Why Won’t My Oven Heat Up?
John Turpin is our resident home service repair expert here at Service Direct. He’s got the knowledge and experience to help homeowners like you make sense of most home repair issues. And with Service Direct, we connect you with top-tier service professionals to help with any repairs needed.
Find Out the Reasons Why Your Oven Won’t Heat Up
It can be a frustrating experience when you find your oven won’t heat up just before you make a nice, home-cooked meal. Your oven is one of the most important appliances in the kitchen. You may not use it daily, but it doesn’t feel right when you can’t use it whenever you need it.
When something’s wrong with your oven, it’s good to know some tricks to help fix it. At the same time, it’s important to know when you should call the pros. With that said, we’re here to explore the common reasons why your oven won’t heat up properly and what you can do about it.
Common Reasons Why Your Oven Won’t Heat Up
There’s nothing more frustrating than preheating your oven only to realize it’s not heating properly. Whether you’re trying to bake a delicious batch of cookies or cook a mouth-watering roast, an oven that won’t heat up puts a damper on your culinary plans.
But don’t worry because the following tips can help you address the problem.
Power Supply Issues
One of the first things to check when “my electric oven won’t heat up” is the power supply. Start by verifying if the oven is properly plugged into the electrical outlet. Ensure that the outlet is functioning by testing it with another appliance.
If your oven is hardwired, inspect the circuit breaker or fuse box to see if it’s been tripped or blown. Reset the breaker or replace the fuse if necessary. Sometimes, power supply issues can cause an oven not to heat up, so it’s important to rule out this possibility first.
Oven Control Board Malfunction
The oven control board regulates the oven’s functions, including heat production. If the control board is faulty, it may not send the proper signals to the heating elements, resulting in no heat. Check if the control panel displays any error codes or error messages.
Consult the oven’s user manual for instructions on interpreting the codes and troubleshooting the control board. In some cases, resetting the control board by turning off the power to the oven for a few minutes can help resolve minor glitches.
Faulty Heating Elements
Heating elements are essential components that generate heat inside the oven. If they are damaged or worn out, they may not heat up properly or at all. Electric ovens have two heating elements: the bake element at the bottom and the broil element at the top.
Inspect these elements for any visible signs of damage, such as breaks, blisters, or burn marks. If you find any issues, they may need to be replaced. Refer to the oven’s user manual or consult a professional technician for guidance on replacing the heating elements.
Temperature Sensor Problems
If the oven is not heating, but the stove works, what could be causing this? Well, it could be due to a problem with the temperature sensors. They monitor and regulate the oven’s internal temperature.
If the sensor malfunctions or becomes faulty, it may not accurately detect the oven’s temperature, leading to heating issues. You can address this issue by consulting the user manual to locate the temperature sensor and use a multimeter to test its resistance.
If the resistance reading deviates significantly from the manufacturer’s specifications, the sensor may need to be replaced. Temperature sensor replacement usually requires professional expertise, so it’s advisable to see the assistance of a qualified technician.
Our resident home repair guru, John Turpin, explores some of the common reasons your oven won’t heat up properly along with some suggestions for DIY solutions as well as professional solutions.
Gas Supply Problems
If your gas oven doesn’t heat up, it might be due to issues with the gas supply. Ensure that the gas valve supplying the oven is turned on. Check if the burner ignites properly. If the burner fails to ignite or the flame is weak, there might be an issue with the gas valve, igniter, or gas line.
It is recommended to contact a qualified technician for gas-related repairs. This is because working with gas appliances requires specialized knowledge and precautions. Attempting to fix it on your own is putting yourself in danger.
Oven Door Issues
Sometimes, an oven may not heat up if the door isn’t properly closed or the seal is damaged or worn out. It’s a safety precaution built-in to most modern ovens today. If you suspect this is the problem with your oven, inspect the door and ensure it is fully closed.
You should also ensure that the door seal is intact. If worn out or damaged, it can allow heat to escape, affecting the oven’s performance. Also, clean the door seal with mild detergent and warm water to remove any debris or food particles that may prevent a proper seal. If the seal is severely damaged, consider replacing it to ensure optimal heat retention.
Self-Cleaning Cycle Interference
You might be wondering, “Why won’t my oven heat up after self-cleaning?” Something interfering with the self-cleaning cycle is likely causing the oven not to heat up. It could be that the oven’s thermal fuse was blown as a safety precaution.
This fuse protects the oven from excessive heat during the cleaning process. You can address this issue by checking if the thermal fuse was tripped. If so, you will have to replace it. Refer to the user manual or consult a professional technician for guidance on replacing the thermal fuse.
Faulty Oven Thermostat
The oven thermostat controls the temperature inside the oven. If malfunctioning, it may not accurately regulate the heat, leading to inconsistent heating or no heating at all. Test the thermostat using an oven thermometer to compare the displayed temperature with the actual temperature.
If there’s a significant difference, the thermostat may need to be recalibrated or replaced. Recalibrating the oven thermostat usually requires specific tools and knowledge. As such, refer to the oven’s user manual or consult a professional technician for accurate calibration.
Igniter Issues
For gas ovens, a faulty igniter can prevent the oven from heating up. The igniter is responsible for igniting the gas to create the heat. If it’s weak or not working, it won’t ignite the gas, resulting in a lack of heat.
Inspect the igniter for signs of damage or wear. If it appears worn out or doesn’t glow when the oven is turned on, you will likely have to replace it. You can check the user manual on how to replace it or contact a professional technician to do it for you.
Apart from the specific components mentioned above, certain factors should be considered when troubleshooting an oven that won’t heat up. Ensure that its clock and timer functions are not accidentally set, preventing the oven from heating up.
Also, check if the child lock or safety features are enabled, as they may restrict the oven’s operation. If you have recently moved or installed a new oven, double-check that it is properly connected and installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Can I fix the oven, or do I need to call a professional?
Homeowners have some troubleshooting steps that they can do, such as checking the power supply, inspecting heating elements, and cleaning the oven. But it’s best to consult a qualified technician for more complex issues or repairs involving gas or electrical components to ensure safety and proper resolution.
How often should I replace the oven’s heating elements?
Heating elements typically last several years, depending on usage. They generally last 25 years or more, so you shouldn’t need to replace them so soon. If you notice any visible damage or experience heating issues, you might need to replace them. But let a qualified technician inspect your oven first.
Where is the thermal fuse located?
The thermal fuse in an oven is generally located on the back panel or inside the control console. It is a small, heat-sensitive component that protects the oven from overheating. The specific placement of the thermal fuse may vary depending on the oven model and manufacturer. But it’s commonly positioned close to the heating elements or the oven’s electrical components. It is crucial to locate and access the thermal fuse carefully when troubleshooting or replacing it to ensure the oven’s safe operation.
Hire a Local Appliance Repairer
Ovens can be relatively complex and difficult to figure out on your own. John always recommends seeking the help of a professional appliance repair contractor when you’re unsure of exactly what to do. Use the phone number or form on this page to get in touch with local experts fast.