Coil Changes. What are they and why should you do them?

So, if you’re here looking at what coil changes are, you probably are looking at starting vaping, or someone has given you a vape to help you quit smoking and you need information. Well, at VapeHQ we’re always here to help!

So, let’s give you the broad strokes and then get into the meat of it.

A coil change is when you replace the “atomizer”, coil part, of your device. In a tank type device, this is the bit in the middle you can see through the window of your tank. In a pod device, it’s built into the pod. You will change your coils at intervals between 1 and 3 weeks depending on how much you use the device. If you get an ashy burnt taste, change your coil or replace your pod. Each device is slightly different, so refer to your instructions manual for details on how each is done.

Now, let's go into a little more depth.

Coil changes are done in one of two ways, changing your coil, or changing your pod. There is 1 reason you would do this, to get a clean and unpolluted vapour from your device. If your device is tasting burnt, it is because the coil has started to burn the wick, either because you’ve let the wick get too dry by running the liquid low (something I am unfortunately very guilty of…) or because you’ve been using the coil for long enough that the heat has affected the wick. 

Don’t worry, the effect isn’t super bad, however once it has started to get a dry or ashy taste, it is time to get that coil changed. When you’re used to using your device, you will notice that in the days leading up to this point, the flavour in the vape will reduce, giving you an indication before the burnt taste that it’s time to change your coil or pod.

What happens if you don’t change your coil?

Well, it’s not particularly good if you don’t change your coil. When you use your device, it heats up a coil in the same way that old lightbulbs heat up a filament (for the younger readers, think of the bulbs in films that are round and often get a nice close up shot for the glowing wires.) This in turn heats up the e-liquid which turns to a vapour. During this process, like all things, it’s not perfect, and so some of it doesn’t get evaporated. This part stays on the coil and becomes something called “Coil gunk”. Over time, this coil gunk becomes thicker and eventually starts to stop the heat transfer, making the coil get hotter before the liquid can absorb the heat and evaporate. Once this has gone on long enough, the heat starts to damage the coil itself and will generate “Hot Spots”. These hot spots are very hot spots on the coil which burn the cotton wick. With the fact that vaping is meant to get you away from burning things and move something healthier, this obviously isn’t good. Reports of dangerous chemicals being found in the vapour come from this burning of the cotton usually. (I say usually because there are some bad actors out there that hide from the law and when these are found, well you can guess the outcome. Always buy from a reputable source!) 

When you change your coil, you’ll be met with a few options. Most devices have a set pod or coil type that can be installed in it, however they do come in different “Ohmages”. This tells you how much vapour it will produce. Lower ohms means more vapour. If you’re quitting and going down in strength, you might want to try a higher ohm coil before you lower your strength to help the transition. Or if you find the vapour to be a little warm you might want to try a different ohm. Depending on the device / coil type, this could be going up or down. Just remember that if you need any information on this, our staff are always ready to help you at VapeHQ to set you up with what is right for you.