Print head issue when idle for long time

[sls2]

I live half the year in FL and half in NC. I have the same model printer in both locations. On the advice of HP tech support, I remove the ink cartridges and put them in a plastic bag before I leave for the season. I have just returned to my northern house and had a problem with the printer/ink. It was resolved by HP sending me a new print head because this printer is still under warantee. But next time it won't be. I am trying to learn if there is a better way to handle the issue of a printer sitting idle for six months. Should I also remove and bag up the print head? Should I just take the ink cartridges back and forth with me so they will be used frequently? Is there any reason to think letting the print head sit empty for months would cause a problem? ANY advice would be most welcome as I have always had problems when coming back to an unused printer. TIA!!!

[DocCottle · Accepted solution]

Hey @sls2,

I see that you are worried about having your printhead replaced on your Officejet 8610 e-All-in-One Printers if they have issues after not being used for several months. I can answer that for you.

First, if the printer is out of warranty, they printhead would not be replaced. It is a replaceable part, however you would need to purchase the printhead from HP if replacing the cartridges does not resolve your issues. Here are some things that can be done:

Leave the printers powered on when they are not in use. If the printers are powered on, the printers can do maintenance to keep the cartridges and ink system from drying out as quickly. This may save your printheads. Naturally, this does not work if there is no power while you are away.

Purchase an extended warranty for the printers. You can contact HP Support by clicking on this link and filling out the form at the bottom and they can provide you with options for extended warranties and process everything right away. Please note that they are going to need the printer's serial number to register everything for you. You can also purchase a warranty by visiting HP Shopping. When you go this route you are going to need to call the number included in the warranty packet and they will need the printer's serial number.  Either way, the printer needs to be functioning when you purchase the warranty.

Purchase an HP Laserjet Printer. Laserjet Printers use toner, which is a dry power instead of wet ink. These printers can be left in storage for years, opened again, and can still print. This would end any concerns about printheads or cartridges. The downsides to these printers is that unless you are using a black only printer, the cost per page is greater than printing from the Officejet 8610. Going this route would make printing photographs very expensive, so it's something to be aware of if.

Purchase a printer with a two-ink cartridge system. HP printers with two ink cartridge systems have printheads built into the cartridges instead of the printer. This means that if the cartridge no longer works the cartridge can be replaced instead.

The downside to this is that your average cost per page to print would increase. You can offset this by subscribing the printer to the Instant Ink program and cancel your subscription before you switch locations. You can find out more about the program by clicking on this link.

Please let me know if this answers your question or if it resolves your issues. If it does, please click on Accept Solution. If you appreciate my help, please click on the thumbs up icon. Both icons are below this post.

[MaryJoDey]

I just purchased an Envy Photo 7855 which has two cartridges so the print heads are in the cartridges?

[kevin-t]

Hello,

Thank you for posting in this thread. Unfortunately based on when the last response was made, I have closed this thread to help keep comments current and up to date. We recommend starting a new thread for your issue by clicking here.
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