What Is a Heating Element and How Does It Work?
The oven heating element is arguably the most significant component of your appliance. It is responsible for producing heat to cook food. For electric ovens, this component is often an electric oven coil, typically in the form of a metal coil, visible on the lower side of the oven. This coil will become red hot and glow when current is passed through it as is required by the oven to maintain its temperature.
Electric ovens usually have two heating elements, the bake element at the bottom and the broil element at the top. While the bake element is used for most cooking, it is essential during baking or roasting. The broil element is used for intense top heat application, for example, when broiling meats and toasting.
In gas ovens, burners instead of coils produce heat. Regardless of the type of oven, the heating element or burner plays a crucial role in how your food is cooked. If the heating element is malfunctioning, your oven may not heat up properly or evenly. Worst case scenario, it will stop heating completely.
Knowing how the heating element works can help you identify early signs of trouble, troubleshoot issues, and prolong the lifespan of your oven.
Top Signs Your Oven’s Heating Element Is Failing
Every appliance has signs that signal its functionality is deteriorating, and paying attention to the signs is very crucial, especially when it comes to an oven that won’t heat up the same way it used to. One of the most common reasons behind these problems is the failure of the heating element.
If the bake element is not working properly, your food can either take longer to cook and come out partially raw in some areas, or it will be overcooked. Here are some signs of a bad oven coil that you should be aware of.
Oven Takes Too Long to Heat
If your oven doesn’t preheat within a reasonable amount of time or fails to reach the desired temperature, it’s possible that the heating element is malfunctioning. A weak or damaged element produces insufficient heat, causing the oven to struggle during the warming process.
Uneven Cooking or Cold Spots
Does one side of your pizza turn out crisp while the other is doughy and soft? If portions of your food do not cook evenly, the bake element might be malfunctioning. It could be working partially or not circulating heat adequately within the oven.
Visible Damage to the Coil
Visually inspecting the oven elements can reveal a lot about their condition. Signs like bubbling, burn marks, cracks, and warping are indicators that the coil is damaged.
Strange Smells or Light Smoke
When an oven is turned on without any food on it, and it emits smoke or a burnt smell, then it’s likely that the oven element is beginning to fail. Coils that are damaged tend to overheat or short out, which results in peculiar smells and smoke.
Food Doesn’t Cook Properly
If your meals that used to be perfect now come out undercooked, the heating element may no longer be working. Sometimes, the oven won’t heat at all, which usually indicates that the coil has stopped working completely.
If you are noticing any of these signs, it might be time to further investigate or consult a professional for repairs. Addressing these symptoms early can help avoid more complex issues later on.
Can You Test or Replace the Element Yourself?
Checking the heating mechanism on an oven that is not heating up properly could inspire some oven DIY fixes. A visual oven DIY check sometimes works. Before starting any oven DIY repairs, always switch off the power or unplug from the power source. Once the power is off, examine the heating element. Seeing burns, cracks, or blisters means that part is defective and will require replacement. Those are clear signs that it’s time to replace the heating coil.
If you want to know further how to test the oven element, a multimeter is needed to test electric continuity to see if current is flowing through the coil and if you are getting any readings. If nothing is displayed, then the element is the cause of the problem.
While the previous steps are simple to execute for most people, dealing with electricity is highly dangerous, no matter how confident someone may feel about their skills. Most oven DIY repair that includes wiring or part swapping should be left to professional technicians, as the risk of severe shock, damage, or fire caused by small mistakes is too great.
You can troubleshoot your device, but all repairs should be done by professionals, especially if you don’t fully understand the problem. Always better to be safe than sorry, and an expert always has the right tools and experience to fix the issue at hand.
When to Call a Professional Oven Repair Technician
If you have already gone through the basic troubleshooting steps and your oven is still malfunctioning, it may be time to seek out professional oven repair services. Attempting to resolve certain issues with an oven may be unsafe or go beyond a homeowner’s skill level. Here are some reasons to seek professional help instead of DIY:
- The heating element needs to be replaced: The coil replacement is an electrical job that connects with the oven’s wiring system, which requires a trained personnel member to carry out.
- You suspect thermostat issues: It may need replacement if the temperature is too high or too low, so testing and replacing require specialized tools.
- The wiring may be damaged: A technician should be called if there are blinking lights, a burnt smell, and the oven trips the breaker more than once.
- Multimeter testing shows no continuity: Coils that show no current flow require trained professionals for replacement.
- You’re unsure about what’s wrong: It’s ideal to involve an oven repair professional who can accurately diagnose it.
If you’re in search of an appliance repair technician near me, we at Universal Appliance Repair have fast trustworthy service all across Los Angeles. Most major brands’ oven repairs can be done within 24 hours by our certified teams, who have years of experience.
Why Choose Universal Appliance Repair?
When your oven stops working, it can be a real inconvenience to find reliable help fast. That is why Universal Appliance Repair is a trusted partner for so many homeowners in the area. For over two decades, we have built a strong reputation for providing trusted oven repair Los Angeles residents can count on. We offer friendly solutions for all types of oven complications, such as heating elements, wiring, and thermostats, with our certified, factory-trained technicians.
Our specialists are knowledgeable and can fix both gas and electric ovens from all major brands, including GE, Whirlpool, Samsung, LG, KitchenAid, Viking, Bosch, and more. Because we have the required tools along with the parts, most issues are diagnosed and fixed within a single visit.
We emphasize exceptional customer service in addition to oven repair. At our company, you can always expect fair prices, honest advice, and a satisfaction guarantee. Trust is the foundation of great customer service, and we ensure you will always be in good hands. If you’ve been searching for appliance repair near me, it’s time to pick a service that truly stands behind its work.
Looking to speak with someone or book a visit? Contact us today, and one of our trained support professionals will guide you through scheduling a service call. From small repairs to part replacements, we make sure your oven is fully functional in the shortest time possible. You can always rely on our safe and speedy services.
Schedule Your Oven Repair Today
A malfunctioning oven can really disrupt your schedule, especially when you have to make a special dinner. If your appliance is not heating or is showing signs of a failing element, don’t wait until the situation is beyond repair. You can book oven repair service from an experienced team that understands how to resolve the issue quickly and carefully.
At Universal Appliance Repair, we make the process smooth and stress-free. You can either call us or contact us online to schedule appliance repair. Our dedicated staff is ready to assist. We provide quick response all over Los Angeles as well as offer flexible appointment windows.
To schedule an appointment for oven repair, visit our ‘Contact Us’ page and select the time slot that best suits your schedule. Our certified professionals will arrive on time, accurately diagnose the problem, and repair your oven, in some cases, on the same day. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us now and get your appliances working like new.
