So you're intending to purchase a neon sign, or have already purchased one, here's the lowdown about our type of neon sign, what it's made of, it's energy efficiency and cost saving properties. We'll also brief you on two types of Neon sign - LED and glass - which is better for you?
Here at Neon Life, we use LED neon, which we've carefully chosen as it has several advantages over glass neon in terms of cost, energy efficiency, material, etc,
Material
Glass neon lighting comes in a hand crafted glass tube. Glass neon tubes are made of glass, hence are very fragile and prone to damages if handled incorrectly. Glass neon signs should have open circuit protection to stop the flow of electricity when the tubes are damaged.
LED neon lights and signs are created using light emitting diodes (LEDs) which are strung closely together so that the light they emit overlaps and creates a steady source of light. LED neon signs are usually lighter and more protected than glass neon lights as they are wrapped in a polymer jacket to protect each diode from external damage. This means LED neons are super portable and great for event use too!
Energy saving
If you are looking for the most energy efficient lighting or signage option then LED neon is the way to go. It uses much less power than a glass neon light - neon bulbs need 15,000 volts to run while LEDs need just 24 volts. Other than the energy saving properties, a low voltage means more safety in your home and office. LED neons are not hot to the touch, so don't worry if someone touches the lights!
Cost
Glass neon and LED neon cost about the same price. However, considering the lifespan of both types of neon, you are looking at 3x cost savings if you purchase a LED neon sign! Glass neons last up to about 10,000 hours of use, while LED neons can last up to 30,000 hours of use.
Environmental Considerations
Because glass neon contains harmful chemicals such as mercury, many government agencies are starting to ban the use of glass neons due to potential mercury pollution. This is probably one of the most important reasons why LED neons are becoming more commonplace today. LED neon is safe for the environment and public.
We hope this article has been useful for your decision to create a LED neon sign!
Love,
Neon Life team