How long do Neon Signs last?

Neon signs are tubes of Americana, perfectly capturing the retro feel of the 1930s through the 1950s. Many neon signs from this era have become so iconic that they are still on-trend, which is for a good reason. They’re a classic, you might say. They last a fair amount of time, even though we’ve all seen those half-dead signs that emit a pitiful flicker or don’t function at all. It’s never a good look.

Neon lights are made up of different components, each with its own average lifetime. But for real, how long do Neon signs last? Find out more about its shelf life by reading on.

Considerations

Two things affect how long your neon sign can last:

1. Transformer condition
2. Color coating and gas shelf life

Transformer Life

You can expect your neon sign transformer to last up to eight to 15 years. The numbers solely depend on how much and how you use the signages. Those signs are up indoors, away from direct heat, can last longer than those that face the weather every day.

Transformers may be damaged by direct sunlight, so if they are used outdoors and exposed to the sun, they can not survive as long as indoor signs.

Function

Traditional or LED neon signs exposed to an inconsistent electrical supply or those blinking ones tend to last shorter. If a neon sign blinks/flickers, this can inflict increased wear on the components and reduce their longevity. You may opt to switch between flickering and static and use the flicker settings sparingly.

Tube Life

Luminous neon glass tubes in the neon signs typically last about 8 to 15 years. If put in the right environment and well-maintained, then you could get your money’s worth. Coatings last for up to 7 to 10 years, depending on the sign’s brightness and usage.

Phosphorus coatings that provide color to the neon tubes are not indefinite and last from 7-10 years, but a neon sign repair specialist may recoat them. This coating’s shelf life can be influenced by how much and with what strength the sign is used.

Power Supply

Problems with unreliable power supply can also influence how long the sign lasts. When the sign is installed, you should instruct the contractor about this. A professional neon sign manufacturer will make sure that the system is up to scratch.

Repair

Repairing or recoating your neon sign glass tubing is possible. You can also add fresh gas and replace the transformer. All these factors can add to the shelf life of your neon sign.

For business owners who wish to get that attractively gleaming storefront, getting neon signs is the easiest way. If you’re one of these people, then remember only to get neon signs from trusted stores. Neon signs are relatively safe and offer cost-efficiency only if you have high-quality neon signs.

Tips to Help Maintain Your Neon Sign

Neon lights are guaranteed to make any business a whole lot brighter, attracting more customers. We should not take it for granted. To make sure it lasts, here are some answers on how to effectively maintain the brightness of your neon!

Keep it clean!

Keeping your signs clean is the most important step in prolonging its lifespan. The more dust and grime gather in your neon signs, the lesser it serves its purpose. It will eventually become uninviting and dull.

Make sure your sign is unplugged before starting to clean it. It may look harmless, but it’s still powered by a transformer that may trigger a shock. To remove dust, you can use a vacuum cleaner or a paintbrush to brush the dust away. But for signs that have accumulated grime, you may need to spray an ammonia-based cleanser and use a soft cloth to wipe the grime.

Don’t Unplug!

Believe it or not, you’re better off leaving the neon sign plugged in at all times, whether you’re washing it or repairing it. This is by turning the neon sign off and putting more wear and tear on the neon sign transformer all the time than just switching it on.

NeonSign.com

Neonsign.com is driven to offer only the best-customized neon signs and LED flex for its customers. Whether it’s for your home or businesses, our creative team can make you a personalized light fixture perfect for your needs. You can also browse our ready-made products and have a customized sign that’s worth your money! Send us a service request now to get started.