Top 5 Reasons That Your Oven Is Not Working
Published Date: September 7, 2023
What if! You’re celebrating a special event, and the house is filled with the pleasing aroma of your go-to meal baking in the oven. As the minutes tick by, your anticipation reaches its peak, but just when you’re about to pull out that perfectly cooked dish, disaster strikes. The oven refuses to turn on or heat up!
Countless home chefs have experienced the frustration of their ovens breaking down, turning what should be a delightful cooking experience into a perplexing problem. Whether it’s a simple DIY fix or a situation that requires professional assistance, we’ve got you covered with advice on handling the issue, including recommendations for home warranty contractors if needed.
Oven Not Heating Up
Even the most accomplished cooks sometimes feel like giving up when they go to preheat the oven only to find that it is still chilly. Is your oven not getting hot enough?
Possible causes:
- Heating element: Wear and tear over time might cause the heating element to malfunction and provide uneven or no heat. If the heating element shows symptoms such as cracks or it does not light red, it indicates the need for a replacement.
- Igniter: If the gas oven is not heating up but the burners work, the problem lies with the igniter. The function of the igniter is to start the flow of gas to provide the necessary heat. When it breaks down, the oven won’t heat up since the gas won’t ignite.
- Thermostat: If the oven’s thermostat is broken or faulty, the oven may never heat up to the appropriate temperature. Possible solutions include adjusting or replacing the thermostat.
Troubleshooting tips:
You can replace the heating element or igniter on your own, but be sure to turn off the oven’s power before attempting any service. The igniter is typically inside the oven, and you can access it by removing the broiler or storage drawer.
However, if the heating element is concealed, it’s best to seek help from a repair person.
If your gas oven is not functioning and the gas burners are also faulty, the issue may be related to the gas line. Repairing a defective gas line usually requires the expertise of a trained professional.
Uneven Cooking or Baking
Uneven cooking or baking can be an unpleasant experience, leaving some portions of your dish perfectly cooked while others still need to be done.
Possible causes:
- Incorrect rack placement: Ensure you position the oven racks at the recommended levels to promote even heat distribution. Placing dishes too close to the top or bottom of the oven can lead to uneven cooking.
- Damaged convection fan: A malfunctioning convection fan fails to circulate hot air properly, resulting in uneven cooking. Check the fan’s functionality and seek repairs if necessary.
- Calibration issues: An improperly calibrated oven may not accurately maintain the set temperature, leading to uneven cooking results. Consider calibrating your oven following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Troubleshooting tips:
- Rack Placement:
- Locate the recommended rack positions in your oven’s user manual.
- Place the racks in the middle positions to ensure even heat distribution.
- Convection Fan Functionality:
- Turn on the convection fan setting.
- Verify if the fan is spinning; if not, seek professional repair assistance.
- Oven Calibration:
- Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for calibration steps.
- Follow the guidelines to ensure accurate temperature settings.
The Oven Isn’t Self-Cleaning
Self-cleaning ovens are designed for a convenient cleaning process. However, they sometimes encounter problems in their self-cleaning mechanism.
Possible causes:
- Door Lock: The oven’s door lock mechanism engages to prevent the door from being opened during the high-temperature cleaning process. If this mechanism is faulty, the cycle may not initiate or complete properly. This could be due to worn-out or damaged door lock motor or switch.
- Temperature Sensor Issues: The self-cleaning cycle relies on precise temperature control to safely remove the accumulated residue in the oven. A malfunctioning temperature sensor might misread or fail to detect the oven’s actual temperature, leading to improper operation during self-cleaning.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Basic Inspections: Ensure that the oven is correctly connected to a power source and that no blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers affect its functionality.
- Clear Debris: Ensure the oven’s interior is free from large food debris or spillages that might interfere with self-cleaning.
- Preventive Maintenance: Regularly clean the oven manually, even if it has a self-cleaning feature, to minimize the buildup of heavy residues that could hinder the self-cleaning cycle.
Oven Display and Controls
Sometimes, the display buttons and control systems of an oven stop functioning properly which can make ovens difficult to operate.
Possible causes:
- Electrical Problems: Power supply issues like a tripped circuit breaker, blown fuse, or loose electrical connection can result in the oven display and controls not functioning.
- Control Board Failure: A malfunctioning control board, often due to electrical surges or component wear, can disrupt communication between the user and the oven.
Troubleshooting Tip:
- Check the power source and ensure the oven is receiving electricity. Reset the circuit breaker or replace the blown fuse if needed. Verify all electrical connections are secure.
- Examine the control board for any visible signs of damage or burnt components. Consider testing the board or consult a professional technician for evaluation.
Unusual Noises
If you suddenly start hearing unusual noises from your oven, it can be a cause of concern for you and we understand that.
Possible causes:
- Worn-out Fan Motor: Over time, the oven’s fan motor may wear out due to continuous use, leading to abnormal noises when the oven is in operation.
- Loose or Damaged Components: Loose or damaged components, such as oven racks, heating elements, or internal parts, can result in rattling or clanking noises during oven use.
Troubleshooting Tip:
- Listen for grinding, squealing, or rattling sounds near the fan area. If identified as the noise source, the fan motor might need replacement.
- Carefully inspect the oven’s interior while it’s off to identify any loose or visibly damaged parts. Tighten or replace these components as necessary.
Can A Home Warranty Help
A home warranty can be a valuable asset when dealing with oven malfunctions or any other appliance breakdowns. Home warranties often cover various oven components like heating elements, igniters, thermostats, and control boards, depending on the plan you choose.
When your oven is experiencing issues, a quick call to your home warranty provider is all it takes. Below are some of the known companies that provide comprehensive home warranty services when your appliances break down.
Known for claims settlement
American Home Shield has been a leader in the home warranty field for more than 50 years. They have helped over 2 million customers across the country.AHS provides distinctive benefits, including coverage regardless of the age, pre-existing problems, model, or maintenance records of the home.
- Network of 17000 contractors
- Coverage upto $4k on appliances
- Covers unknown pre-existing conditions
Covered Parts:
All parts and components of Installed ovens such as Heating elements, Thermostats, Igniters, Electronic control board, Temperature sensors, Fans and motors, Knobs and dials
Known for affordable premiums
Select Home Warranty, headquartered in New Jersey, offers three home warranty plans. These plans cover either systems, appliances, or a combination of both. Additionally, there are add-on options, and each plan includes free roof coverage. With 11 years of experience, Select Home Warranty caters to customers nationwide with its various coverage options and occasional discounts, making it an affordable choice.
- Multi-year plans
- Same-day response on claims
- Covers All 50 states
Covered Parts:
All parts and components of the gas or electric oven ovens such as Heating elements, Thermostats, Igniters, Electronic control board, Temperature sensors, broilers, and ignition module.
Known for multi-family home plans
ServicePlus Home Warranty, formerly known as Total Home Protection, is a well-known home warranty company, despite being relatively new in the market. It has earned a reputation for providing affordable plans and special offers to its customers. The company operates in most states and offers plans that cost less than $2 per day.
- Offers a 90-day service guarantee
- Provides regular discounts on all plans
- Covers 46 states
Covered Parts:
All mechanical components and parts, except doors; door seals; hinges; handles; glass; knobs; lighting; clocks (unless the clock affects the cooking function of the unit), racks and trays, drip pans; self-cleaning mechanisms including door latches.
Bottom Line
In the world of cooking, oven malfunctions can quickly turn a joyous occasion into a frustrating experience. If you're concerned about the cost of repairs, remember that home warranty plans often cover appliance malfunctions, including ovens. Having a home warranty in place can provide you with peace of mind and financial protection when facing unexpected appliance breakdowns.
Remember, safety is a must when dealing with electrical components. If unsure or uncomfortable with the troubleshooting process, it's best to seek assistance from a qualified appliance repair technician.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why Won't My Oven Heat Up?
Your oven might not be heating up for a number of reasons. A damaged heating element, a broken igniter (in gas ovens), a malfunctioning thermostat, a blown fuse, or a tripped circuit breaker are a few typical causes. You might need to inspect and replace the problematic component to fix the problem, or you could call a professional for assistance.
What Would Cause My Oven To Stop Working?
Possible causes include power supply issues, faulty heating element or gas igniter, broken thermostat, defective control board, wiring problems, safety features, door issues, or manufacturing defects.
Every Time I Try To Switch On My Oven, The Circuit Breaker Trips. How Do I Correct This?
An electrical issue is typically indicated by an oven that trips the circuit breaker when switched on. An overloaded circuit is the most frequent reason. If the issue still exists, try unplugging additional powerful devices connected to the same circuit. If it does, the wiring of the oven may have a short circuit or a ground fault. It’s important to halt utilizing the oven in these circumstances and get expert assistance from an electrician or oven repair.
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