A commercial printer can be one of the more expensive pieces of equipment your office invests in. And it’s also one of the most heavily used. Depending on a number of factors, the average lifespan for commercial printers is about 5 years. But every printer has guidelines for optimal use. So what if you could get the most out of your printer and extend its lifespan a bit longer? We have a few tips!
1. Maintain Updates to Software
It probably goes without saying, but if your printer is running on old software it won’t be working as efficiently. Regular software updates impact both the driver as well as printer utilities. The benefits of running the latest software update include reducing costs, getting the best print quality, handling larger loads, and protecting the printer from hackers.
2. Keep Your Copier Clean
A little bit of care can go a long way when it comes to the life of your office printer. If your printer is in a space that gets quite dusty, make sure you are regularly wiping down the surfaces and trays. Wipe away from the entry areas so dirt and debris do not fall into the device and cause issues. You’ll also want to clean your printer’s heads by running the built-in, automatic cleaning utility. When in doubt about how to clean your device, check the manufacturer’s specific recommendations or give us a call at WiZiX and we’d be happy to perform maintenance on your printer.
For more tips, read our Guide to Cleaning Your Office Printer.
3. Schedule Routine Maintenance
As with all machines, your office printer will require regular maintenance in order to function optimally. The best way to ensure your printer is well-maintained is to set up a contract with a local printer dealer. At WiZiX Technology Group in Fresno, for a fixed monthly, quarterly or annual payment you can have complete peace of mind knowing that your equipment is running well, that all repairs are covered, and that all supplies are delivered right to your business. All service agreements include scheduled preventative maintenance visits where our technician thoroughly cleans and inspects your equipment keeping them trouble-free and in peak operating condition.
4. Handle Jams and Troubleshooting with Care
Paper jams are one of the most common and frustrating issues when printing. The problem only becomes worse when we are determined to rip the paper out of the printer. Although it can be tempting to see your printer as a brainless machine, if you abuse it, it will degrade over time. Instead, follow the device manual for how to resolve the paper jam or other troubleshooting issues. If the problem persists, a technician is only a phone call away.
5. Don’t Exceed the Optimal Monthly Volume
The monthly print volume of your device is the ideal number of pages that should not be exceeded each month. If your printer manual recommends an optimal monthly volume of 10,000 pages then divide that by 30 (333 pages) to find the daily number your office should shoot for. You can occasionally print more than the optimal volume without harming your device. But if you find yourself exceeding this number often and by a lot, you might want to consider investing in a higher-performance machine.
Discuss Your Office Printer Need with a Representative in Fresno
Whether you’re in need of printer repair and maintenance or a brand new upgrade, give us a call today at WiZiX Technology Group. We’re the leading regional printer, copier & MFP Dealer in Northern and Central California (with offices in Fresno, Sacramento & the Bay Area). We are here to provide you with reliable, secure and money saving solutions for all your office technology needs.