Why Do Vapes Crackle?

So, you’ve just started your vaping journey. As a new vape user, you might be already excited by the nicotine hits you’ll get from your vaping device. You might also be excited to taste the vapour of your electronic cigarette as it is far different from the usual rich tobacco taste of cigarettes.

One thing about this electrical device that you must know, however, is it takes advantage of plenty of components to make everything work. From its battery down to the coils, everything should be working correctly to avoid encountering issues later. Now, if you suddenly hear some crackling sounds whenever you puff your e-cigarette, then you might be thinking that the device is faulty.

To clear things up, Native Smokes 4 Less is here to break down vape crackling, its main causes, and the key factors contributing to the crackling noise of your vaping device. We’ll also give you a number of tips to achieve a quieter vaping experience.

What is Vape Crackling?

Vape crackling is normal, especially if your vaping device is new.

You see, this particular device is comprised of numerous components that can help give you a satisfying vaping experience. The primary components of a vaping device are as follows:

• Battery: The power of a vaping device depends heavily on the battery. Most vaping devices feature a permanent built-in battery, while others have removable ones. Most batteries, however, are rechargeable to ensure vaping devices can be used repeatedly. Once the battery level of the device has been depleted, you have to charge it before it can work again.
• Vape tank or pod: A vape tank or pod comprises the reservoir and the airflow system. The reservoir holds the vape liquid, while the airflow system has an intake vent at the bottom of the tank or pod and the chimney that leads from the coil assembly to the mouthpiece.
• Wicking material: One more component of the vape tank or pod is the coil assembly. It is composed of the wicking material and the heating element. Typically, the e-liquid saturates the wick. Once the wick is completely wet, a weak vacuum builds up inside the tank or pod, preventing the e-liquid from flowing continuously and causing unnecessary leaks. 
• Heating element: The heating element is responsible for producing vapour or aerosol. The wick is often wrapped around the heating element and supplies it with e-liquid. Once the device is on and activated, the element becomes hot, vaporizing the e-liquid in the wick. The vapour then travels through the chimney and exits the vape tank or pod through the mouthpiece.

Now, the e-liquid inside the vaping device has to be processed so it can turn into vapour or aerosol. And for it to happen, the e-liquid must be sucked through from the vape tank or pod and reach the heating element, or coil. As the coil heats, the e-liquid turns into vapour.

The evaporation of vape juice inside your vaping device causes a continuous, low crackling noise accompanied by the hiss of vapour that escapes the nozzle. It can then sometimes be followed by a whoosh of air being pulled through the airflow. 

Vape crackling noise is typically more noticeable when you use brand-new vaping devices. These devices, fortunately, can become quieter over time. So, if you just recently bought a new vaping device, you don’t need to worry about its condition once you hear a crackling noise.

How about changing your e-liquids? If your vaping device allows you to refill e-liquid, it may also produce varying crackling noises based on its general content. Some e-liquids tend to vaporize faster, while others don’t vaporize quickly. 

Causes of Vape Crackling

The working principles of a vaping device are definitely a great innovation in technology. Instead of relying on cigarettes and other tobacco products, an e-cigarette can already provide you with your much-needed nicotine hits with just an e-liquid.

Of course, you need the device to have a charged battery or else it won’t work. As you puff on the device or press the fire button, it will run through safety checks to ensure it can operate safely. Once it passes all the safety checks, the device will channel power from the battery to the heating element. As the electricity passes through the heating coil or element, it becomes hot.

The rise in temperature causes the e-liquid suspended in the wick to vaporize. When you inhale through the mouthpiece, air travels through the intake vents until it reaches the coil assembly and out of the chimney. It will then carry the vapour into your mouth.

Once you stop puffing or release the fire button, the wick becomes dry. It then absorbs e-liquid from the reservoir, decreasing the amount of vape juice available. This cycle continues until the tank or pod has been depleted, requiring you to refill it.

Everything is good at your end until you hear a crackling noise. This noise may be caused by:

• Coil type: The noise level of your vape may depend on your coil type. If your coil has a higher surface area, it can essentially heat a higher volume of e-liquid faster. It can, however, cause a louder crackling sound. A brand-new vape coil may likewise cause a crackling noise. But expect that the noise level will decrease after a few days of using the device.
• E-liquid content: Your vaping device may also produce a crackling noise if it features a particular type of e-liquid. The propylene glycol/vegetable glycerin or PG/VG levels of your e-liquid can often determine its thickness. The thinner your e-liquid (a liquid with more PG) is, the louder the crackling noise will be. A thicker e-liquid (a liquid with more VG), alternatively, will be quieter. But if the sound becomes excessively loud, it may only mean that excess e-liquid has overflowed into your coil’s interior. 
• Power output: If your e-cigarette is capable of producing a high power output, then you can expect it to crackle loudly. Too low power settings can generate more of a gurgling noise, which may then cause excess liquid to overflow into your mesh coils or coil head. Turning up the power can sometimes prevent this issue from happening.

All these potential causes of vape crackling are mostly applicable to newly bought or newly refilled vaping devices. Some crackling noises could be normal and may subside after using the vaping device continuously. Others, however, may be a sign of issues that would require urgent repair or upkeep. Disposable vapes can be a great idea while you get your issue fixed.

Factors That Contribute to the Crackling Sound

When you first use your vaping device, you might be wondering why you suddenly hear some crackling noises whenever you puff it. Generally, the key factor that contributes to this sound is your coil.

As you inhale, the e-liquid or vape juice from the tank is pulled into your mesh coil or coil head, where it is absorbed into the wicking material. The coil wrapped around it will then heat up as you activate the device. The increase in temperature allows the liquid to vaporize, turning into an aerosol that you essentially take in.

The e-liquid will crackle and pop a little whenever it is heated up. It is an audible reaction inside your vaping device, signifying that everything is working just fine. You must also know that this sound is more noticeable when your coil is newer. The only time you might want to take some action is if the crackling sound turns into a gurgling noise.

There are a number of factors that contribute to the crackling sound of your vaping device, especially if the noise has changed significantly or abruptly. These factors include:

• Dirty coil: If your vaping device suddenly doesn’t produce any crackling noise, it may mean that the coil needs to be cleaned. The lack of noise often signifies that the coil has become clogged with the residue left over whenever e-liquid evaporates. You can also confirm that the coil has become dirty or clogged if your vape starts to taste bitter.
• Flooded coil: Now, if you notice louder snaps and long, drawn-out spits, it may mean that your coil has been flooded with e-liquid. When you encounter this issue, you must check your vape tank right away and see if the vape hasn’t been over-filled. You must also make sure that your drags don’t take too long. If everything seems okay, then you might want to let the coil cool down first.
• Too low wattage: Your vaping device might not be producing any crackling sound. However, if it releases a drawn-out gurgling noise, it might mean that the power output of your vape is too low. The gurgling sound is caused by the liquid not being vaporized quickly enough. It then remains in the coil for a very long time. When this happens, it’s important to check if your vape has been set up correctly. Otherwise, turn up the power a little if possible.

A lot of things may contribute to the existence or absence of vape crackling. As a user, you must know whether these issues exist so you can resolve them right away. 

How to Fix Vape Crackling

Fortunately, there are a couple of things you can do to fix vape crackling, vape spitting, and other related issues. Some of these things include:

1. Clean your vape tank: If you’re not ready to replace your vape coil, you may want to remove excess e-liquid in your vape tank by shaking the device downwards. Doing this can reduce both excessive crackling noises as well as the risk of spitback. Make sure to do this over a paper towel or sink so you can dispose of the excess e-liquid safely. You can also clean the mouthpiece of your tank with a piece of cotton wool, paper towel, or cotton buds before vaping.
2. Adjust your power settings: When you increase the power output of your vaping device, it somehow limits the likelihood of excess liquid leaking into your coil head, reducing unnecessary crackling noises. Just make sure that your vape coil type is compatible with your chosen wattage. Now, you can also opt for a lower power setting as it reduces the crackling noise but somehow makes it last and persist for a longer duration. 
3. Take shorter draws: A quick and immediate solution to reduce the crackling is to take shorter, shallow draws. This simple adjustment restricts the amount of e-liquid that hits the coil and vaporizes at once, thereby reducing the volume of crackling.
4. Switch your e-liquid: Opting for a liquid with a higher VG content and a lower PG content can substantially reduce the noise level. This is because the thickness of the liquid affects its evaporation rate. When atomized by your coil, thicker e-liquids dampen the sound and evaporate more slowly compared to thinner e-liquids.
5. Replace the vaping device completely: If you have significant concerns, the most drastic option is to replace the device entirely. This is likely the best choice if you’re experiencing an uncomfortable or worrisome vaping experience and would feel more reassured by switching to an e-cigarette that better suits your preferences. A standard Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) vape generates a slightly quieter crackle for a longer time, while a more powerful sub-ohm vape can produce louder crackling noises but only last for a short time.

Buying a new vape is now easier with Native Smokes 4 Less. Simply browse our online store and pick the best vaping device that matches your preferred hits, taste, and many more.

Tips for a Quieter Vape Experience

Whether you’re opting for a vape kit or a disposable vaping device, you have the right to vape your preferred e-cigarette in peace. While vape crackles may come and go from time to time, a couple of things can be done so you can achieve a quieter vape experience.

1. Take shorter draws: When you draw longer, more air is being pulled through your vaping device. It then generates a more crackling sound. To make your e-cig quieter, you may want to shorten your puffs or draws so you can somehow make the noise less noticeable.
2. Drop the power: Turning down your wattage slightly may put less power through your vape coil. It also reduces the heat, making crackling noises and pops less noticeable. Just make sure to not drop the power too low as you might then hear a gurgling noise.
3. Close the airflow: You can also close off the airflow of your e-cigarette to somehow reduce the amount of air being pulled through your tank. 
4. Change the coil resistance: If you can somehow replace the coil of your vaping device, then you may want to do it to achieve a quieter vaping experience. You can switch your very sub-ohm coil with a higher ohm rating to reduce the noise your device makes. You only have to ensure that your device and e-liquid type supports this option. 
5. Use an angled drip tip: You can then try using an angled drip tip. The angle in these tips was intended to deter e-liquid from being shot back into your mouth. They also help in reducing the amount of e-liquid that hits the vape coil. Using this may lessen the crackling noise created by the vape as well as save you from an unpleasant accident.

Achieving a quieter vape experience is possible when you carry out these tips. Just make sure to check the condition of your vaping device upon following these things. If you notice changes that somehow affect the quality of your hits, then it only means that you need to either revert the device’s condition to its original setup or replace the whole thing right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stop my vape from crackling?

It’s somehow impossible to stop your vape from crackling. The only thing you could do is to reduce it. To reduce crackling, make sure to prime your coil properly and avoid over-saturating it with e-liquid. Additionally, try to use a higher-resistance coil and lower your wattage setting to avoid excessive production of vapour. You can also use thinner e-liquids to minimize excessive crackling.

Is it bad if your vape crackles?

No. A slight crackling sound in your vape is normal as it often indicates that the e-liquid is being vaporized properly. Excessive crackling, however, may mean that the vaping device has numerous issues. These issues include too much e-liquid in the coil, high wattage settings, or improper wicking.

Why does my vape sizzle after I hit it?

Your vape sizzles after you hit it due to the coil being still hot, continuing to vaporize residual e-liquid for a few seconds. This can be more noticeable if you’re using high-power settings or a coil with a high juice absorption rate. If your vape sizzles for too long, you must check your coil for over-saturation. You may also want to adjust the device’s power or clean it to prevent excessive heating.

Summary

When you hear a crackling noise for the first time, you must first confirm whether your vaping device is new or not. If it is new, then it means that all its components are working just fine. The only time you need to take necessary actions is if you suddenly notice a number of changes in the duration and intensity of the noise. Your vaping device may become too loud or too quiet, which signifies that there is something wrong with its components.

Fixing the vape crackling issue is possible as long as you accurately determine the problem of your device. If you’re not sure, you can ask your retailer about the device and they’ll confirm if the e-cigarette is still in good condition or needs to be repaired or replaced immediately.

Since you already know why vapes crackle, it’s time to know if your companions are vaping or not. Read this article to learn how to identify someone who is vaping.