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Digitalization might be on the rise, but office printers aren’t going anywhere. In fact, the printer and copier market is expected to grow in the coming years. So, it’s definitely worth knowing how to keep these workhorses running smoothly for years to come. Here’s how to extend the lifespan of an office multifunction printer.

How Long Does an Office Multifunction Printer Last?

By default, office printers last longer than home printers. After all, these printers are built with industrial-grade components that automatically make them more durable. This means that an average office printer can last five to seven years. Of course, no expiration date is set in stone. If you take good care of your office multifunction printer, you can extend its lifespan significantly. You can possibly even double it – from five to 10 years.

10 Tips on How to Extend the Life of an Office Multifunction Printer

Here are the best ways to keep your office multifunction printer a steadfast pillar of efficiency in your workplace.

No. 1 – Invest in a High-Quality Printer

An office multifunction printer is a big investment, no doubt. That’s why some business owners might focus on getting the best deal possible. But this is a mistake. If buying an office printer was basketball, this would be an early traveling violation. You haven’t even crossed half-court, and you’ve already lost the ball.

You have to give your office multifunction printer the best chance to succeed in the long run. If you invest in a higher-end model – and take good care of it – you might have the printer for over 10 years.

No. 2 – Keep Your Printer in the Proper Environment

You can’t always choose what your office space looks like. However, you can work with what you have to create the best environment for your office multifunction printer. This means keeping the printer away from heat and moisture. Actually, keep it clear of any extreme temperature fluctuations, really. A clean and dry area with proper ventilation is the best way to go. Such an area will protect the printer’s components and prevent overheating. Bonus tip – place your office multifunction printer where you can easily monitor its security.

No. 3 – Be Mindful of the Printer Usage

How you use your office multifunction printer will significantly affect its lifespan. That’s why the user manual should be your best friend. It will tell you what your printer can handle, and that’s the limit you should always respect. It will also tell you what consumables to use and how to configure your printer. Following these rules tailored to your printer helps prevent unnecessary strain.

The same goes for giving your printer a break between heavy print jobs. Sure, your office printer is there to handle the workload, but it’s not almighty. Some downtime will allow it to cool off and reset. But be careful – the key word here is “some.” Letting your printer sit idle for long won’t do it any good. In fact, it might let the ink or toner dry out, which can damage the print heads.

No. 4 – Keep an Eye on the Paper

Printer paper matters more than you think. It matters which size you use, which type you buy, and how you handle it. Keep an eye on the paper, and you should avoid those nasty paper jams that can cause unnecessary wear and tear. This includes investing in high-quality paper, storing it in a climate-controlled room, and monitoring the feeder at all times. And “all times” means every day. Whenever you’re using the office multifunction printer, you should make sure that the paper is aligned correctly and that the feeder is behaving properly.

No. 5 – Invest in Quality Consumables

Paper isn’t the only consumable that should be high-quality. All of them should – especially the ink or toner cartridges. Why? Because supplies of poor quality are actually one of the most common causes of printer failure. And when you do invest in quality supplies, you should also take good care of them. This includes installing them correctly, rotating them as necessary, and monitoring their usage.

No. 6 – Monitor Print Quality

Your office multifunction printer doesn’t have to stop working for something to be wrong with it. These signs are often much subtler. But they are visible – you just need to pay attention.

Print quality is a major indicator of your printer’s health. That’s why monitoring this quality should be on your daily to-do list. If you start noticing faded text, streaks, or uneven printouts, it’s time to take action.

No. 7 – Listen to Your Printer

If you choose a quality office multifunction printer, you won’t have to probe too deeply to detect issues. The printer will tell you itself. That’s why one of the first things you should do on startup is review error messages. It will also help keep track of these messages to spot patterns before they escalate into bigger problems.

No. 8 – Clean Your Printer Regularly

Cleaning your printer’s exterior is something you can do daily without much hassle. But keeping the interior clean is what will make your printer last longer. The goal is to get rid of the dust, ink residue, and paper debris that can affect the machine’s performance. The manufacturer’s guidelines will explain how to accomplish this goal safely. A deep cleaning procedure should include the following parts:

• The entire paper path
• The roller
• The print head
• The ventilation system

Ideally, you should deep-clean your office multifunction printer on a monthly basis.

No. 9 – Inspect Your Printer Thoroughly

No one expects you to open up and inspect your office printer every day. But doing so once a month will make all the difference. A monthly inspection will help you spot and resolve potential issues before they turn into problems. This inspection should focus on:

• Potentially worn-out components
• The roller and the belt
• The electrical connection
• Firmware

No. 10 – Have Your Printer Professionally Serviced

An office multifunction printer can do wonders for your business. That’s why it deserves the best care. And it can only get this care in the hands of a professional. So, you should schedule regular professional servicing for your printer. A pro will be able to perform all those specialized tasks you or your employees might not feel comfortable performing.

Printer Health – Business Wealth

Proper care goes a long way. But at some point, you’ll need a new office multifunction printer. When that moment comes, Houston-based businesses can turn to Stargel Office Solutions for help. Contact us today to learn more about our multifunction printers.