The Oven is Unplugged:
One of the most overlooked reasons why an appliance may not be working is that it is not getting power. This applies to ovens, which need a good power supply to properly function. Whether the cord has come loose accidentally or there is a problem with the power outlet, your oven will fail to warm.
To double check your oven, ensure it is plugged into a working outlet as your first troubleshooting step.
Tripped Circuit Breaker:
This follows on from the previous point, but your oven may not be getting power due to a tripped circuit breaker. If there has been an overload or surge, the circuit breaker may have tripped to prevent an electrical problem.
Check your breaker board for any tripped circuits and reset the breaker. If the breaker won’t reset or continues to trip, you should unplug all of the appliances connected to this circuit. Flip the breaker back on and then gradually plug in the appliances and electronics. This will help you to identify if there is a problem with a specific appliance or with the circuit.
If the problem persists or the breaker will not reset, you will need to call in a professional.
Mispositioned Thermostat Knobs:
If your oven is not properly heating up, it could be due to the thermostat knobs not being in the right position. These knobs indicate to the oven your desired cooking temperature and if they are mispositioned, the oven will be unable to gauge the correct temperature.
Inspect the oven knobs to check they are secure and have no chips or cracks. If a knob is broken or loose, you may need to replace it, but this is an easy to perform task and replacement knobs are usually affordable.
Broken Heating Element:
If the oven is not heating, take a look at the element inside the oven. If it is not glowing bright orange or you’ve noticed that your electric bills have been higher than usual, you could have a faulty heating element.
Be sure the oven is turned off and thoroughly inspect the heating element. Look for any blistering or signs of cracks. If there are visible signs of wear, you’ll need to replace the element. Unfortunately, there may not be visible signs that the element has gone bad. In either scenario, you will need to have a professional appliance repair technician check and replace the heating element.
Damaged or Misaligned Temperature Sensor:
If your food is taking longer to cook through or dishes are not baking completely, it could be due to a damaged or misaligned temperature sensor. This sensor acts as the thermostat for the oven, so it calibrates the temperature the oven reaches. This should correspond with the temperature you select on the oven knob.
If the sensor is not correctly positioned or has malfunctioned, the oven may not be able to determine when it should start or stop heating, which can create inconsistent heating results.
The location of the temperature sensor varies from model to model, as manufacturers have different specifications for their product lines. If you suspect an issue with your temperature sensor, speak to your home appliance repair technician.
Defective Igniter:
If your oven is fueled by gas and isn’t heating up, it could be because you have a faulty igniter. There are several indications that your igniter is in need of repair:
- Not lighting up: The igniter in a gas oven will typically glow bright yellow or orange, when properly working. If you can’t see it light up, it could be malfunctioning.
- No sound: When the gas ignites, you should hear a click or ticking sound. If you can’t hear this noise, the igniter may be failing to ignite the gas, which will prevent the oven heating up.
- Delayed lighting or irregular flame: If you have a weak or failing igniter, it may cause uneven flames or delayed ignition. So, if you notice your oven is taking longer to heat up or the flame is not consistent, you’ll need an appliance technician to check it.
It is possible to check your igniter for visible signs of wear or damage. If you see any breaks, discoloration or cracks, have your appliance technician inspect it immediately.
Your Oven Needs Recalibration:
If you’ve had the thermostat checked, but the oven temperature is still off, you may need to have the appliance recalibrated.
Recalibration involves adjusting the internal temperature settings of the oven to ensure accurate alignment with the set or displayed temperature. This ensures that the temperature readings are accurate and actually reflect the temperature inside the oven.
Door Not Shutting Properly:
If your oven door only loosely shuts, it will compromise the heating performance of the appliance. When the oven door is not completely shut, it will allow heat to escape, which will mean the oven will struggle reaching the right temperature. It is like having the windows when your furnace is trying to heat your home.
There could be a simple explanation for the oven door not shutting properly, as debris can build up along the door seam. Crumbs and particles of food can fall between the oven cavity and door, restricting the door movement. In this case, you simply need to clean around the door.
You should also check the seal around the door for signs of damage. If the seal has been compromised, you will need a new one.
But, if your oven is completely clean, you may have a damaged or broken door. In this scenario, you will need a professional home appliance technician to determine if the door can be fixed or will need to be replaced.
Defective Gas Line:
If you have an issue with your gas line, such as a blockage, leak or other malfunction, it will disrupt gas flow to the burners inside your oven, which has a direct impact on the oven’s ability to heat up.
Regular maintenance can help to ensure your gas line properly functions, and you also need to ensure that the line is securely connected. If there is any sign of leaks or damage, it is time to call in the professionals, to ensure your cooking environment is safe.
Broken Thermostat or Selector Switch:
The thermostat and selector switch in your oven are designed to work in combination as they give the option to bake or broil at your desired temperature. Examine both for signs of visible damage or a loose connection. Pay attention for indications of corrosion or burn marks, particularly around the electrical contacts. If you do notice any damage or you suspect either the thermostat or selector are not operating properly, contact your repair technician.
FAQs:
If you’re still wondering about your oven heating issues, here are some answers to frequently asked questions.
Why won’t my oven get to temperature?
If your oven doesn’t properly heat up, there could be a number of reasons. Common issues include a damaged heating element or igniter, temperature sensor issues or defective gas line.
Why does my stove work when my oven won’t heat up?
While many oven issues can impact the stovetop, problems with your selector switch, heating element or thermostat can just affect the oven.
Can I replace the heating element in my oven?
If you suspect your heating element has broken and want to repair it yourself, it is possible, but you will need to be cautious. You can source a replacement element, and complete the project, providing the oven is turned off at the power source and unplugged. If you’re not confident in your DIY skills, it is best to leave the repair to the professionals.
Should I repair or replace my oven?
This is a tricky question, as there is no simple answer. Whether you repair or replace your oven will depend on the age of the appliance, the extent of the damage and the repair cost.
Generally, if the repair cost is 50% or more than the price of purchasing a new oven, it is better to replace the oven. You will also need to consider whether your oven has frequent repair issues and the total cost of this. If your oven is getting older, it may be more cost effective to replace the oven rather than undertake regular repairs, but for newer appliances and minor issues, repairs tend to be a more economical option.
If your oven is not heating up properly, you can rely on the expertise of a professional home appliance repair technician to help you. An experienced professional can assess your oven for underlying issues and provide you with effective repair options.
