Printers are still important, despite us living in an increasingly digital world because sometimes, you really do just need to print out that important document or have a real-life copy of that beautiful colour photo to remember your loved ones by. The thing is, modern printers can also kinda be money pits. They can be expensive to buy, run and maintain, and considering you probably only use them occasionally for the important stuff, that is not good news.
What is good news, however, are the seven tips below, that can help you cut the cost of running your printer right now. Sound good? Read on…
Print Only When Necessary
Yes, this sounds obvious. But we’ve all printed things we didn’t really need, like that 12-page email chain or a one-line confirmation email. Before you hit “Print,” ask yourself: Do I really need a hard copy of this? Cutting back on unnecessary printing is the quickest way to save money on both ink and paper.
Use Draft Mode for Everyday Prints
Most printers have a “Draft” or “Eco” mode that uses significantly less ink. It’s perfect for internal documents, to-do lists, or anything that doesn’t need to look polished. You’ll save ink, and your printer might even spit out pages faster.
Buy Ink and Toner in Bulk
If you print regularly, buying ink or toner in multi-packs or high-yield cartridges can save you a decent chunk over time. Just make sure you’re buying from reputable retailers or directly from the manufacturer to avoid knock-offs. Printer ink, when you choose the right type and source, can last longer and deliver excellent quality without constant replacements.
Choose the Right Font
Believe it or not, your font choice can affect how much ink you use. Fonts like Century Gothic, Calibri, and Ecofont are designed to use less ink without sacrificing readability. Avoid heavy, bold typefaces unless absolutely necessary – your ink supply will thank you.
Use Print Preview and Page Selection
Avoid the classic mistake of printing all 32 pages of a document when you only need one. Use print preview to double-check what you’re about to print, and make use of the page range feature to select only the pages you actually need. It’s a tiny habit that makes a big difference over time.
Recycle and Refill Cartridges
Many manufacturers offer recycling programs that give you discounts on new cartridges when you send in your empties. Some even offer refilling options, which are cheaper and more eco-friendly. Just check that your printer supports refilled cartridges because you know what? Some models can be picky.
Keep Your Printer in Good Shape
Clean your printer regularly, update the software, and run maintenance checks when prompted. A well-maintained printer is more efficient and less likely to waste paper and ink on misprints. Think of it as giving your printer a spa day, it’ll work better, and you’ll save money in the long run.
Final Thought:
It might sometimes feel like your printer is out to get you, but that’s really not the case, and if you’re smart and you work with your printer, you can enjoy those hard copies you need without the expense or the annoyance!
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