What To Know
- In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the most common causes of an electric oven not heating and provide step-by-step instructions on how to troubleshoot and repair the issue.
- Set the multimeter to the ohms setting and touch the probes to the terminals on the thermostat.
- If you experience any major oven problems, such as a broken heating element or thermostat, it is important to call a qualified repair technician to fix the problem safely and effectively.
If your electric oven has stopped heating, it can be a major inconvenience. But before you call a repair technician, there are a few things you can try to fix the problem yourself. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the most common causes of an electric oven not heating and provide step-by-step instructions on how to troubleshoot and repair the issue.
Common Causes of an Electric Oven Not Heating
- Faulty heating element: The heating element is responsible for generating heat in the oven. If it’s damaged or burned out, the oven will not heat up.
- Malfunctioning thermostat: The thermostat controls the temperature of the oven. If it’s defective, the oven may not reach the desired temperature or may overheat.
- Broken igniter: The igniter is responsible for lighting the gas in a gas oven. If it’s broken, the oven will not be able to heat up.
- Loose or disconnected wires: Loose or disconnected wires can prevent the oven from receiving power.
- Faulty control board: The control board is the brain of the oven. If it’s damaged, the oven may not function properly.
Troubleshooting and Repair Guide
1. Check the Power Supply
Make sure the oven is plugged into a working outlet and that the circuit breaker or fuse is not tripped or blown.
2. Inspect the Heating Element
Turn off the power to the oven and let it cool completely. Remove the racks and bottom panel of the oven to access the heating element. Look for any signs of damage, such as burns, cracks, or breaks. If the heating element is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
3. Test the Thermostat
Use a multimeter to test the thermostat. Set the multimeter to the ohms setting and touch the probes to the terminals on the thermostat. If the thermostat is working properly, the multimeter will read between 0 and 10 ohms. If the thermostat is defective, it will need to be replaced.
4. Check the Igniter (Gas Ovens Only)
Turn off the power to the oven and let it cool completely. Remove the access panel to the igniter. Look for any signs of damage, such as cracks or breaks. If the igniter is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
5. Inspect the Wires
Check all the wires inside the oven for any signs of damage, such as cuts, burns, or loose connections. Tighten any loose wires and replace any damaged wires.
6. Test the Control Board
The control board is located behind the control panel. To test it, you will need to remove the control panel. Once the control panel is removed, you will be able to access the control board. Look for any signs of damage, such as burns or loose connections. If the control board is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
7. Call a Repair Technician
If you have tried all of the above troubleshooting steps and your oven is still not heating up, it is time to call a repair technician. A qualified technician will be able to diagnose the problem and repair the oven safely and effectively.
How to Prevent Electric Oven Heating Problems
- Clean the oven regularly: Food spills and grease can build up on the heating element and thermostat, causing them to malfunction. Clean the oven thoroughly on a regular basis to prevent this from happening.
- Avoid overloading the oven: Overloading the oven can put strain on the heating element and thermostat, leading to premature failure.
- Use the oven at the correct temperature: Using the oven at too high of a temperature can damage the heating element and thermostat. Always refer to the oven’s manual for the recommended temperature settings.
- Call a repair technician for major repairs: If you experience any major oven problems, such as a broken heating element or thermostat, it is important to call a qualified repair technician to fix the problem safely and effectively.
What People Want to Know
Q: Why is my electric oven not heating up evenly?
A: Uneven heating can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty heating element, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a blocked air vent.
Q: What are the signs of a bad heating element in an electric oven?
A: Signs of a bad heating element include: oven not heating up, heating element glowing red, or heating element broken or burned out.
Q: How do I reset the control board on my electric oven?
A: To reset the control board on your electric oven, simply unplug the oven from the power outlet and wait 30 seconds before plugging it back in.
Q: Can I replace the heating element in my electric oven myself?
A: Replacing the heating element in an electric oven is a relatively simple repair that can be done by most DIYers. However, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and to take safety precautions, such as wearing gloves and turning off the power to the oven.
Q: How much does it cost to fix an electric oven that is not heating?
A: The cost of repairing an electric oven that is not heating will vary depending on the cause of the problem. However, most repairs will cost between $100 and $300.
