The Lifespan of Multifunction Printers in Phoenix, Arizona

Multifunction printers have been a workhorse in business printer solutions ever since they first hit the market. They are cost-savers, affordable, convenient, easy to maintain, can handle large volume printing, and can be connected straight to the Internet. What’s not to like?

Thanks to innovation and technology, these machines are ever-evolving, offering a whole new world of printing important documents and scanning files for commercial use. But, just like anything else, a multifunction printer has a finite lifespan.

The standard lifespan of multifunction printers in Arizona is 5 years for the average floor-standing model and 7 to 10 years for a high-end floor-standing model. That said, the number of good years you get with your multifunction printer will depend on how well you care for it and whether or not you are following its proper maintenance protocol.

Maximizing the lifespan of multifunction printers

Your multifunction printer is one of the most valuable assets in your office, so it’s vital to keep it in excellent shape so it can battle an army of paperwork. The following are some ways to maximize the longevity of your machine:

1. Following the manufacturer guidelines for maintenance

Let’s start with the most obvious: If your printer is acting like it’s caught in a time loop, the guidelines can often help unravel the mysteries of its malfunctions, which can be as simple as removing debris or fixing ink residue that is affecting the print quality.

2. Updating the software

Ensure that the firmware and software of your multifunction printer are regularly updated, as this is how the manufacturer releases patches to address bugs, security, and the overall performance of your machine.

3. Monitoring ink levels and cartridge replacement

A printer’s ink and cartridge are considered consumables, meaning they have to be replaced as needed. If you opt to run your multifunction printer with low ink levels or poor-performing cartridges, you’ll find yourself getting sub-par copies because the machine is dried out or clogged. Worse, this can even damage the printer and void its warranty. Keep in mind that it’s extra hot in Phoenix, so it’s better to place the machine in a cool, dry place to avoid constant cartridge replacement or refilling of ink.

4. Check for paper jams

If you don’t rescue paper from its clutches, your multifunction printer might get grumpy and refuse to work properly. More so, paper jams can strain the mechanisms of the machine, which can lead to costly damages and a voided warranty.

5. Schedule professional maintenance services

If you want a trained and professional technician that is guaranteed to attend to your needs, look for an expert. They will be able to do so much more than refilling inks, removing paper jams, and cleaning the machine. They can perform thorough inspection and calibration using top-of-the-line tools that are specified for different models of office printers.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know some of the best ways to extend the lifespan of your multifunction printer, consider also educating your employees about proper usage and maintenance practices. If everyone in the office is encouraged to implement responsible printing habits (such as printing only when necessary, saving paper, and adjusting print settings to reduce ink consumption), the wear and tear of your multifunction printer is minimized.

If after reading this you feel you are not quite ready to take on the extra work of owning a multifunction printer, your best bet would be leasing a machine for your office. To help you understand the difference between leasing and buying an office printer for business use, do plenty of research so you are able to make the right decision for your needs.