September 2025 Topic of The Month: Shorter Days, Brighter Signs - Seasonal Preparation
In only three months’ time, the sun won’t be up until almost 8 am, and it’ll be saying goodnight already around 4 pm.
That’s only about 8 hours of sunlight.
Right now, we have about 5 more hours to soak up in the day. Before we panic, and before the year-end to-do list hits us like a first-time Lime biker, now is the perfect opportunity to prepare. Let’s shorten that list for the road ahead while there’s still daylight.
This Caffe Vita classic had a white re-lamp and look at the difference it made!
Seasonal Clean Up and Inspection – feels like we just talked about this, but time flies! As we mentioned for spring cleaning, this is another time of year to check on your signage.
Can you do some of your own cleaning safely? Gently with a feather duster or a soft cloth with a little water. Don’t directly spray water or cleaners! If you need our help, schedule a cleaning.
Are any aspects broken or not working properly? Get ahead of the lost daylight hours and schedule a service sooner rather than later.
Consider a Sign Timer – We often use astronomical time clocks that use a pre-programmed calendar of sunrise and sunset times based on geographic location. This option is reliable in any weather condition and offers very accurate and consistent performance. Photocell timers that use light-sensitive sensors can be less reliable. They’re sometimes “tricked” by artificial light and may wear out faster.
Consistency builds trust - even down to details like this! Astronomical timers can also save energy and the lifespan of your transformers.
The #1 question: Cost and Timeline - Unfortunately, that’s not easy to answer because each sign and location is different! When it comes to custom signage, there’s many factors that can be unpredictable, especially if it’s a sign we didn’t make ourselves.
The good news is that our signs come with a 2-year warranty and servicing them with us will make the process easier. We already know the sign inside and out, are familiar with the location and its components, have the patterns… the list goes on!
In-House Repairs - If you have signage that needs repair or restoration, especially smaller pieces, such as window signs, that you can transport yourself, we also offer in-house repairs. This eliminates travel costs and often allows for a quicker turnaround, depending on the issue.
A little planning today can save you time down the line, with your signs shining bright through the darker months ahead. Whether you need a repair, something new, or just have questions about maximizing your signage, we’re here to help you navigate seasonal transitions and keep your signage ready for whatever comes next.
Western Neon creates custom signage, interiors, and public art. With 40 years of experience, we make your vision a success from the first idea to the finishing touch. Start a project today!