Neon Sign Repair vs Buying a New One: What is Worth the Value?

When a neon starts flickering or loses its glow, the big question pops up: Should you repair it or go for a new one? It's a difficult choice which might confuse most of you.

In this blog, we’ll help you to go through the pros and cons of both these options. It will help you decide what’s really worth your time, money and effort. 

Assessing the Condition of Your Neon Sign

Consider the Age of Your Neon Sign

The neon signs typically have a lifespan of 8 to 15 years. Depending upon its maintenance and usage, it may wear out with time and harsh weather. Before you decide to go for repair or maintenance, you must consider the age of your sign. It will directly affect its brightness and overall functionality.

Older signs might need more frequent repairs and might not be able to perform as efficiently as new ones. In such cases, you’ll have to replace your signs.

Types of Common Neon Sign Issues

Some of the common issues you can have with your neon are:

• Flickering Lights: flickering is often caused by damaged tubes or faulty transformers. Flickering can be the biggest signal that your sign’s components are near the end of their lifespan.
• Broken Tubes or Glass: If the tubes are cracked or broken, it means your sign needs repairs. But if you’re replacing the tubes frequently it’s time to get yourself a new sign.
• Electrical Issues: Transformer failure or wiring damage can be quite costly to fix as it may indicate significant wear and tear.

Energy Consumption of Your Current Sign

Older neon signs may consume more energy compared to newer neon or LED alternatives. If you have an older neon sign you should calculate how much energy your current sign is consuming. Energy-efficient options like LED neon signs are more likely to reduce your electricity bills in the long run.

Cost Analysis: Repairing vs. Buying New

Breakdown of Repair Costs

You can break down and compare the repair costs with replacement costs. It will help you choose your final option and make informed decisions.

• Minor Repairs: Fixing small electrical issues or replacing a tube might cost Rs. 1,500 or more per tube (depending on size and color).
• Major Repairs: If your sign requires extensive rewiring or transformer replacement, the cost could rise to Rs. 5,000 or more.
• Ongoing Maintenance: Over time, these repair costs can add up, especially if the sign has persistent issues.

Cost of Replacing with a New Sign

If you replace your sign with a new one you can get 

• A new custom neon sign can range from Rs. 1500 for small and simple designs to over Rs. 5,000 for larger signs depending on your selected design.
• LED neon signs mimic traditional neon but use less energy. It can cost you slightly more upfront but offers long-lasting performance and lower maintenance.

Best Choice

Looking forward to making an ideal choice for your neon sign, you must go for LED neon signs. These have many benefits as:

• Energy Savings: New neon signs especially LED ones can significantly cut energy costs. Before you decide whats best for you, you can compare your current energy expenses with potential savings over a few years.
• Durability: New signs often come with warranties which means you won’t have to worry about repairs for several years.
• Increased Customer Attention: A fresh, modern neon sign can attract more customers. It can heavily improve your business’s visibility.

Aesthetic and Functional Considerations

While choosing repair vs. replace, you must check if your choice is maintaining brand consistency. Repairing the sign allows you to preserve this consistency. Especially if your sign has become a recognizable feature of your business.

But if you are going for a new and upgraded look then you can check out the latest customization options and trends. It will revamp your entire space or business with a new vvibe.

Making the Right Decision 

No matter whether you are replacing your neon sign at your home decor or for your business. You should always compare the pros and cons of repairing vs. replacing your neon signs. Some of these pros and cons are:

Pros and Cons of Repairing Neon Sign

• Pros:

• If the issues are minimal, repairing is often more affordable in the short term.
• It keeps the same design that customers recognize and trust.
• Repairing instead of replacing contributes less to electronic waste.

• Cons:

• Repairs may need to be repeated, leading to higher long-term expenses.
• Older signs may still consume more energy, even after repairs.

Pros and Cons of Buying New Neon Sign

• Pros:

• LED neon signs offer greater energy efficiency that lowers utility bills.
• A new sign can refresh your brand’s look and attract more attention.
• New signs often come with warranties, reducing the need for repairs in the foreseeable future.

• Cons:

• Buying a new sign requires more upfront investment.
• Drastically changing your neon sign could confuse loyal customers if not done thoughtfully.

Factors to Consider Before Making a Decision

Before you make your final choice, have a look at your:

• Budget: Think about the total cost of repairs compared to the cost of a new sign over time. Consider if your budget allows you to repair or replace.
• Brand Impact: You must also figure out whether a new sign will align with or refresh your business’s visual identity.
• Long-Term Plans: Ask yourself whether you’re planning on keeping the business in the same location for years. Or might you move and need a fresh start?

All these factors when combined, will give you an answer to your dilemma of repairing or replacing your neon signs!

Final Words

If your sign is still functional with minor issues, repairing might be a more cost-effective and eco-friendly choice. However, if your sign is old and inefficient which requires frequent maintenance, investing in a new neon or LED sign will be the best choice. It will enhance your business’s branding while saving on energy costs and prove to be a great choice in the long run.