When do I change my element (heating wire)?
When the element breaks, it is time to change to a new element.  If you change the element, we stronglyrecommend changing the PTFE adhesive (bottom adhesive strip) found underneath the element.  

When do I change the PTFE cloth and adhesive?
For the PTFE cover, we recommend changing the cover BEFORE it burns through.  As the cover wears, you will see a discoloration where it comes into contact with the element, you may also notice that your element is sticking to the thermoplastic material you are sealing.  You can maneuver the cover back and forth to allow the element to come into contact with the unused portions of the PTFE cover.

For the PTFE adhesive, you must replace the bottom sealing strip whenever you change the element.  The adhesive serves as a barrier between the heating element and the sealer's body.  When the sealer's heating element has burned through the bottom adhesive and arc'ed on the sealer's body, the element will break as well as destroy the timer.