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For many years, light-emitting
diodes were primarily known for
their use in alarm clocks, flashlights
and automobile taillights, but these bulbs
offer more benefits than their small size
and versatility.
LEDs also are highly energy-efficient,
and with no filament to burn out, their life
spans far exceed those of traditional incandescent
or fluorescent bulbs —lasting
25,000 to 50,000 hours. As a result, they
are playing an integral role in the green energy
push and are now used by business
owners in a variety of ways, including
lighting for outdoor signage.
While many businesses currently use
LED lights in interior spaces, for items like
exit signs, architectural accent lighting and
as replacements for traditional light bulbs,
many are not aware of the outdoor signage
applications for these lights.
This is primarily because of the previously
limited color options for the 40-
year-old LED technology. Though they
are currently available in a variety of colors,
until recently, LEDs were only produced
to create red light—the naturally
occurring color for the technology. Now
that the technology has advanced, and
more colors are available, including white,
prices have dropped, and usability has
dramatically increased.
LEDs are easily adaptable for outdoor
use and are even less susceptible to outside
conditions, such as wind, vibration and extreme
temperatures. They can be implemented
in nearly any outdoor sign, from
channel letters to digital signage to doublefaced
illuminated pylon signs. They produce
lighting with equal intensity to
fluorescent alternatives and even light more
quickly than their less energy-efficient counterparts. LEDs function well at
both high and low levels and are easily
dimmable for a variety of lighting
needs.
Going Green
Use of LED lights provides significant
reductions in carbon footprint, with estimated
energy savings between 60 and 80
percent. This is because they produce more
light or lumens per watt than either incandescent
or fluorescent lighting, and as a result
require less energy—12 volts versus
110 volts. They also are highly economical
at generating the sign’s light and only use
a minimal amount of power to illuminate
the sign.
Unlike fluorescent bulbs, LED bulbs do
not contain toxic chemicals, like mercury.
These chemicals are harmful to both the
environment and people, when released in
large quantities. Bulbs that contain mercury
also are fragile and often require special
disposal techniques—unlike LEDs, which
can be disposed in a traditional manner.
New LED signage can also be paired
with other green innovations, including use
of more eco-friendly low volatile organic
compound (VOC) paint on sign exteriors.
Bottom Line
Use of LED lights for outdoor signage
does represent an initial increase in cost,
because of the advanced level of the
technology. However, the return on investment
can be as fast as two years, depending
on the sign type and local
energy costs, and the upgrade will lead
to significant cost savings in the years
that follow.
The increased life of the lights minimizes
bulb replacement needs, therefore reducing
service frequency and maintenance requirements
over the long term. Unlike
fluorescent bulbs, which require frequent
replacement. The lights also emit less heat
than other lighting alternatives, which
minimizes damage to the sign and increases
its lifespan. These potential savings
in service, maintenance and sign
quality are in addition to the major energy
cost reductions.
Retrofitting for Reduced Cost
While many companies are implementing
LED lighting in new or replacement
signs, existing signs can easily be retrofitted
with the lights, as well. Retrofitting can be
particularly cost-effective for chain stores with multiple locations that may not have
the budget or need to replace existing signs.
Retrofitting can take no more than a few
days, depending on size, and will immediately
lower energy use and maintenance
needs.
Some local or state government agencies
may even provide financial aid to companies
for LED retrofits through the Energy
Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant
(EECBG) program administered by the
U.S. Department of Energy. The program,
which is funded through the American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act of 2009, provides
funds to local and state governments
to develop and implement projects to improve
energy efficiency and reduce energy
use in communities. More information
about the federal program can be found at
www.eere.energy.gov.
For businesses planning to produce new
signage or seeking to reduce energy costs
through a fast and easy retrofitting process,
LEDs can be an ideal alternative. The technology
also provides numerous environmental
benefits to rapidly reduce your
company’s carbon footprint. ❑
Steve Williams is president of Jacksonville,
Fla.-based Quality Sign Company. |
