Vaping in the Summer
Posted by Courtney McElligott on Sep 12th 2016
Summertime is here, and whether you are headed to the beach or the pool, it is a great time to be outside. But what about your vape gear? Heat can cause real problems for your device and your e-liquid if you do not take a few precautions. Here is how summer affects your kit and what you can do about it.
This post was originally published in an earlier season; product specifics and storage recommendations may have changed since then.
How Heat Affects Your E-Liquid
Sun and heat can do lasting damage to e-liquid. When e-liquid is exposed to direct sunlight or left in a hot car, it starts to thin out and the taste shifts. Even after it cools back to room temperature, the flavor may never be quite the same.
Heat does not just change the flavor. It can also alter the texture of the liquid and degrade the nicotine over time. And because heat thins the liquid so much, a full tank left in a hot car can leak out through the air holes while you are away, leaving you with an empty tank and a sticky mess.
How Heat Affects Your Battery
The problems do not stop at the e-liquid. Heat can also damage the lithium-ion battery in your device. The widely recommended storage range for these batteries is a cool, dry spot between roughly 50°F and 77°F. Regular exposure to high heat erodes capacity, shortens the battery's lifespan, and can make it hold less and less of a charge.
This matters more than most people realize in summer. On an 80°F day, the inside of a parked car can climb past 100°F in under 20 minutes and keep rising from there. That kind of sustained heat is exactly what lithium-ion cells handle worst, so a car dashboard is one of the worst places you can leave a device.
Beating the Heat
The good news is that these problems are easy to avoid. Whenever you can, keep your vaping supplies in a cool, dark place away from direct sun.
- Refrigerate finished e-liquid. Once a bottle has gone through its steeping process, storing it chilled in a refrigerator is one of the best ways to protect the flavor over time.
- Pack a cooler for the lake or boat. If you are out on the water for the day, seal your device and e-liquid in a plastic bag and tuck them into the cooler so they stay out of the heat.
- Avoid extremes in both directions. Do not let the device get too cold or too hot. A cooler is a handy spot for the few minutes you are not using it, but bring it back to a comfortable temperature before you vape.
- Never leave gear in a parked car. Even a short stop on a warm day can push the interior well past safe storage temperatures.
A little planning goes a long way. With these habits, your device and e-liquid can stay in good shape all summer long.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal temperature to store e-liquid and my device?
A cool, dry, dark spot is best. For lithium-ion batteries, a commonly recommended range is roughly 50°F to 77°F. Keeping e-liquid and devices in that range, and out of direct sun, helps preserve both flavor and battery condition.
Can I keep my vape in a hot car?
It is best not to. A parked car can exceed 100°F within minutes on a warm day, which can degrade the battery, warp plastic parts and seals, and cause e-liquid to thin and leak. Take your gear with you instead.
Why does my e-liquid taste different after it has been in the heat?
Heat thins e-liquid and can change its texture and flavor. Once the taste has shifted from heat exposure, it often does not return to normal even after the liquid cools back down.
Is it safe to store e-liquid in the refrigerator?
Many vapers refrigerate e-liquid after it has steeped to help keep the flavor stable over time. Let a chilled bottle return to room temperature and give it a shake before use so it mixes and vapes evenly.
What should I do with my device while I am at the pool or beach?
Keep it out of direct sun. Sealing it in a plastic bag and placing it in a cooler is a simple way to shield both the device and your e-liquid from heat while you are outdoors.
These products are intended only for adults 21+. Nicotine is an addictive chemical. This article is general product information and is not a smoking-cessation claim.