If you regularly use a high-performing inkjet printer to reproduce documents, photos, and related images then you know that ink cartridges can quickly run out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Inkjet printers use standard OEM ink cartridges, which can quickly be depleted with use.
- To maximize the lifespan of your ink cartridges, we recommend avoiding bold text and large fonts.
- You can also choose to use fonts that are known to minimize ink usages, such as Arial and New Courier.
Squeeze More Ink Out of Your Printer Cartridges
Consumers may be wondering how to prolong the life of their ink cartridges, so as to minimize the number of times they have to run to the office store for replacement cartridges. Branded OEM ink (such as HP, Canon, or Epson) can cost anywhere from $13 to $75 per ounce.
Insider Tip
Branded OEM ink (such as HP, Canon, or Epson) can cost anywhere from $13 to $75 per ounce.
Useful Tips and Tricks to Extend Ink Cartridge Life
You should preserve your ink so that it can last long. Here are some useful tips and guidelines to help you maximize the overall lifespan of your inkjet printer ink cartridges.
Avoid Large Fonts and Bolds
A key offender when it comes to early ink cartridge depletion is the overuse of large fonts and bold italics. If you want to maximize the life of your newly purchased ink cartridge when using an inkjet printer, we recommend minimizing the use of overly large fonts and bold text. It’s easy to see why both would quickly deplete an ink cartridge, as each format requires more ink than standard-sized text. If you need to use large fonts and bold text in a professional capacity, then go for it, just keep them in mind when assessing ink cartridge costs.
Insider Tip
A key offender when it comes to early ink cartridge depletion is the overuse of large fonts and bold italics.
Choose Certain Fonts
Some fonts tend to be lighter on the ink cartridge than others, due to their overall design. These fonts, such as Arial and New Courier, will use up to 20 percent less ink than other available fonts. You should write in these ink-preserving fonts whenever possible, as needs and decorum dictate. Another option is to download and install EcoFont, which is a font that has been purpose-designed to cut down on ink usage. EcoFont is a TrueType font that should work with most printers. As an aside, EcoFont will cost you a certain amount of money, but that amount will pale in comparison to ink costs.
Cover up the Chip Sensor
Some ink cartridges include a chip sensor that alerts the printer when the ink is close to being depleted. These sensors, however, are notorious for going off early. We recommend covering up this sensor with dark tape, which will allow you to maximize the life of your ink cartridge. Be careful not to overdo it, however, as repeatedly attempting to use a depleted ink cartridge can harm the printer. While printing often, you should also know how to fix a paper jam as the possibility of these occurring is high.
Warning
If you need to use large fonts and bold text in a professional capacity, then go for it, just keep them in mind when assessing ink cartridge costs.
F.A.Q.
Can ink cartridges dry out?
Yes. Once an ink cartridge has been removed from the packaging and has been left out, it can dry up significantly. Generally speaking, ink cartridges will begin to dry out after around four weeks.
How to extend the life of printer toner?
Printer toner cartridges tend to last much longer than ink cartridges. If you want to maximize the life of toner, however, we recommend storing your toner cartridges in a cool and dry place.
Are ink subscription services worth it?
In some cases, yes. Ink subscription services are offered by major ink suppliers and can help save money in the long run.
STAT: In a lab test, PC World found that ink cartridges contain anywhere from 8 to 45 percent of their ink when consumers were issued a reminder to replace the cartridge. (source)
