Do Neon Signs Use a Lot of Electricity in 2026?

Neon signs look bright, bold, and powerful, so it’s natural to wonder: do neon signs use a lot of electricity? Many people assume that because neon lights glow so intensely, they must consume a huge amount of power. The truth is more balanced and often surprising.

Modern neon signs, especially those made with LED technology, are far more energy-efficient than most people think. Let’s break down how much electricity neon signs actually use and what affects their power consumption. whether they are expensive to run at home or for business.

How Neon Signs Use Electricity?

Traditional neon signs work by sending electricity through gas-filled glass tubes, which creates light. This process requires higher voltage but relatively low current, meaning the overall energy use is moderate. Today, most “neon” signs are actually LED neon signs. These use flexible LED strips housed in neon-style tubing. The visual effect is similar, but the electricity usage is much lower.

How Do Neon Signs Use a Lot of Electricity Use?

Here’s a simple comparison:

• Small LED neon sign (home décor): 30 to 50 watts
• Medium LED neon sign: 50 to 80 watts
• Large LED neon sign: 80 to 120 watts

To put that into perspective, a standard LED light bulb uses about 8–12 watts, and a laptop charger can use 60 watts or more.

If you run a 60-watt LED neon sign for 5 hours a day:

• Daily usage: 0.3 kWh
• Monthly usage: around 9 kWh

That usually adds only a small amount to your electricity bill.

Do Traditional Neon Signs Use More Power Than LED Neon?

Yes, traditional glass neon signs generally use more electricity than LED neon signs.

Traditional Glass Neon

• Higher voltage required
• Uses gas-filled glass tubes
• Slightly higher power consumption
• More fragile and needs maintenance

LED Neon Signs

• Lower power usage
• Cool to the touch
• Safer for indoor use
• Longer lifespan and less maintenance
   

That’s why most homes and businesses today prefer LED neon when energy efficiency matters.

What Factors Affect Neon Sign Power Consumption?

Not all neon signs use the same amount of electricity. Power usage depends on several factors:

1. Size of the Sign

Bigger signs use more tubing or LED strips, which increases wattage.

1. Design Complexity

More letters, curves, and details mean more lighting elements and more power.

1. Brightness Level

Many LED neon signs include dimmers. Lower brightness = lower electricity use.

1. Color Choice

Some colors consume slightly more power, but the difference is usually minor with LED neon.

1. Daily Usage Time

A sign running 3 to 5 hours a day costs very little. Running it all day increases consumption.

Are Neon Signs Expensive to Run at Home?

A small or medium LED neon sign used a few hours daily usually costs less than many everyday appliances. In fact, appliances like air conditioners, heaters, hair dryers, and refrigerators consume far more electricity than a neon sign. Neon signs are often chosen for atmosphere and style, and their running cost is usually minimal.

Tips to Reduce Neon Sign Electricity Usage

If you want the glow without worrying about power bills, follow these simple tips:

• Choose LED neon instead of glass neon
• Use a dimmer to control brightness
• Turn the sign off when not needed
• Avoid oversized designs
• Use a timer plug for automatic on/off

These steps keep energy usage low while extending the sign’s lifespan.

Final Thoughts | Do Neon Signs Use a Lot of Electricity?

So, do neon signs use a lot of electricity? For modern LED neon signs, the answer is no. They use about the same amount of power as a few household light bulbs, cost little to run, and deliver a big visual impact. Traditional glass neon uses more power, but even that is moderate compared to many common appliances. If energy efficiency matters to you, LED neon signs offer the best balance of brightness, safety, and low electricity usage.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Do neon signs use a lot of electricity at home?

Modern LED neon signs use very little electricity and usually add only a small amount to monthly bills.

2. Are LED neon signs cheaper to run than glass neon?

Yes, LED neon signs are more energy-efficient and cost less to operate than traditional glass neon.

3. How many watts does a typical neon sign use?

Most LED neon signs use between 30 and 80 watts, depending on size and design.

4. Is it safe to keep a neon sign on for long hours?

LED neon signs are designed for long use, stay cool, and are generally safe when installed properly.

5. Can neon signs increase electricity bills a lot?

Only very large signs used for many hours daily can noticeably affect bills. Most home users see minimal impact.