In recent years, the cost of printers for the home and office has reduced dramatically. However, the cost of replacement ink cartridges is still considered by many to be unreasonably high. Thankfully, there are a number of ways printer users can reduce their ink and toner consumption, and save some money in the process.
Use the ‘Draft’ Mode
Most inkjet printers have a ‘draft’ mode; a setting that will print pages in a lower quality. This uses considerably less ink than regular printing modes. Although text is slightly less bold on draft pages, it is perfectly acceptable for everyday purposes and makes printer ink go a lot further.
Reduce the Output Resolution
For laser printers, the output resolution can be reduce in order to conserve toner cartridges. Pages can be printed at 300 dpi for everyday use, using considerably less ink toner. The resolution can then easily be increase when needed.
Only Print What’s Absolutely Necessary
Before pressing ‘print’, think hard about whether a hard copy of the document is really necessary. Consider whether the document could be shared by email or the cloud before using precious printer ink.
Buy Compatible Ink Cartridges
For people who have to print on a regular basis, compatible cartridges could be the answer. Compatible ink cartridges are manufactured by a third party, as opposed to the printer manufacturer. This makes them considerably less expensive. They are also of comparable quality and often contain significantly more ink than original cartridges.
