In cold weather, especially when it feels like water is freezing, vapers often wonder if their e-liquid can freeze if left out in the cold for too long. If you are worried about e-liquid freezing in your mailbox, in your car, or when you are out for a walk, rest assured, e-liquid must be exposed to extremely cold temperatures to freeze.
The Science of Freezing Point
If you remember your elementary school science, water freezes at -33 degrees Fahrenheit. However, e-liquids do not contain water. Instead, most e-liquid brands use PG, VG, or a mixture of the two. Pure PG has a melting point of 74 degrees Fahrenheit, so its freezing point can be even lower. VG freezes at -36 degrees Fahrenheit, with a melting point of 64 degrees Fahrenheit. However, most e-liquids contain flavorings and nicotine, which can affect the freezing point of the e-liquid. It is usually below ten degrees Fahrenheit that e-liquid begins to solidify and show signs of ice.
High nicotine e-liquids require higher temperatures to use, while PG e-liquids require slightly lower temperatures. If you are using e-liquids in cold weather, experiment with different PG/VG blends. The higher the PG content, the lower the freezing point. However, if you experience a sore throat, adjust the amount up or down by ten percent until you find a balance.
Experience
You may find that the essential oil becomes a little thicker after being left in your mailbox or car overnight. Even though it hasn’t reached its freezing point, it may feel a little thicker and colder.
But rest assured, this liquid won’t expand like water, so you don’t have to worry about your atomizer glass cracking under pressure. Thicker e-liquids can make it harder to wick cotton and make you vape more slowly.
Some vape devices can still function properly in cold weather. Another thing to consider is how the battery will perform in cold weather. Just as a car battery will have trouble starting in cold weather, the same can happen to the battery of a vape device. The best solution is to warm up the battery a little before using the device.
Intentionally freezing essential oils
Some vapers intentionally freeze their e-liquid to preserve it. While there is no research to suggest that this affects the taste of the e-liquid, it is safe to say that the quality of the e-liquid will not change after freezing and thawing. This means that if your e-liquid freezes in your mailbox or car, you can thaw it and use it as normal. Remember, VG has a melting point of 64 degrees Fahrenheit, so you will need to keep it at that temperature to liquefy it.
