Why Coil Replacements Can Add Up Quickly?

If you’ve been vaping for a while, you’ve probably noticed that replacing coils isn’t exactly a rare event. One week your vape tastes perfect, the next you’re hit with a burnt flavor or weak vapor, and suddenly it’s time for another coil.

While a single coil might not seem expensive—often just a few dollars—these costs can pile up faster than you expect. Over months (or years), coil replacements can quietly become one of the biggest expenses in your vaping budget.

So why do coils burn out so quickly, and how do these small costs add up to such a big number? Let’s dive in.

1. How Vape Coils Work (And Why They Wear Out)

At the heart of every vape device is the coil: a small heating element wrapped in cotton or another wicking material. Its job is to heat your e-liquid into vapor.

Over time, two main things happen:

• Residue builds up from the sweeteners, flavorings, and nicotine in your juice.

• The cotton degrades from repeated heating, eventually burning or losing its ability to hold liquid.

Once this happens, your vape’s performance drops, and replacing the coil becomes inevitable.

2. Factors That Make Coils Burn Out Faster

Several habits and conditions can dramatically shorten coil life, which means you’ll be buying replacements more often.

• Sweetened E-Liquids: Sugary or dessert-flavored juices are notorious for gunking up coils. Sweeteners caramelize on the heating element, reducing efficiency and giving your vapor a burnt taste.
• High VG Juices: Vegetable glycerin (VG) is thicker than propylene glycol (PG). High-VG juices can be harder for the cotton to wick, especially in smaller coils, leading to dry hits and damage.
• Chain Vaping: Taking multiple puffs without giving your coil time to re-saturate can scorch the wick, permanently affecting flavor.
• High Wattage Settings: Pushing your device to high wattages generates more heat, which can shorten both cotton and coil lifespan.
• Poor Maintenance: Failing to clean your tank, change e-liquid types, or prime your coil properly can all lead to faster wear and tear.

3. The Cost Breakdown

At first glance, coils don’t seem expensive. A pack of 5 coils might cost $12–$20. But let’s look at how this adds up.

Example Scenario:

• Average coil lifespan: 1–2 weeks

• Cost per coil: $3–$4

• Replacements per month: ~3–4

• Monthly coil cost: $9–$16

• Yearly coil cost: $108–$192

And that’s assuming you don’t burn through coils faster due to sweet e-liquids, high wattage vaping, or accidental dry hits.

4. Why Cheap Coils Aren’t Always Cheaper

It might be tempting to buy the cheapest coils available, but this can backfire:

• Lower-quality materials may burn out faster.

• Poorly made coils can leak or produce uneven heating.

• Cheap cotton can impact flavor and overall satisfaction.

In many cases, higher-quality coils can last longer, giving better performance and reducing how often you need replacements.

5. The Hidden Cost of Burnt Coils

A burnt coil doesn’t just affect your wallet—it affects your experience.

• Bad Flavor: Burnt cotton ruins the taste of your e-liquid instantly.

• Wasted Juice: You often have to discard the e-liquid in your tank when swapping coils.

• Inconsistent Vapor: Old coils may produce less vapor, affecting satisfaction.

This means that stretching a coil beyond its ideal lifespan often leads to more waste and frustration.

6. Tips to Make Coils Last Longer

If you want to slow down the replacement cycle, here are a few strategies:

• Prime Your Coils Properly: Before using a new coil, let the wick soak in e-liquid for at least 5–10 minutes. Take a few dry pulls (without firing) to help the liquid saturate.
• Use the Right Wattage: Stay within the recommended wattage range printed on the coil. Too high, and you risk burning the cotton.
• Choose Cleaner E-Liquids: Opt for e-liquids with fewer sweeteners and balanced PG/VG ratios for better coil longevity.
• Avoid Chain Vaping: Give your coil a few seconds between puffs to re-saturate with e-liquid.
• Clean Your Tank: Rinsing out your tank and changing e-liquids less abruptly can prevent gunk buildup.

7. When Paying More for Coils Makes Sense

Some coils, like mesh coils, can last longer due to their larger surface area and more even heating. While these might cost slightly more upfront, they can reduce how often you need replacements.

Similarly, rebuildable atomizers (RBAs) allow you to replace only the cotton wick while keeping the coil wire, which can significantly cut down on expenses if you’re willing to learn the basics of coil building.

8. The Bottom Line

Coil replacements are an unavoidable part of vaping, but the costs can sneak up on you if you’re not paying attention.

• Sweet e-liquids, high wattage, and poor maintenance can burn through coils faster.

• While each coil might seem cheap, over time the expense adds up.

• A few small habits—like proper priming, choosing cleaner juices, and moderating your wattage—can help you save money without sacrificing performance.

Think of coils like the tires on your car—they’re essential for performance, they wear out with use, and quality plus maintenance make all the difference. By taking care of your coils and choosing the right products for your vaping style, you can keep costs in check and enjoy a smoother, tastier experience.