Do Your Vape Coils Need A Change?
There's nothing quite like the pleasure of drawing a fresh, flavorful puff from your vape. The harmony of rich flavors unfolding on your palate, the smoothness of the vapor, and the overall experience can be attributed to an often underappreciated component of the vape device - the coil. As much as we relish these rewarding moments, there will come a time when the vape coil requires replacing to ensure the quality of your vaping experience. This article explores the details of when and why you should replace your vape coils, the signs that indicate a coil change, and tips for prolonging the life of your vape coils.
What are vape coils and how do they work?
Vape coils, also known as atomizer heads or simply 'atomizers', are the heart of every vape device. They are responsible for heating up the e-liquid and turning it into the delightful vapor you inhale. Each coil is essentially a tightly wound piece of resistance wire, often made from materials like Kanthal, Nichrome, Stainless Steel, or Titanium. This wire is further wrapped with a wicking material—usually organic cotton—that absorbs the e-liquid.
When you activate your vaping device, electricity from the battery heats up the coil. This heat is transferred to the e-liquid soaked wick, causing it to vaporize. This process creates the cloud of vapor you see when you exhale, carrying with it the flavors and nicotine content of the e-liquid.
Why do vape coils need to be replaced?
The necessity for vape coil replacement arises from their constant exposure to heat and e-liquid. Just as a light bulb dims over time due to repeated heating and cooling, vape coils also degrade.
The high temperatures cause the metal coil to oxidize and build up gunk from the e-liquid, especially if it has a high sugar content. This buildup, also known as 'coil gunk', progressively degrades the performance of the coil. The wicking material, too, darkens and loses its absorption capacity with continued use.
Degraded coils fail to heat the e-liquid efficiently, reducing the quality of the vapor produced. It could result in a burnt taste, less vapor, and even leakage issues. Thus, replacing your vape coils becomes an essential part of device maintenance for an optimum vaping experience.
How often should you replace your vape coils?
Determining the frequency of vape coil replacement depends on a few factors: how often you vape, the type of e-liquid you use, the power settings of your device, and the type of coil you have installed.
For those who vape sporadically, a coil might last several weeks or even a month. For a regular vaper, replacing the coil every one to two weeks is generally a good rule of thumb. Heavy users might find they need to replace their coils every few days.
E-liquids with a high VG (vegetable glycerin) content or sweeteners can gunk up the coil faster, reducing its lifespan. Similarly, vaping at higher wattages tends to wear out coils quicker as it causes more rapid oxidation and gunk build-up.
What are some signs that it’s time to replace your vape coils?
Several tell-tale signs can indicate that your vape coil needs replacing.
Burnt taste: The most common sign of a spent coil is a burnt or off taste in the vapor. It's often the result of a gunked-up coil or a dry wick, unable to properly absorb the e-liquid.
Reduced vapor production: If you're noticing less vapor than usual, it could mean your coil is not effectively heating the e-liquid.
Leaking: A failing coil might cause your vape to leak, as the worn-out wick may not absorb e-liquid as efficiently, causing it to seep out.
Gurgling noises: A flooded coil can cause an unpleasant gurgling noise. This can occur when the coil is not vaporizing the e-liquid effectively, and it floods the coil.
Visible coil gunk: If you can see a dark, crusty material on the coil or if the wick looks discolored, it's likely time for a replacement.
How to replace your vape coils?
To replace your vape coil, follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Remove the tank: Unscrew the tank from your vaping device. Depending on your device, you might need to empty any remaining e-liquid.
- Remove the old coil: Unscrew the spent coil from the tank.
- Prime the new coil: Before installing the new coil, apply e-liquid to the wick to prime it. This step helps prevent dry hits and prolongs coil life.
- Install the new coil: Screw the new coil into the tank. Ensure it's securely fitted but avoid overtightening.
- Reassemble the vape: Screw the tank back onto your vape device and refill with e-liquid.
- Wait before vaping: Allow the e-liquid to soak into the new coil's wick for about 5-10 minutes before you start vaping again. This ensures the wick is fully saturated and reduces the risk of dry hits.
Tips for prolonging the life of your vape coils
Proper care and usage can help extend the life of your vape coils:
Prime your coils: As mentioned earlier, priming your coils can prevent dry hits and promote a longer coil lifespan.
Avoid chain vaping: Constantly vaping can cause the coil to overheat, accelerating the oxidation process. Take breaks between your vaping sessions to let the coil cool down.
Use appropriate power settings: Higher wattages put more strain on your coil. Stick to the manufacturer's recommended power levels to extend coil life.
Clean your coils: Regular cleaning can help remove gunk buildup and prolong the coil's life. You can gently rinse the coil under hot water and let it dry completely before using it again. However, note that not all coils are suitable for cleaning.
Conclusion
Vape coils are integral to a satisfactory vaping experience. Understanding when and how to replace your coils, along with some tips to prolong their life, can keep your vape in optimal condition, offering fresh, flavorful clouds of vapor every time. So the next time you sense a burnt taste or notice your vape's performance dropping, consider checking your coil—it might be time for a new one. Looking a reliable place to buy new coils? Alternative Pods is here! Visit vape accessories at our online store and get 100% customer satisfaction!
