Even high-rated printers do not last forever. Eventually, it will fail, and you will need to purchase a replacement unit.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Printers typically last anywhere from three to five years, depending on the model.
- To improve the life of your printer, perform regular maintenance tasks and clean the unit often.
- If your printer is slower than normal or making low-quality prints, it may be time to shop for a replacement device.
How Long Do Printers Last?
The average lifespan of a printer is around three to five years, though this metric will vary depending on the make and model of your printer and various external factors.
Insider Tip
The average lifespan of a printer is around three to five years
Increase Your Printer’s Lifespan
If you want to increase the lifespan of your printer, we recommend performing regular maintenance tasks and cleaning the device when necessary. You should also be sure to buy the proper paper to use with the printer and the right ink cartridges. Additionally, the more you use a printer, the faster it will begin to break down. In other words, a printer for home use should last longer than an office printer in a highly trafficked environment. Remember, once the ink cartridge can last up to 24 to 36 months when it is in its original packaging.
Signs You Need a New Printer
Despite your best maintenance efforts, your printer could begin to show signs of age. Here are some things to look out for when considering if you need to purchase a new printer or not.
Insider Tip
If you want to increase the lifespan of your printer, we recommend performing regular maintenance tasks and cleaning the device when necessary.
Bad Prints
If you have started to notice that your printer has started making poorer-than-average prints, then it may be time to consider a replacement unit. Over time, the print head and related components can degrade which will result in low-quality reproductions. As a note, be sure that you have recently replaced the ink cartridge before checking on the unit’s overall print quality. A printer that needs an ink cartridge replacement will also make low-quality prints, which could lead to some confusion. However, bad prints can be solved by purchasing a high-yield ink cartridge that can print up to 220 pages or lower your printer’s resolution settings.
Slow Print Speed
As printers begin to experience general wear and tear, the overall print speed can become drastically reduced. If you are used to a specific page per minute (PPM) and the printer can’t seem to keep up with your demands, it may be time to think about buying a new printer. A simple way to test the speed of your printer is to print out some documents in draft mode, as this mode does not use too much ink. If the printer is still slower-than-normal, even in draft mode, you should begin to say your goodbyes.
Going Through Ink Cartridges Quickly
If you find yourself having to replace the printer’s ink cartridges more often than normal, the printer may be on its way to malfunction. Perform a cost-benefit analysis in this case, as regularly buying new ink cartridges may actually be more expensive than just buying a new printer.
Warning
As a note, be sure that you have recently replaced the ink cartridge before checking on the unit’s overall print quality.
F.A.Q.
Why do inkjet printers still exist?
Though less efficient than most other types of printers, inkjet printers are cheap to manufacture and operate with enough efficiency to please most traditional consumers.
How long should I keep my printer?
Hold on to your printer for as long you want, providing that it is still in working condition. You may want to consider a replacement when it becomes slower-than-normal or when it starts making low-grade prints.
How is a printer’s lifetime determined?
Many factors go into determining a printer’s assumed lifespan. This average lifespan is typically issued by the manufacturer itself.
STAT: Your ink cartridges should last 8 months in the printer or until you print the estimated yield of these cartridges which is a little below 150 pages. (source)
