Guide to LED signs for businesses: types and costs

LED has revolutionized the world of luminous signage and labeling. Today, practically all illuminated signs manufactured use LED technology, and for good reasons: low consumption, long life, high quality of light and minimal maintenance. At Unical we have been working with LED signs for years and in this guide we explain everything you need to know before investing in one. If you still have doubts about whether you need a luminous or non-luminous sign, first consult our post on luminous vs non-luminous sign. And if you want to know all the types of illuminated signs available, visit our guide to types of illuminated signs.

Before delving into the types and costs, it is worth understanding why LED has completely displaced previous technologies such as fluorescent or gas neon. The conclusion is clear: LED has a somewhat higher initial cost but pays for itself quickly thanks to savings in electricity and maintenance.

LED light boxes The LED light box is the most versatile and used illuminated sign. It consists of an aluminum box with a front face made of backlit canvas or methacrylate illuminated evenly from the inside with LED strips. Advantages: • Uniform image without light spots • Easy chart update without changing the structure • Wide variety of sizes and formats • Very competitive price Indicative cost: from €300 for small formats to several thousand for large installations LED corporeal letters LED corporeal letters are three-dimensional letters illuminated from the inside or behind. They offer the most premium and professional look of all illuminated signs. Types of lighting: • Frontlit: light comes out from the front side of the letter • Backlit or halo: light projected towards the wall creating a halo • Combined: frontlit and backlit simultaneously Indicative cost: from €150-200 per letter depending on size and finish LED Neon LED neon mimics the look of traditional gas neon but with modern LED technology. It is flexible, lightweight and available in a wide range of colors. Advantages compared to gas neon: • Consumption up to 80% lower • No gas or mercury • Duration of 50,000 hours • Safer and easier to install Indicative cost: from €200 for small personalized pieces LED totems LED totems are freestanding vertical structures with LED interior lighting. They are the most visible sign from a distance and are mainly used in entrances, parking and large areas. Indicative cost: from €1,500 to €10,000 or more depending on size LED screens LED screens allow you to display dynamic content and are the sign with the greatest visual impact. Its cost is higher but the return can be very high in locations with a lot of traffic. Indicative cost: from €3,000 for small indoor screens

The price of an LED sign depends on several factors: Size It is the most determining factor. The larger the surface area, the greater the amount of material and LEDs needed. Type of sign A light box is cheaper than corporeal letters of the same size, and these more economical than an LED screen. Structure material Aluminum is more expensive than PVC but more durable. Stainless steel is the most premium option. Design complexity Irregular shapes, multiple LED colors or special effects increase the cost. Installation Installation at height, on complicated facades or that requires special work has an additional cost. Permissions In some municipalities it is necessary to process licenses that add cost and time to the project.

The electrical consumption of an LED sign is very low compared to previous technologies. Some indicative examples: • 1x0.5m light box: 20-30W (similar to a light bulb) • Corporeal letters 2m wide: 40-60W • Totem 2x1m: 80-150W • 2x1m LED screen: 200-400W With these consumptions, the annual electrical cost of an LED sign lit 12 hours a day is between €15 and €150 depending on the size.

The LEDs have a theoretical lifespan of 50,000 hours, which is equivalent to more than 11 years when turned on 12 hours a day. In practice, with good maintenance, an LED sign can last 15-20 years without needing to change the LEDs. The metal structure can last indefinitely with proper maintenance.

One of the great attractions of LED is its low maintenance. The recommended tasks are: • Cleaning: once a year clean the structure and the front face • Electrical check: every 2-3 years check connections and driver • LED replacement: only necessary if any area loses brightness, usually after 10+ years

1. Request several quotes and compare not only the price but the quality of the materials 2. Ask about the warranty: a good manufacturer offers a minimum of 2 years 3. Check the necessary permits at your town hall before installing 4. Choose an experienced installer: a bad installation can ruin the result 5. Consider long-term maintenance and who will do it

Investing in an LED sign is one of the best decisions a business can make. The low consumption, long life and the visual impact it generates mean that the investment pays for itself in a few years. At Unical we manufacture and install custom LED signs for all types of businesses, with quality guarantee and personalized advice. Do you want an LED sign for your business? Request your quote without obligation and we will prepare a proposal adapted to your needs.