Many new vapers aren't aware of the role coils have within their device - and some will vape with the same one for weeks or even months, wondering why their e-liquid no longer tastes the way it's meant to. If you'e unsure of what coils actually are, which one is right for you, and how often to change yours, then read on.

What are vape coils and how do they function within a device?

A vape coil is a device that makes mist out of e-liquid. It is essentially a heating coil made from a piece of resistance wire that heats up to create vapor. They require a wicking material, which feeds e-liquid to the coil. There are different kinds of coil:

Coil heads - these are designed for use with a specific tank and are more convenient for those who don't want to build their own coils. The downsides are a short lifespan - they typically need changing once a week, which can get expensive - and they aren't great for switching flavors, as they typically need to be re-wicked.

RBAs - rebuildable atomizers are also made with a specific tank in mind, but they can be re-wicked as often as needed. They allow more room for manoeuvre as you're building your own coil.

RTAs - rebuildable tank atomizers allow vapers to hold more vape juice in their device, with the benefit of a tank system. However, issues such as dry hits and leaking can occur if these aren't wicked properly.

RDAs - rebuildable dripping atomizers provide the best flavor from an e-liquid, but require expertise in building and can be dangerous if not built correctly. You also need to re-drip after every few inhales.

Why do they have different ohms? What difference does it make?

Atomizers are measured in ohms, which are units of electrical resistance. The lower the ohms, the more power they need. The difference it makes depends on what kind of vaping experience you prefer. If you use a lower ohm coil, you'll get a larger volume of vapor, a drier hit, and find your vape is used up more quickly. Higher ohm coils provide a longer battery life, a cooler vapor, and less of it, as there is less heat at the coil.

How can you tell when a coil needs changing?

There are a few signs that will tell you a coil needs changing, and they all center around how your overall experience changes. If you get a burnt taste while vaping, this is a sign the coil has burnt out and it's time to get a new one. Similarly, if your eliquid stops tasting how it should, this usually means the coil has stopped working properly and you should change to a fresh one. In some cases, your vape can leak due to the coil being worn out, or you will get a gurgling sound upon inhaling due to the fact your coil is old.

How often should I change my coil?

This depends on how often you vape. Generally speaking, if you use a vape around as often as you smoked, you should switch coils every week. Light vapers may get away with changing coils every fortnight, or maybe even once a month if it's an occasional indulgence, but it will largely depend on personal judgment and working out what your own usage habits are. Also the size of your coil should be a consideration, if you have a small pod system there is less cotton. SMOK Nord Replacement coils last between 3-5 days depending on how much you vape. If you have ceramic coils they should last slightly longer than normal coils.

Want to stop buying replacement coils?

Once you've got your device your main outlay is on vape coils and juice. The clever team at JoyeTech decided to do something about this. They invented a NCFilm, once you start to lose a bit of flavor you simply remove the film and wipe clean with a cloth. They claim this method makes coils last up to 3 months longer!

How do you change a coil and how long should it soak before use?

Once you're used to changing coils, the whole process shouldn't take more than a minute or two.

• Start off by separating the tank from the battery and removing the tank cap.
• Set the tank aside - you could use this opportunity to clean the tank and refill with fresh vape juice, as your old coil may have burnt some of the old supply.
• Unscrew the old coil from the tank cap and get rid of it, then clean the cap to make sure it's dry.
• Then, screw the new coil in and put the tank back together.

It's important to let the tank rest for a few minutes in an upright position, to let the wick soak up some e-juice. You may like to put a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the coil to help with this process. If you vape straight after changing the coil, there's a chance the wick will still be dry, so the heat will burn it right away - which will lead to an unpleasant experience. Following these steps will ensure your device is maintained correctly - and provide you with an enjoyable vape.