Last updated: July 14, 2023 at 15:00 pm
Vapes, both disposable and otherwise, make a lot of noise when in use. They also make a decent amount of noise outside of use.
For those who aren’t familiar with how vapes work, or what is going on inside their vapes, it can be concerning when these noises occur.
If your vape is hissing when it isn’t being used, this is what might be going on.
IN THIS ARTICLE
What Noises Are Vapes Supposed to Make?
The first thing to know as someone who vapes is what noises are your vapes supposed to make. Since they have heating elements in them, it is no surprise that vapes make some noise.
A healthy, working vape may make any of the following noises. If you notice that your vape starts making any noises beyond what is normal, it may be worth checking it out.
A Steady Crackling Noise
A steady and consistent crackling noise is the sound of vape liquid being heated and turned to vapour inside the e-cigarette or vape. It is no different to boiling a kettle, really. If, when in use, you hear a steady crackling noise, it usually means that your vape is working as it should.
If you have recently increased your nicotine intake, you might notice that the vape crackles more than usual. This is because nicotine creates a higher vapour content, making the crackle more noticeable.
The thickness and ratio of diluents in your e-liquid may also lead to more crackling. Vape liquids with more PG (propylene glycol) are thinner, and those with VG (vegetable glycerine) will be thicker. Thinner liquids make for more noticeable crackling.
In higher power vapes, the noise may also be louder, however, it will usually last much less time, as the element will be heated quicker.
A Soft Hiss
Just like with a steady crackling, vapes may also hiss slightly when in use. This is also completely normal; it is just the result of heated liquid. Any hissing outside of this may be cause for concern.
What Noises Shouldn’t Your Vape Make?
So now that you know what to expect from a healthy vape, what shows when a vape isn’t healthy?
Hissing or Bubbling Sound When Not in Use
If your vape is suddenly popping or hissing when you’re not using it (or you’ve not just used it) it might be a sign that vape liquid is leaking onto your coil.
This isn’t the end of the world and can be easily fixed by a vape expert, or by yourself if you know enough about the inner workings of your vape.
Louder Popping Sound
Over time, some vapes get a build-up of vapourised particles. As a result, a loud popping sound will occur when the heat in the vape increases. This could mean that your vape needs cleaning, or that the wattage and airflow need adjusting.
If this loud popping sound is also paired with your vape spitting liquid, or if it gets louder the more you vape, you should get your vape checked by someone with knowledge of the systems.
No Noise At All
One of the most noticeable issues with vapes is when there is no noise at all. If there is no sound produced when you vape, there is very likely a problem with the vape. It is most likely clogged.
To fix this, you will need to carefully clean the vape inside and out. Should the vape still not make any noise when you use it, then it should be taken to an expert to be checked over before use.
What Effects the Noises That a Vape Makes?
Vapes do make noises on a regular basis, but these can be made worse or changed by several things that don’t necessarily mean that the vape is broken.
If your vape is hissing more than normal, or making new noises, it is important to consider if any of these could be the cause. If that’s the case, then your vape may not need to be replaced or fixed!
The following things may change the noises that your vape is making:
The Wick Material
In some vapes, wicks made of different materials can cause different noises. Wicks can be made of cotton or silica and are inside the vape coil.
The Design of the Coil
Some sub-Ohm coils have very large intake holes, and this can affect how noisy a vape is on a regular basis.
The Power Level
As mentioned before, different power-level vapes will heat up coils faster or slower; this will impact how much noise they make.
