‘Why is my vape crackling?’ Odds are that you would’ve asked this question as a vaper sooner rather than later. No matter how acquainted you are with vaping, issues such as crackling and overheating can ruin one’s vape sessions. But, have no fear, as today we are going to discuss how and why this happens, as well as what you can do in order to remedy the problem.
Occasionally, since vapes may feel like they’re getting overheated, you might hear a hissing sound. Perhaps your vape needs a simple cleaning, or there might be too much heat around the mouthpiece, or the open cart or tank needs cleaning. But how do you know if it’s a serious problem?
Why Does My Vape Make Noises?
A vaping device might produce noises for various reasons, most of which are considered normal due to the device's functionality. So, here's the answer to your question: “why my vape making a weird noise”:
- Coil heating: The most common sound is a slight crackling or popping noise when you use the vape device. This sound is normal and comes from the e-liquid being heated by the coil and rapidly turned into vapor, which is then inhaled. The liquid pops because of the quick temperature changes and the reaction of the liquid to the heat, similar to water sizzling on a hot skillet.
- Airflow: The device's design might cause a whistling or whooshing sound as you draw. This noise is due to the air being pulled through the small holes in the airflow system, creating a kind of mini wind tunnel effect. The intensity of the sound can vary depending on how tight the airflow is and how hard you're inhaling.
- Tank noises: Some vapes have tanks that make a slight gurgling noise. This sound typically occurs if the tank has been overfilled or if e-liquid has flooded the coil's central tube. The gurgling is the sound of liquid inside parts of the device where there should only be vapor or air.
- Battery and electronics: In rare cases, you might hear faint high-pitched noises coming from the device's electronics, particularly when it's active or charging. These sounds can come from the coils in the circuitry as the device regulates power, which is typical in many electronic devices and usually not a cause for concern unless accompanied by other symptoms like overheating.
What Causes Vape Crackling and Popping?
So, back to the questions: “why does my vape crackle?”, “why is my vape crackling?”, and “why does my vape pop when I hit it?” If your vape is making a crackling or popping noise, it's a common occurrence that most vapers have experienced. This vape crackling noise comes from the process of the e-liquid being heated by the coil and vaporizing. Several factors can contribute to this phenomenon:
- Rapid heating of e-liquid: The primary cause of the crackling and popping noises is the e-liquid being heated quickly by the coil. When the liquid is fed onto the hot coil, the rapid rise in temperature causes it to vaporize instantly, creating popping sounds, much like water droplets on a hot surface.
- Type of coil: Some coils, especially those with a more intricate or uneven surface (like Clapton coils), may cause more of these sounds. The uneven surface can lead to uneven heating, which means some e-liquid may get hot enough to pop while other liquid isn't fully vaporized.
- Puff technique: If you're taking strong, sharp puffs on your vape, you're forcing more e-liquid into the coil, which can cause more crackling and popping sounds. This is because the increased air pressure pushes more liquid onto the coil, part of which can vaporize very quickly and pop.
- Flooding and over-priming: If too much e-liquid is present in the atomizer, known as "flooding," it can cause gurgling and popping noises. This is often due to over-priming the coil (adding too much e-liquid) or not having a tight enough seal in the tank system.
Vape Juice Type Can Cause Crackling
E-liquids with a higher propylene glycol (PG) content tend to be thinner and can cause more noise when vaporized. PG can also contribute to a stronger throat hit, and the fluid's consistency means it vaporizes at different rates, contributing to the crackling sound.
E-cig Power Output
Higher wattages or temperature settings cause the coil to get hotter, vaporizing the e-liquid more rapidly and potentially causing louder or more frequent crackling and popping sounds.
How to Make Your E-cig Quieter
Remember, while you can often reduce the noise level of your vaping, some sounds are normal during use. If your device starts making unusual or excessively loud noises, it could indicate a problem that needs addressing. Still, if you're looking to make your vaping experience quieter, below are some tips to try out.
Tip #1: Adjust the Wattage or Temperature
Sometimes, lowering the power output of your device can result in less vigorous boiling of your e-liquid, which might reduce the popping and crackling sounds. Be cautious with this adjustment to avoid under-powering your coil, as this could lead to poor performance or other issues.
Tip #2: Check the Airflow
The air intake of your vape can cause a whistling noise if it's too tight. Adjusting the airflow can change the pitch and volume of the sound. Opening it more can also affect the temperature of the vapor and the intensity of the flavor but might reduce noise during inhalation.
Tip #3: Change the Coil or Wick
Different replacement coils can produce different levels of noise. You might find that a simple, single-strand coil is quieter than a complex, multi-strand one. Additionally, ensure your wick is thoroughly saturated, as a dry or semi-dry wick can make noise.
Tip #4: Examine the E-Liquid
E-liquids with a higher vegetable glycerin (VG) content tend to be thicker and can sometimes produce less noise when vaped, compared to thinner liquids with higher propylene glycol (PG). Trying a higher VG liquid might reduce the crackling and popping sounds.
Tip #5: Proper Device maintenance
Regularly clean the tank, mouthpiece, and atomizer to prevent gurgling sounds caused by condensation or leaks. Make sure all parts are properly attached and that the coil head is firmly screwed in.
Tip #6: Consider Your Environment
Sound resonates differently depending on your surroundings. Vaping in an area with soft furnishings, like a lounge, can reduce noise levels because the soft surfaces absorb sound.
Note: If none of the above tips/methods significantly impacts the noise level, and it continues to bother you, it might be worth looking into other devices or tank systems known for quiet operation.
Final Thoughts
In most cases, the crackling is perfectly normal and just part of the vaping experience. However, if it's accompanied by other issues like harsh hits, excessive spit-back, or burnt taste, then you might need to check your device settings, consider changing the coil, examine the PG/VG ratio of your e-liquid, or even look at your inhaling technique. If the device continues to behave unusually despite troubleshooting, it might be wise to consult with a vape shop to ensure your device is functioning correctly.