So, you’re all set for a gastronomic adventure, but your oven seems to be on a sabbatical. When your gas or electric oven is not heating up, it throws a spanner in the works of your culinary plans. It’s a predicament we’ve all faced – the groceries are laid out, the family is waiting, but the oven simply refuses to preheat.
In this blog, we’ll examine some of the common reasons why your oven isn’t heating up (or why your oven isn’t heating up enough), along with practical solutions that will restore your oven to its glory.
Unset Inputs: Your Oven’s Little Quirks
Sometimes, the simplest of reasons can prevent an oven from heating up. Each oven, regardless of its make and model, has unique operating instructions. For instance, certain ovens only initiate the heating process once the heating mode, temperature, and timer are set. If your oven is not heating up after you’ve selected “fan forced” and set the temperature to “220”, it may be because the timer has not been configured. As a preliminary troubleshooting step, ensure all the necessary settings are correctly implemented.
Power Cord Placement: A Common Oversight
This might seem elementary, but you’d be astounded at the frequency with which a misaligned power cord causes the issue of an electric oven not heating up. The power cord must be securely connected to both the socket and the oven. If you find it is loosely attached, give it a little nudge until it clicks into position, reinstating the power supply to your oven.
Door Misalignment: A Heat Escape Route
An improperly shut oven door can lead to ineffective heating. When an oven door is not sealed correctly, the heat intended for your delicacies escapes, thereby causing the oven not to heat up enough. This sealing mechanism is crucial to achieving the desired temperature in the stipulated time.
One way to check if the oven door is shut correctly is by switching on the oven light. If the light fails to illuminate, it’s likely that the door isn’t completely closed. Additionally, frequent use of the oven can cause the door hinges to loosen, hampering its sealing capability.
In such instances, readjust the door until you hear a clicking sound that indicates proper alignment. Also, for ovens with glass doors, ensure there’s no condensation or steam build-up inside that might be affecting the seal.
Light Bulb Replacement: An Overlooked Requirement
When the oven light doesn’t switch on, it might be indicative of a blown bulb that needs to be replaced – this is a straightforward, inexpensive fix. Simply unscrew the old bulb (avoid touching it with bare hands due to possible sharp edges) and screw in the new one. You can procure oven light bulbs from most hardware stores or online platforms. For best results, bring the old bulb when purchasing a new one to ensure compatibility.
Faulty Heating Element: A Tricky Issue
If the oven light works but your oven is not heating up, it’s possible that the heating element is defective. This is a more complex issue than a blown bulb, requiring professional intervention. Depending on your oven’s make and model, it might be more financially prudent to replace the entire unit than repair the element. Upon suspecting a broken heating element, we recommend contacting a technician immediately to avoid further complications.
Potential Gas Leak: A Matter of Urgency
For gas ovens, if the oven is not heating up, it might be due to a potential gas leak, which is a critical issue requiring immediate professional attention. If you suspect a gas leak, evacuate the premises and call a technician from a safe distance – attempting to fix this issue independently can have hazardous repercussions.
Other Common Problems with Residential & Commercial Ovens
Problem with the Oven Thermostat
If your oven isn’t reaching the temperature you’ve set, it could be because the thermostat is defective. The thermostat is a key component that controls the temperature inside the oven – it signals the oven to heat when the temperature drops below the set point and to stop heating once it reaches the desired level. If your oven is not heating up enough, the thermostat might not be sensing or maintaining the temperature correctly.
If you suspect a faulty thermostat, it’s best to call a professional technician. Thermostat issues can be complex and involve electrical circuits, which may be dangerous to handle if you don’t have the appropriate expertise.
Bake or Broil Element is Burnt Out
In electric ovens, the bake element (at the bottom) and the broil element (at the top) are the heat sources. If your oven is not heating up at all, one or both of these elements might be burnt out. A quick way to check is to look for signs of damage – a working element usually glows red when the oven is turned on. If it doesn’t glow and/or has any visible signs of damage like blistering, cracking, or separation, it’s likely burnt out.
If either of these elements is burnt out, it will need to be replaced. While it is possible to replace the elements yourself following safety guidelines and instructions from the manufacturer, we recommend hiring a professional technician, particularly if you’re not comfortable with electrical appliances.
Issue with the Igniter (in Gas Ovens)
The igniter in a gas oven draws electrical current through the oven safety valve to open it, allowing gas to flow and ignite. If the igniter is weak or faulty, it won’t open the safety valve correctly, and the oven won’t heat up. An igniter might glow, but if it isn’t drawing enough current to open the valve, the oven will not heat.
If the igniter is faulty, it will need to be replaced – this is a task that requires knowledge and experience in dealing with gas appliances, so it’s best left to a qualified technician.
National Appliance Repairs: Your Solution for Oven Issues
At National Appliance Repairs, we specialise in prompt, affordable oven repairs across Australia. Our expertise spans across various types of ovens – residential, commercial, combi ovens, pizza ovens, Bain Marie, and more.
We’re committed to getting your oven back in optimal working condition promptly – reach out to us for a free quote and consultation. After all, when it comes to solving the mystery of “why is my oven not heating up”, no one does it better.
