We live in the age of neon, and in most interior decor, you’ll find a neon sign as part of the décor elements. They’re great additions to nightclubs, bars, stores, and now even homes. But the big question is, “Do neon signs use a lot of electricity?” The answer to this question is multi-sided. But the simple answer is that they don’t. stay with me, I’ll explain why.
You see, we’ve all been made to believe that the once nostalgic neon sign of the 90s is now an energy guzzler. That’s far from the truth. While the modern LED neon sign has better energy efficiency than the traditional glass neon sign, still we cannot dismiss the fact that the latter’s energy consumption is lower than your daily coffee brewer or microwave.
First Off, What Exactly Is a Neon Sign?
Before we go full Bill Nye on this, a quick refresher. Neon signs aren’t just tubes of glowing gas. Well, they are, but there’s a bit of science magic involved. The tube is filled with neon or other noble gases like argon. When you zap it with electricity? Boom, you get the light.
But like we’ve mentioned earlier, there is the modern neon signs made from light-emitting diode (LED). These are revolutionary because they offer better energy efficiency, durability, and eco-friendliness.
So, how does the traditional glass neon sign compare to the modern LED neon when it comes to energy consumption?
Do Neon Signs Consume A lot of Energy?
It comes naturally to most people’s minds that traditional glass neon signs are energy guzzlers. Because that’s the gospel being preached by everyone selling the LED neon signs. But is that really true? Well, they consume energy, but they don’t compare to the typical equipment in your household, like a microwave or coffee brewers. You might argue that the household equipment don’t run all day like neon signs do. That’s a valid point, but it still doesn’t hold weight. Let’s see why.
A typical neon sign, 3-5 feet wide, usually uses about 50 to 100 watts an hour. That’s about the same consumption as a standard light bulb. Say you leave it running all night for 12 hours. The consumption would be 0.6-1.2 kWh per day. Calculating the cost, using the average electricity rate in 2025 across the United States, you would spend between 7 cents and 42 cents per kWh. So, depending on the rates of your state, it may cost roughly 10 cents to 15 cents every day to keep the neon sign on.
Do the comparison with, say, a toaster or an air fryer. These consume about 1200 to 1500 watts per session of use. Your microwave? 1000 watts. Therefore, a neon sign doesn’t come any closer to what the other equipment consume.
Now, if you’re asking, “Do neon lights use a lot of energy?”—that’s a fair twist. They can, especially if they’re big installations or left on 24/7. But in the grand scheme of things? They’re like sipping electricity, not chugging it.
Glass vs LED Neon: The Power Struggle
LED signs are everywhere now. And they're giving traditional neon a stiff competition. LED signs use about 5 to 10 watts per foot, depending on brightness and complexity. That’s a lot less than what glass neon signs consume. Generally, LEDs can be up to 80% more energy-efficient than their old-school counterparts.
But, and this is a big but, not everyone wants that sharp, digital look. The real neon emits this warm, nostalgic glow that LED neon signs mimic but don’t quite nail it. While LED neon wins on energy efficiency, the traditional glass neon wins when it comes to vibe.
But wait… what about longevity? Here's the sneaky little secret: neon signs last a long time. Like they can stay functional for 8 to 15 years if you give them the right treatment. That simply means you won’t be replacing the LED neon sign every season.
Less replacing means less manufacturing, therefore, less waste LED neon sign waste. This further leads to lower environment impact of neon signs.
The Environmental Side of Things
Some folks argue, “Yeah, but what about the planet?” And that’s a legit point. The environmental impact of neon signs goes beyond how much electricity they consume.
The first element we have to consider when it comes to an eco-conscious look is the material. Traditional neon signs require glass tubes, noble gases, and sometimes mercury for certain colors. That’s not great if signs get tossed in a landfill.
On the flip side, LED signs use acrylic, rare-earth elements, and circuit boards—none of which age gracefully in nature either. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency reports that electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the U.S.
So yeah. It’s a toss-up. Both have an environmental footprint, but the real impact depends on how signs are used, maintained, and disposed of. Considering the durability of both types of signs, the glass neon sign (the more fragile) poses a greater risk of affecting the environment with its waste. LED neon signs, on the other hand, last longer and, in most cases, rarely break down to the point of being disposed of.
Plus, LED neon sign offers many more advantages that contribute to its eco-friendliness. One such feature is being able to be dimmed to reduce energy consumption. The glass neon cannot achieve this.
But What If I Leave It On All Night?
This is a common question among most people just getting started with neon signs. It fades away after two to three months of use, and you discover that it’s actually no big deal. In fact, most realize it’s cheaper to leave a neon sign on (LED or glass) all night than to run a toaster.
So, what happens if you let your neon sign glow till sunrise every day? The good news is that it’s not as scary as you imagine. Getting you there in a bit. Let’s say your sign uses 80 watts and stays on for 12 hours straight. That’s less than 1 kWh per night, costing you roughly 12 cents (depending on your state’s rate).
Over one month, you’re looking at $3 to $4 max. Now, isn’t that cheaper than your daily Starbucks espresso? Still, if you’re mindful of your wallet and the environmental impact of neon signs, you can implement a few changes to reduce the power consumption.
How Do You Cut Down the Energy Consumption of Neon Signs
If you are the type who likes to stretch a dollar, you’ll be happy to know there are multiple ways to reduce power consumption of neon signs.
Use Timers & Smart Plugs
If no one’s at home, why should you leave your “Home Sweet Home” neon sign glowing in the living room all night? Smart plugs can cut power when it's not needed. Simple. Effective. These plugs can be part of a smart home system or managed separately by connecting to WiFi. This allows you to remotely switch off the neon sign plugged in by cutting off the power supply. You can even create schedules and monitor power consumption.
Dimmers
Next are dimmers. Yes, dimmable neon signs are a thing. Not only does this reduce power consumption of neon signs, but it can also give your space that moody, bar-at-midnight vibe.
Maintenance Matters
If your LED neon sign is dirty and is constantly flickering, that’s energy going to waste. Keep your neon signs clean and well-maintained to make sure they run like a dream without slurping more juice than needed.
Smaller = Better Energy Efficiency
Not every sign needs to be Times Square-sized. A modest sign can still pack a punch, and use half the electricity. so, before placing an order for your neon sign, ensure you’re choosing a size proportionate to the wall space where you’ll mount it.
The Big Question: Is it Worth Installing a Neon Sign?
Look, if you're still sitting there wondering, do neon signs use a lot of electricity, the answer is this: not really. Not if you're using them smartly. Not if you're aware of the alternatives. And definitely not if you're thinking long-term.
Neon is art. It’s mood lighting. It’s a statement. But it’s not the energy-sucking vampire people mistake it to be. Besides, that soft humming glow just hits different. You can’t put a price on nostalgia.
But if you really want to stretch a dollar and feel the value of your money in the long term, an LED neon sign is the way to go. It presents so many perks than a traditional glass neon. From energy efficiency, durability, to convenience (dimmable, remote control, custom designs). Besides, the world is running on LED neon, so why would you want to remain in the 1950s?
Final Word
To finalize things, do neon signs use a lot of electricity? Nope, not unless you’re running a Vegas strip in your garage. LED neon signs are surprisingly energy efficient, cost less than you’d imagine, and with a few smart tweaks, you can slash that energy bill even further. So, if you want low wattage, charm, and chic appeal, go LED. Want character, nostalgia, and a warm buzzing vibe? Stick with glass neon. Either way, you’re not going to blow your fuse box.
If you’re ready to add a splash of neon glow and color to your space, Oasis Neon Signs has you covered. Whether you’re into modern glow or classic vibes, we’ll help you find the perfect balance between ambiance and efficiency. Got a design in mind? Use our free neon sign design tool with a preview of the final look on your space.