3 Reasons Why the Oven is Not Heating Correctly
There are several possible causes of this problem to investigate, but if you feel like you’re in over your head or you’re not sure how to proceed, call a professional. This is especially true if one of the following is the cause: wiring connections, power issues, a gas supply line, the selector switch, an oven control board, and more.
Before you attempt to troubleshoot the problem, make sure that the oven is switched off and disconnected from the power supply. Always read the owner’s manual for error code descriptions, resistance values, safety tips, and other helpful information. Let’s take a look at three reasons why the oven is not reaching temperature:
1. A Faulty Heating Element
The heating element is also known as the “baking coil” or “bake element,” and its purpose is to create the heat required for broiling and baking. Under normal operating conditions, it should glow bright red, and when it fails, the oven cannot heat correctly. Some common signs of a faulty heating element, include: the element not glowing bright red or orange, the coils have visible cracks and burns, the food isn’t cooked evenly, and it may be burned on top.
If the heating element is faulty, it’s likely to be burned out, and it should be replaced. This can be confirmed if you test for continuity with a multimeter. If you’re not sure how to replace the heating element, contact a repair technician for expert assistance.
2. A Defective Temperature Sensor
The temperature sensor is a vital oven component that monitors the internal temperature of the appliance. If the temperature is too low, the sensor will send a signal to the oven control board to heat the baking element to bring the oven up to the desired temperature. If the sensor isn’t working, the oven cannot heat correctly. The sensor should not be touching the oven walls, or the temperature cannot be measured accurately.
In some cases, it may be possible to reposition the sensor, and this will fix the problem. Some oven models have a bulb that controls the temperature, and if this is loose or burned out, it must be tightened or replaced to restore normal heating. The temperature sensor can be tested with a multimeter to ensure that resistance values are rising as the oven temperature increases. If this is not the case, the sensor is not working properly, and it should be replaced.
3. A Broken Temperature Control Thermostat
A malfunctioning oven thermostat will prevent the regulation of electricity that is delivered to the heating element. This will prevent the oven from reaching the correct temperature, and the appliance cannot function as intended.
To confirm that this is the problem, use a multimeter to test the wire connections, which should be at or close to zero. If the thermostat is not displaying a reading, it’s probably broken, and it should be replaced. Another way to test for this problem is to place an oven thermometer inside the oven and check the temperatures. The oven temperature should match the oven thermometer closely as the temperature rises.
If your oven is not heating properly, be sure to speak to a home appliance repair specialist, who can help you to restore the functionality of the appliance.
