their website. One effective solution is to use a dynamic design and visualization tool, such as the Neon Sign Product Customizer app, which allows customers to choose and compare different types of signs in real-time on the website.
This can be particularly useful for customers who are interested in comparing the prices of neon and LED signs, as the Neon Sign Product Customizer app allows them to see the pricing options for different signs material in real-time and make an informed decision.
By providing customers with the option to choose and compare neon and LED signs on the website, sign store owners can make it easier for customers to purchase the right sign for their needs and budget. This can help to increase customer satisfaction and loyalty, as customers feel that they have the information and options they need to make an informed purchase decision.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, neon and LED neon signs are two popular choices for signage, advertising, and decorative purposes, each with their own unique characteristics and benefits. While neon signs are known for their vintage, retro aesthetic and ability to create a bright, glowing effect, LED neon signs offer a more energy-efficient, cost-effective, and durable alternative with a wider range of color options. Ultimately, the decision between neon and LED neon signs will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the user, as well as the specific circumstances and conditions in which the sign will be used.
