Fairbanks, Alaska, offers its residents breathtaking landscapes, stunning wildlife, long summer days—and winter temperatures that can make you wonder if it’s actually worth it. With temperatures that can plummet well below zero, offices here in Fairbanks must learn to operate under the extreme winter conditions and maintain the functionality of essential office equipment. Choosing durable office equipment in Fairbanks, AK, is just the first step in staying functional through the winters; you must also implement temperature control measures to ensure smooth operations throughout the freezing temperatures.
Understanding the Challenges of Alaska’s Climate
Alaskan winters aren’t just cold—they’re brutally frigid. Temperatures often drop more than 20 degrees below zero, and occasionally drop as low and -50 degrees Fahrenheit. If your office equipment isn’t durable and properly maintained in a temperature-controlled climate, these huge drops in temperature can wreak havoc, causing mechanical failures and damaging sensitive internal components.
This kind of damage can be costly and disruptive to your business. To prevent this from occurring, business owners in Fairbanks need to invest in durable, winter-ready equipment, as well as maintaining an optimal environment within their office.
Choosing Durable Equipment for an Extreme Environment
The first step in helping your office equipment function through the harsh winters is to choose a durable, reliable piece of machinery. Here’s what to look for:
Materials Built for Cold Temperatures: Office equipment designed with materials that can withstand dramatic temperature swings is essential. Plastic parts, often found in lower-end office printers, can become brittle and crack when exposed to extreme cold. Look for equipment with reinforced frames and cold-resistant materials that can stand up against rapid temperature drops.
High-Performance Printers and Copiers: Printers and copiers have a lot of delicate internal components that make them particularly susceptible to damage from the cold. Consider investing in models that are specifically made for high-demand environments. Look for sealed compartments to protect internal parts from condensation, advanced heating mechanisms to ensure optimal toner bonding even in cold temps, and anti-static coatings to prevent paper jams in low humidity.
Backup Power Solutions: In subzero temperatures, power outages are not uncommon. Make sure that your office equipment is supported by backup power generators or other uninterrupted power supply systems. This will help you to not only keep your office machines running, but maintain the heating your office space to protect your equipment from damage.
Winterizing Your Office Space and Equipment
Of course, you’d be hard pressed to find any printer or copier that can actually withstand Fairbanks’s frigid winters on its own. Your equipment needs to be maintained in a temperature-controlled office environment to maintain longevity and performance. Here are a few tips for protecting your equipment from extreme winters:
Maintain Stable Indoor Temps: Temperature fluctuations can damage office equipment, even if they don’t reach extremes in either direction. Swings in temperature can create condensation inside your machines, and condensation can short-circuit internal components or lead to corrosion over time. Keep your office’s indoor temperature consistent, preferably between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid these issues.
Use Climate-Control Equipment: Climate-control systems play a vital role in making a stable environment for your sensitive office equipment. Make sure you’re installing your printers and other machinery in a part of the office that is temperature-controlled by a reliable HVAC system.
Avoid Drafty Spaces: Printers, copiers, and other sensitive machines should always be positioned away from drafts, open doors, and poorly insulated areas. These spaces will be more prone to temperature drops than the better controlled areas of your office, which can lead to uneven heating and increased wear on equipment.
Invest in Humidity Control: Both high and low humidity levels can be troublesome to printers and copiers. Low humidity in winter can lead to static electricity, which can damage delicate circuitry in office equipment. It can also increase the likelihood of paper jams and other issues. Dramatic temperature swings cause condensation, as does high humidity, which can lead to short circuits in the equipment. Consider using humidifiers to maintain humidity levels between 30% and 50%.
How to Protect Your Machines from Cold-Weather Damage
In addition to temperature controls, there are a couple of things you can do to keep your equipment protected from cold-weather damage. For starters, take the time to pre-warm your equipment before use. Many printers and copiers have a pre-heating mode to prepare internal components for operation. Avoid turning machines on immediately after exposure to cold temperatures, as this can cause those condensation issues mentioned above.
Additionally, schedule regular maintenance checks to identify potential issues before they escalate. Ensure that all moving parts are well-lubricated and free from frost in cold temperatures. This will reduce the wear and tear on your equipment.
During off hours or when the equipment is not in use, consider using an insulated cover for your equipment. This helps retain heat and shield equipment from direct exposure to cold air. You should also avoid relocating office equipment between cold and warm areas, as this increases the risk of condensation. Keep machines in a consistent environment whenever possible to minimize the temperature-related stress on their components.
Speak to the Office Equipment Experts in Fairbanks
At Arctic Office Products, we know what it’s like to run a business in these extreme winters. We can help business owners throughout the Fairbanks area find the business office machines in Fairbanks, AK, that meet their needs while also standing up to all that these Alaskan winters can throw at you. Contact us today or stop by our showroom. Our team of experts will help you find a durable office machine, as well as providing tips and maintenance schedules to ensure that your printers, copiers, and other equipment will continue running through even the harshest of Fairbanks winters. Give us a call or come by Arctic Office Products today!
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