Autumn Lightbulb Sign Checkup

SHINE A LIGHT ON YOUR BRAND’S SIGNATURE: YOUR SIGN

Bottom line: Now is the time to change burned-out bulbs.
Your brand’s signature is your sign – that exterior fixture that acts as a visual calling card for drivers-by who learn over weeks, months, and years to associate your signage with your brand. October is the right time to evaluate your sign.

CHECK YOUR SIGN’S LIGHTING AFTER DARK

As the days grow shorter, andyour sign’s total illumination time increases, it’s time to think about what it looks like when it’s glowing after dusk.

Shorter day and longer nights are our cue to do maintenance on signs.  Now is the time to ask yourself, does your sign need work?

— Do all the parts of your sign light up?  Do you have bulbs missing?
— Are all areas of the equally bright?  Do you have dim areas?
— Finally, can you see any cracks, stains, or discolorations on this sign?

WASTED WATTS

Did you know that it is possible for burned-out bulbs to eat electricity?  Indeed, some types of bulbs, when they are burned out, use half the normal amount of electricity as their fully-illuminated counterparts.

So, those dead lightbulbs aren’t just unsightly — they are also expensive!

WHAT IF THE BULBS AREN’T THE PROBLEM?

There are other reasons bulbs go out.  For example, ballasts that have been damaged by changes in temperature or humidity can be the point of failure.  Failing ballasts are double-trouble.  See, they will kill bulbs (expensive) until they finally die themselves (also possibly expensive).

So, if you have a dim or dead bulb, Vital Signs USA will test your equipment to make sure there are not other issues that will cause you grief down the road.

MAINTENANCE … OR UPGRADE?

If your sign needs maintenance, you might take the time to consider an upgrade.

For example, if you have neon bulbs in your sign, you can save money and future maintenance costs by  upgrading your neon lights to LED bulbs.  LED bulbs come in a variety of warm, beautiful colors; they burn cool; and they consume far less electricity than their old, neon counterparts.  [You can learn more about swapping out neon bulbs here (link).]

There are many other advantages to upgrading your sign — we discussed them here.

THE BEAUTY OF ILLUMINATION

Lighted signs add beauty to the cityscape.  Think of Times Square.  Busy, frenetic, electric, full of energy — this is what lighted signs build.  Of course, your sign, not being in New York, doesn’t sing in that kind of choir, but it definitely adds to the attractiveness of your property and the street.

For the next 6+ months, your illuminated sign will attract thousands of views. Now is the time to make sure that what they see reflects your company’s quality and pride.

GET IN TOUCH

If your sign has any lightbulbs that are burned out (or any other quality issues), call or email us at Vital Signs USA.  If you send us a picture of the sign, we can send you back an estimate to repair it.  We will get your sign repaired in time for the holiday season, when lights dominate the landscape — with a refreshed sign, you won’t be left behind.

IS YOUR SIGN HALF-LIT?

We’ll restore it to its former glory so you’re ready for the dark winter ahead.