The world is a stage, and your brand is the star when you have a high-performance LED sign. And, stars should keep shining. The industry lifespan of a LED sign can be anywhere between 5-10 years. LED technology doesn’t easily let you down. However, it is proper maintenance that prolongs the life of your signage and let your brand shine. Your LED sign works hard, sometimes round the clock. Why not give it the love and care it deserves to keep it going for longer and at its peak performance level?
Importance of proper maintenance to prolong the life of LED signage
Avoids cost of repairs – regular maintenance helps identify and address minor issues before developing into costly problems. By detecting and fixing problems early on, you can prevent expensive repairs or even the need for replacements. For example, identifying a faulty power supply to the sign and promptly replacing it prevents damage to other components.
Avoids replacement cost – well-maintained LED signs have longer life spans. By implementing regular maintenance practices, such as cleaning, inspecting components, and addressing any issues promptly, especially on outdoor LED signs exposed to elements, you can maximize the longevity of the signage. It means you won’t have to invest in a new sign frequently.
Optimized energy efficiency – proper maintenance ensures that LED signs operate at their highest energy efficiency levels. For example, regular cleaning removes dust and dirt that can reduce the efficiency of cooling devices, block vents & ports, and brightness. Regular checks and repairs of faulty components or connections can help prevent energy waste.
Prevents downtime and revenue loss – your digital sign is a crucial advertising tool for attracting customers, communicating messages, and promoting products or services. If a sign malfunctions or requires extensive repairs, it can lead to downtime and revenue loss. Regular maintenance helps minimize the chances of unexpected failures and ensures that the sign remains in optimal working condition. Reduced risk of downtime helps maintain a consistent and effective advertising presence.
Preserves brand reputation – well-maintained LED signs project a professional image and reflect positively on your brand. On the other hand, dirty, damaged, or malfunctioning signage creates a negative impression, affecting customer perception. Proper maintenance can preserve your sign’s visual appeal and quality, reinforcing your brand reputation and attracting more customers.
Maintenance tips for LED and digital signage
Regular cleaning – dust, dirt, and other debris can accumulate on the surface of LED and digital signs, affecting their visibility and brightness. Clean the signage regularly using a soft cloth. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals that can damage the surface of the LEDs.
Clean with a gentle solution of mild detergent and water, followed by thorough rinsing and drying. . Do not spray cleaning solution directly onto LED screens or press down on them. Do not use Ammonia-based liquid cleaners. You can also vacuum dust particles from hard-to-reach areas and tricky corners. Use compressed air products to clean vents and ports.
Interactive displays can collect harmful viruses and bacteria. Sanitize the sign frequently using 70% isopropyl alcohol. Spray the solution on a microfiber cloth and gently wipe the screen in gentle and slow motions.
Ensuring the temperature settings is appropriate – circuit boards powering digital signs release heat during operation, and proper ventilation is crucial to prevent overheating. If not, thermal stress will degrade the life of the display.
A strong design allows heat to flow out of the back through vents. Check that the ventilation systems, cooling fans, and heat sinks are clean and functioning effectively. Ensure that there are no obstructions blocking airflow around the signage.
Higher brightness increases heat generation. Maintaining a moderate or low brightness in hot temperatures will keep your sign cooler and running smoothly for long time.
Proper power supply – one of the key requirements of LED hardware maintenance is a stable and reliable power source to operate signs at their full potential. Inadequate or fluctuating power supply can lead to irregularities in the brightness, color accuracy, and overall performance of LEDs. A proper power supply ensures consistent and regulated power delivery, allowing the LED sign to display content with the intended clarity, brightness, and color consistency.
Sticking to a consistent maintenance schedule – start by developing a comprehensive maintenance plan for your LED sign. Determine the specific tasks to carry out, the frequency of tasks, and any seasonal or special considerations. Consider manufacturer recommendations, industry best practices, and your personalized signage requirements when creating the plan.
Once you have established the maintenance tasks and their frequency, socument the schedule. Use a calendar or a digital scheduling tool to outline the maintenance tasks and set reminders for when they should get performed. Make the schedule accessible and visible to the maintenance team responsible for the LED sign.
Assign responsibilities and clearly define the roles to individuals or teams responsible for the maintenance. In addition to the planned maintenance tasks, establish a routine inspection schedule by manufacturer. These inspections can help identify any potential issues or abnormalities you may have missed.
Take precautions for extreme weather conditions – LEDs work best in low temperatures. However, it’s a good idea to keep your sign going 24/7 or put it on standby mode to prevent any problems with starting it up. Outdoor signs should have weather-resistant sealing and enclosing to prevent moisture from getting inside. A closed-loop system for air circulation will keep this moisture from reaching and damaging any components.
Select an LED sign enclosure specifically designed to withstand the elements. Choose an enclosure made from durable and weather-resistant material. Provide it with inbuilt air conditioning and select lighter colors to reduce heat absorption. Make sure it has proper seals and gaskets to keep moisture and dust out.
Ensure proper drainage to prevent water from pooling or accumulating around the sign. Clear any debris or obstructions that may hinder adequate drainage.
Strong winds can pose a significant risk to LED signs. Ensure that the sign is securely mounted and anchored to withstand wind gusts. Reliable manufacturer offer proper installation and use appropriate brackets, fasteners, or anchors suitable for the specific conditions in your area.
Lightning strikes or power surges during storms can damage the electrical components of your LED sign. Install surge protectors and lightning arresters to divert excess electrical energy and safeguard the sign from voltage spikes. Consult with your installer to double the protection.
Software maintenance – regularly updating your digital sign system with the latest software and firmware allows you to take advantage of new features, bug fixes, and security enhancements. Follow the recommended procedures for updating the software by the manufacturer.
Proper training for maintenance staff – provide proper training and education to the individuals responsible for the sign or signs’ maintenance. Ensure they understand the maintenance procedures, safety precautions, and best practices for cleaning, inspection, and repairs. Regularly communicate updates or changes to the maintenance plan or procedures to keep everyone informed.
Conclusion
By investing in regular and proper maintenance, businesses can maximize the lifespan and performance of their LED signage. It preserves the initial investment but also ensures that the signage optimizes energy efficiency, prevents downtime, preserves your brand reputation, continues to deliver messages effectively, attracts customers, and enhances brand visibility in the long run. LED Craft designs and manufactures superior-quality indoor and outdoor LED signs with variable brightness, high-quality pixel pitch, and weather resistance. LED Craft maintenance services ensure your sign gets professional care years after the initial purchase. Call us today for a free consultation to design your sign for maximum visual impact!
