If there’s nothing you can do to get your printer to turn on, and it’s just failed completely, then you obviously know you need to replace it. However, the best time to replace your printer is well before it “gives up the ghost,” as it were. Printers actually give subtle signs of failure long before they fail completely, and paying attention to these signals can help you avoid the inevitable downtime and loss of productivity that comes from a dead printer. Keep reading to learn what those early signs may be.
While the occasional paper jam is totally numbered, regular misfeeds and paper jams can indicate a bigger problem. Assuming your paper tray is properly loaded and your printer is maintained, this kind of frequent problem can be a sign of worn rollers or outdated mechanics. In some cases, just replacing the rollers may solve the problem. But continuous interruptions will slow down your workflow and cost you more in lost productivity than replacing the unit altogether.
Faded text, streaks, or inconsistent floors aren’t always caused by low toner or dirty print heads. If you’ve already tried cleaning and replacing the cartridges, but your print quality remains poor, it might mean your printer’s internal components are wearing out. A modern printer should give you sharp, professional-quality documents without needing constant adjustments. If you’re not getting that from your printer, you need a new one.
Obviously, every printer needs supplies on a regular basis, and repairs from time to time. But if you find yourself buying replacement toner, ink, or specialized parts more and more often, this is a red flag. Older printers typically go through more ink and toner, and manufacturers may even phase out compatible replacements. Pair that with more frequent service calls, and your printing costs can quickly outweigh the price of replacing the machine.
Too many businesses overlook the importance of cybersecurity for printers. The truth is, hackers and cyber thieves are always evolving, and can now steal data from printers’ memory storage, and even intercept documents when the print is ordered. If your printer doesn’t have security features like user authentication, data encryption, or secure print release, you should consider replacement purely to avoid potential loss of data and the costs associated with it.
If you notice any of these issues with your current printer, you may need to order an office printer in Anchorage, AK.