Why is My Electric Oven Not Heating Up? Troubleshooting Guide
If your electric oven isn't heating up, it could be due to faulty heating elements, a blown fuse, a broken thermostat, or a malfunctioning temperature sensor. Follow troubleshooting tips or call a professional for help with complex repairs.
Introduction
When you rely mostly on your oven for cooking your meals, and it suddenly stops heating up, it could be frustrating. Even if you only use it occasionally, you’d still expect it to work when you need it.
There are various reasons why your electric oven isn’t heating up - from faulty sensors to malfunctioning heating elements. Hopefully, this guide we’ve put together, based on our experience in electric oven repairs, will help you identify and perhaps fix the problem.
Health & Safety Precautions
We can’t stress enough how important it is to always put safety first.
- Before attempting any repair, make sure the oven is unplugged from the power supply.
- If you’re unsure about diagnosing or repairing your oven, it’s always safer to consult a professional electric oven repair technician.
Common Reasons Why Your Oven is Not Heating
1. Malfunctioning Heating Elements
Most electric ovens have two heating elements: one at the top and another at the bottom. If one or both are malfunctioning or otherwise faulty, your oven will not heat up properly.
- Check if they are working – preheat the oven to see if the elements glow red.
- If one or both of them don’t heat up, they need to be replaced.
2. Faulty or Dirty Temperature Sensor
A faulty or burned temperature sensor could cause your oven not to heat up. One reason the sensor isn’t working could be that it’s dirty.
- Locate the temperature sensor – it is usually at the back wall of the oven, sometimes on the side – use the manufacturer’s manual.
- Check for physical damages such as corrosion or breakages – if damaged, the sensor needs replacement.
- Inspect the sensor for cleanliness – if needed, clean it with a damp (not wet) cloth and degreasing detergent. Make sure to dry the sensor with a towel before using the oven again.
3. Faulty Thermostat
If the thermostat is malfunctioning, your oven may not heat up. If you’re comfortable checking it, follow these steps:
- First and foremost – unplug the oven.
- Locate the thermostat using the manufacturer’s manual – it’s a thin metal piece attached to a coil of wire.
- Remove the thermostat and test it using a multimeter calibrated beforehand.
4. Selector Switch Issues
The selector switch controls the oven’s heat settings, and if it’s faulty, the oven might not heat up. Here’s how to check it:
- Safety first – unplug the oven from the mains power.
- Locate the selector switch using the manufacturer’s manual and take it out.
- Set your voltmeter to continuity, place the leads on each side of the switch, then test it by turning the meter on and off. If it beeps when the switch is on and stops beeping when off, it’s working.
If the selector switch is faulty, it will need to be replaced.
5. Incorrect Calibration
Your electric oven may not heat properly if it’s not calibrated correctly. The approach depends on whether the oven has electronic or manual settings:
- Locate the calibration dial using the manufacturer’s manual.
- For electronic displays: Follow the user’s manual instructions to adjust the calibration.
- For manual ranges: Ensure the temperature sensing bulb inside the oven hasn’t come loose, as this can interfere with readings. If it’s intact, proceed with adjusting the dial following the manufacturer’s instructions.
When to Call a Professional
If your oven still isn’t heating up after you’ve attempted to fix the problem, it may require professional assistance. An expert from Repairs4U will readily provide a thorough electric oven repair.