Admit it: You are looking to cut costs. With everything going on, who isn’t? Or course, as a business, you probably have some expenses that cannot be altered; but your utilities are different. Particularly your electric bill. That is why it is more important than ever to lower energy consumption to shave off some dollars—some major dollars—by switching to LED lighting and signage.
You may have heard the term “retrofitting” before when talking about your illuminated signage. Now, it is time to consider why retrofitting your signs with LED is a money-saving move. Yes, retrofitting signage is definitely worth the money, and we’re going to tell you why today.
What is an LED Retrofit?
A retrofit is a fancy term for “out with the old, in with the new.” Basically, if you retrofit your signage, it means that you are removing outdated components, such as the incandescent or halogen bulbs. So, your signage looks exactly the same on the outside, but the inside bulbs are completely new and more economical.
However, retrofitting is not the same as replacing with LED. To replace a sign with LED means stripping it of every single electrical component instead of just the bulbs. That means everything, potentially the entire sign will need to be replaced.
Benefits of Retrofitting Business Signage With LED
So, how can swapping old light bulbs for LED bulbs really affect your utility bill so much? LEDs have multiple advantages that are emphasized when used in illuminated signage. Here are five great reasons LED retrofitting is worthwhile:
Retrofitting Takes Only a Few Hours
Believe it or not, with the help of a masterful technician, your signage can be retrofit in under a day. How is it possible? Well, many fluorescent signs use a T12 type bulb which can be easily swapped out for an LED retrofit. Although no two signs are completely identical, the type of bulb used inside is usually compatible with LED retrofitting, so even your fancy channel letters can be upgraded without an issue.
LED is Low Maintenance
LED retrofit signage is not exactly putting you on autopilot, but it will feel like it. You still need to clean and service your business signs routinely to keep them in good condition for many years, but LED lights generally require far less attention than other competitors. As long as LED lights are not exposed to the elements, they will last you many years. LED lights do not falter in lower temperatures and have a longer lifespan than most light types. Plus, LED lights will not flicker or turn that weird shade of pink you see with failing fluorescent bulbs.
LED Signage Operates at 80 Percent Efficiency
Did you know that every single light bulb emits a percentage of heat as energy? Fluorescent, incandescent, neon, and LED all do it, but some are better at producing light instead of heat. That is why some bulbs are so hot to the touch while LED lights remain cool. The reason for this is that LED bulbs are extremely efficient and convert at least 80 percent of energy into light. That means they produce less heat, more light, and have an operating cost that is 50 percent cheaper than other lighting types.
A Single LED Light Uses About 12-18 Watts
LED lights are not just efficient; A standard fluorescent bulb will use between 32-40 watts to operate, while an LED runs on about 12-18 watts. How does that save you money? Consider side: The cost of a kilowatt-hour (kWh) is about 20.8 cents as of January 2020. That means that the difference in operation between fluorescent lights and LEDs is around 234-236 watts per hour. If you do the math, you will find that retrofitting saves you around $49 per year. It might not seem like a lot at first, but that adds up over time!
LEDs Have a Lifespan of 25,000 Hours or More
Of every type of illumination available, LED is the crowning champion of performance and longevity. LED lights last longer than any other bulb. Most LEDs are rated for about 50,000 hours of life, and even low-end LED bulbs will last 25,000 hours. The best-LED lights run around 200,000 hours or more.
When you compare that to the paltry 15,000 hours of use you get from fluorescent bulbs, you will find that LED lights are far more cost-effective. As fluorescent bulbs age, they become less and less bright, reducing visibility and making it difficult to illuminate signage. LED lights will never lose brightness for as long as they operate, so you have to worry less about replacing LEDs immediately.
Get Your Sign Retrofit By Tupp Signs Today!
So, is retrofitting your business signage with LEDs worth it? Definitely. If you want to reduce operating costs and make your signage look brighter and more noticeable, then you want to make the change to LED today. The process is easier than you would expect when done by a signage professional, meaning you can start reaping the benefits sooner.
Talk to Tupp Signs today to learn more about getting your signage retrofitted with LEDs. Our certified technicians know how to retrofit signs swiftly and accurately. We can also answer any of your questions about the turnaround time and the cost. Give us a call or fill out the contact form!