is the canon tr8620a power hungry? it feels warm even when I'm not using it.

Diagnosis

The Canon PIXMA TR8620a is not "power hungry" in terms of peak wattage, but it utilizes a "Ready-to-Print" architecture that prevents the machine from ever fully shutting down. The warmth you feel on the chassis—particularly near the rear power supply area and the control panel—is the result of the internal logic board and the wireless network interface controller (NIC) remaining active. Because this model supports cloud printing, Alexa integration, and automatic ink monitoring, the processor must maintain a heartbeat connection with your router. This heat is generated by the voltage regulators converting AC wall power to DC for the internal components. Even in "Sleep Mode," the printer is merely idling, not off. If the printer is placed in a tight enclosure or against a wall with no ventilation, this low-level heat accumulates, making the plastic casing feel warm to the touch. You can confirm this is normal behavior by checking the power LED; if it is pulsing or dimly lit, the printer is in a low-power state but still drawing current to maintain its network IP address and internal clock.

How to Fix It

To reduce the heat output and minimize the power draw of your TR8620a, you must transition the device from a "Ready" state to a deeper "Auto Power Off" state. Follow these exact steps on the printer's touch screen:

1. Press the Setup button (represented by the pliers and screwdriver icon) on the operation panel.
2. Navigate to Device settings and press OK.
3. Select Eco settings from the menu.
4. Select Auto power off. By default, this may be set to "Off" or a long duration. Change this to 1 hour or 2 hours. This ensures that if no print jobs are sent, the machine will fully kill power to the logic board.
5. Return to the Eco settings menu and select Auto power on. Set this to Off. This prevents the printer from waking itself up unnecessarily to check for updates or network pings.
6. Press the Back button repeatedly until you return to the home screen.

If That Didn't Work

• Relocate the Hardware: Ensure there is at least 4 inches of clearance around the rear and sides of the printer. The TR8620a vents heat through the plastic casing; if it is pushed flush against a wall or tucked into a desk cubby, the ambient heat will build up, making the device feel significantly hotter than it actually is.
• Disable Unnecessary Wireless Features: If you do not use cloud printing or voice commands, disable the "Wireless Connect" or "Cloud" features in the network settings. Reducing the number of active background listeners on the Wi-Fi chip reduces the processing load and the resulting thermal output.
• Use a Smart Plug: If you only print once a week, the most effective way to eliminate standby heat is to plug the TR8620a into a smart plug or a manual power strip. Completely cut the power when not in use. Note that this will require a few extra seconds for the printer to boot and reconnect to Wi-Fi upon the next use.
• Check for Firmware Bloat: Ensure your firmware is updated to the latest version via the Setup menu. Occasionally, early firmware versions had "wake-up loops" where the printer would constantly cycle between sleep and awake, causing the processor to run hot.

Heads Up

• Avoid using "surge protectors" with very old circuitry; the TR8620a requires a stable voltage, and poor power delivery can cause the internal power supply to run hotter than normal.
• Do not cover the printer with a cloth or dust cover while it is plugged in, as this traps the standby heat and can degrade the internal capacitors over time.
• If you notice the warmth is accompanied by a burning plastic smell or if the printer shuts itself off unexpectedly, this indicates a failing power supply unit (PSU) rather than normal standby heat.
• The print head assembly also generates heat during cleaning cycles; it is normal for the machine to feel warmer immediately after a "Deep Cleaning" or "Nozzle Check" sequence.