All atomizers, whether a standard atomizer, clearomizer or cartomizer will have to be replaced. They simply will burn out and stop working. A good rule of thumb is 1 week to 1 month of constant use on one atty. A rebuildable atomizer is the closest thing to a more permanent solution, but you still have to replace the wick and wire on occasion and is probably much more work than you're wanting to get into now, if ever.