Illuminated channel letter lighting can make a striking addition to any business, drawing attention and creating an impressive impression.
However, when selecting illuminated channel letter signs it is important to take several factors into account such as durability, longevity and energy efficiency into account.
Neon tubes were popular when pool rooms, bars and arcades first opened their doors; now, LEDs have taken over as the latest signage trend.
1. Increased Visibility
No matter if your business operates after dark or during the day, its signage needs to capture customers’ attention and attract their patronage. LED channel letter lighting is an effective way of making signs visible even under dim lighting conditions or at nighttime.
Neon tubes evoke nostalgia of days gone by when pool rooms opened, bars offered drinks to patrons and arcades welcomed numerous teenagers – but since then these signage products have come a long way. Today’s high-tech LED modules use less electricity to illuminate signs, saving energy costs significantly and saving you money on energy costs.
An LED strip channel’s primary method for increasing brightness is through blocking or lowering light points and improving light diffusion. Products like SloanLED’s batwing optic and ILT’s Sideview series direct light so it washes across your face evenly, creating greater illumination overall.
2. Longevity
While neon signs remain popular due to their proven track record and economical maintenance requirements, LED systems have quickly become the go-to technology for back-illuminated channel letters due to lower fabrication costs, energy and maintenance savings compared with neon, as well as offering greater options in spacing, colors and advanced optics.
Illuminated channel letter signs offer another advantage in terms of longevity: when constructed using high-strength materials such as aluminum and polycarbonate, illuminated channel letter signage can last over 10 years before succumbing to salt air damage and becoming discolored over time. This feature becomes even more important if placed near an ocean where salt air exposure accelerates deterioration of signs.
Temperature and weather conditions also impact the lifespan of illuminated channel letters, such as cold temperatures which may cause cracking of signs and the lights inside to fade over time.
3. Energy Efficiency
LED sign lighting uses significantly less energy than its alternatives, helping reduce electricity bills while simultaneously producing less light pollution, an issue in certain areas.
LED bulbs may seem to have a shorter lifespan than their conventional counterparts; however, this depends on where their sign resides in terms of environment. For instance, signs hung near beaches may be exposed to salt air that speeds up their degradation.
Energy efficiency is of utmost importance when considering the longevity of illuminated signage. Opting for low-powered LED bulbs and smaller transformers will result in noticeable cost savings over time – something you will surely appreciate when it comes to your utility bill!
4. Easy Maintenance
Our aluminum halo lit channel letters feature energy-efficient LED lighting in sizes 16″ and up. Their acrylic facing can easily be removed for servicing of LEDs for hassle-free maintenance.
LEDs don’t contain mercury like their neon counterparts do, making them safer to handle in case they break. Still, they may still sustain damage that requires professional repair.
To prevent this from happening, it’s essential that signs remain free of debris and pests that could lead to structural issues or short circuits. Furthermore, lights should be regularly washed to remove grime build-up for optimal visual appearance and cleanliness. In addition, signs should be protected from extreme temperatures; cold can crack some materials while too much sun exposure can deplete LEDs, shortening their lifespan significantly.
5. Customization
LED lighting used in aluminum channel letters comes with multiple color choices that can be tailored specifically for their intended location. The return or sides typically are constructed of aluminum while backing can either be either aluminum or clear polycarbonate that allows translucent vinyl applications for adding a halo effect of colors.
No matter the time of day or night, customers should easily be able to locate you using a lighted channel letter sign. Ideal for businesses operating after dark such as restaurants, bars and convenience stores – this form of signage will keep your customers coming.
LED channel letter signs use less electricity than neon tubing, saving on energy costs and utility bills over time. If you’re ready to upgrade your storefront, check out City Light Toronto’s selection of products!
