an ink jet recorder includes an ink jet head having nozzles , through which ink can be ejected . the recorder also includes an apparatus for purging the head . the apparatus includes a cap for covering the nozzles . the apparatus also includes a suction pump for sucking ink from the head through the cap covering the nozzles . the apparatus further includes a memory , a temperature sensor and a controller . the memory stores the purge interval at which the pump should suck ink . the sensor measures ambient temperature . if the measured temperature is abnormal , the controller replaces the stored purge interval with shorter interval . in this case , the apparatus purges the head at the shorter interval . this keeps the ejection of ink in good condition regardless of ambient temperature .