Printers are now a staple, and often a necessity, in most offices. From spreadsheets to annual reports, you often need a consistent way to print or copy relevant documents. Whether you are an office manager or run the entire company, it’s essential to keep your fleet or printers in prime working order. You need to be aware of why routine checks of these devices should be at the top of your maintenance to-do list.

3 Reasons To Keep Up With Printer Maintenance

1. Helps Prevent Unnecessary Wear & Tear

Dust collects on inkjet as well as laser printers. This particle buildup can begin to interfere with processing unless the machines receive regular cleaning. Other equipment components, such as rollers, are also subject to wear unless they are routinely maintained. This can result in paper jams, misfeeds, and pages with toner streaks, among other problems. Cleaning printer heads and internal parts keep them from causing issues that waste time and paper. Lubrication is also essential, especially on machines performing high-volume jobs every day. This is because they generate excessive amounts of heat. Without proper lubrication, the moving parts inside the equipment suffer from heat-related friction and wear.

2. Install the Latest Software

Periodic firmware updates eliminate compatibility problems caused by an outdated operating system. Keeping the software current not only removes viral bugs, but it also prevents other hardware problems such as error messages, botched or failed print jobs, and output issues. Your equipment will operate much more efficiently when it receives routine firmware checks and updates.

3. Avoid Untimely Replacement

Lack of maintenance shortens the lifespan of your printers because they won’t function at the level they should. Instead of producing efficient, quality results, dirty printers with old software often have mechanical failures and firmware errors. This puts extra stress on the machines and increases the likelihood of more significant problems requiring extensive repairs and part replacements. Depending on the degree of damage resulting from poor maintenance, the devices may need to be replaced before their projected expiration dates. Routine maintenance identifies issues before they become severe to keep these business appliances in excellent condition for years to come. 

Find affordable, high-quality office equipment at Bluegrass Office Systems in Lexington, KY. The locally-owned company has served the central region of the Bluegrass state since 1981, providing printers, fax machines, scanners, and other Canon® office equipment as well as repair services. They can help provide advice on how to maintain your printer and check for any significant issues that need to be addressed. Call (859) 293-0435 today with equipment queries or to review products online. Get more tips on Facebook.