Ovens are essential in the kitchen. You can get over a decade’s worth of delicious cakes, cookies and other baked goodies out of them. But as with any appliance, ovens can malfunction. One puzzling issue homeowners experience is that their oven isn’t heating up, but the stove works.
You don’t have to replace your oven just yet if you’re dealing with this problem. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can take to figure out why your oven’s acting up. If all else fails, call in a pro. An appliance repair specialist can identify the cause and perform the necessary repairs and replacements. Then, you’ll be baking again in no time.
What to Do If the Oven Is Not Heating Up But the Stove Works
If your stove’s working but your oven shows no signs of life, something could be broken or malfunctioning inside. The broiling and baking elements are likely working fine, but the internal fuse, igniter or temperature sensor might not be.
Here are some possible causes and what you can do.
Power Issue
Checking the power should be the first step for any appliance problem. Head to the oven’s circuit breaker and ensure it hasn’t tripped. If it has tripped, reset it and see if that fixes the problem.
If the oven still won’t work, it might be the power socket’s fault. Try plugging the oven into another socket and see if it starts heating up. If it does, the original socket is broken and needs replacing. You’ll then need to contact a licensed electrician.
If you’re using a gas model, something could be keeping the gas supply from the oven. Ensure the main gas supply is on.
Broken or Worn Out Igniter
The igniter is the most common culprit if your stove works but the oven isn’t heating up. This component can wear down or break over time. And when that happens, your oven can’t get the heat it needs to run. A licensed appliance repair specialist can check if the igniter is discolored or worn out. If it is, it will likely need to be replaced.
Blocked Burners
If the gas igniter is in good condition, blocked burners might be the reason for your oven issue. Ensure they’re cool enough to handle and take them out for inspection. You can use a small cleaning brush to scrub the dirty areas. Place the burners back and see if that gets your oven to fire up.
Blown Thermal Fuse
If the burners aren’t the issue, you might be dealing with a blown thermal fuse. Unfortunately, electrical wiring issues are too complex for homeowners’ DIY skills. It’s best to leave it in the capable hands of an appliance repair specialist. Attempting to replace this component yourself can have dangerous consequences.
Faulty Oven Sensor
The sensor is a crucial component, monitoring the temperature inside the oven. When the unit reaches the desired temperature, it tells the circuit board to cut the electrical flow to the heating elements.
If it’s faulty, the oven might not even turn on. Use a multimeter to check if it’s working. It might be time to install a new one if there’s insufficient resistance. Instead of a sensor, some ovens have a temperature-sensing bulb to monitor the temperature. Tighten it if it’s loose, or replace it if it’s burnt out.
Electronic Control Board Issue
All electric ovens have a control board to manage the unit’s functions. If the oven isn’t heating up, but the stove works, there’s a good chance the control board is having issues. Other signs to look out for are visible damage, error codes, burning and short circuits.
Control board problems are tricky and require the expertise of an appliance specialist. The appliance specialist will get behind the oven and run the necessary tests safely.
Some oven issues are easy enough to troubleshoot on your own. But most of them are complicated and unsafe. When in doubt, it’s best to contact an appliance repair specialist. That will save you from causing further damage to your oven and prevent dangerous consequences like burns and explosions.
What to Do If Your Oven Smells Like Gas
Smelling gas in the kitchen can send any homeowner into a panic. But there’s nothing wrong with smelling gas for a few seconds after turning on the oven. It’s important to know how to differentiate this smell from harmful ones.
Here are the possible reasons why your oven smells like gas and what you should do.
Odorant
Natural gas is odorless in its natural state. However, there is an additive added at the natural gas processing plant before it is piped to homes called odorant to help us detect gas leaks. It produces that unpleasant rotten egg smell. If you have natural gas piped into your house, you’re more likely to smell a stronger gas odor than people with propane tanks.
You don’t have to be scared if you smell a gas odor after starting your oven. It’s just the odorant doing its job. What’s alarming is if the sulfur or rotten egg smell persists after the gas ignites. That’s a sign of a gas leak, and you must take immediate precautions.
Gas Leak
If your oven emits a powerful and persistent rotten egg smell, you most likely have a gas leak. It’s extra confirmation if there’s a hissing sound. Don’t waste any time in this situation. Turn off your oven and extinguish any flames. Ventilate your home by opening all windows and doors.
Next, evacuate your home with your family and pets and call 911 when you’re all safely outside.
Malfunctioning Gas Igniter
A faulty gas igniter could be causing the foul odor you’re smelling. When the igniter malfunctions, the gas valve won’t receive enough current. The igniter will then open more slowly, unable to release enough gas to ignite the flame. Because the gas takes longer to combust, you’ll smell the odor longer.
If you’re confident in your DIY skills, you can remove the igniter and inspect for dirt or damage. But it’s always best to let an appliance repair specialist do the job. They know how to clean igniters without damaging them. They will also test for continuity and replace the igniter if necessary.
Dirty Oven
Leaving spills and crumbs inside your oven can produce a gassy odor. If you haven’t scrubbed it down in a while, that could explain what you’re smelling in your kitchen. Debris buildup can also block gas flow, causing burnt smells and oven damage. With regular cleaning and professional maintenance, only mouth-watering smells will come from your oven.
Clogged Oven Vent
If you’re a frantic baker, you might leave foreign objects in your oven without realizing it. If there’s a forgotten pan or mat inside, it’s probably the cause of the gassy odor wafting in your kitchen. You can prevent this by clearing your oven regularly so nothing is blocking its vent.
Various oven issues can lead to a gassy or rotten egg smell in your kitchen. You can prevent this issue by scheduling regular maintenance with a professional. An appliance service technician will ensure the gas connections to your oven are secure and that your oven is running smoothly.
How a Professional Replaces a Heating Element in an Oven
If the heating element breaks, your oven is just a fancy-looking cabinet. Fortunately, replacing this component is easy for appliance repair technicians. These are the steps they will take.
Remove Racks and Door
After turning off the power, they will pull out the racks to gain clear access to the heating element. They might also detach the door so they can work more freely.
Remove Screws and Spade Terminal Connectors
With a screwdriver, they will remove the screws attaching the heating element to the oven. Next, they will remove the spade terminal connectors, leaving the wires in place for the new heating element.
Install New Heating Element
They will attach the spade terminal connectors to the ends of the new heating element, ensuring the connection is secure. After that, they will install the heating element, pushing it back into the cavity. Next, they will secure it with screws and replace the oven’s racks and door. Lastly, they will restore your oven’s power and test out the heating element.
Leave Your Oven Woes to an Expert
Oven issues are often complex and sometimes even dangerous. Contact an appliance repair specialist immediately if your oven won’t turn on or produces a gassy odor. An appliance technician has the tools and expertise to deal with the situation safely.
ABC Can Get Your Oven Working Again
An oven that isn’t working can cause huge disruptions in your life. Instead of prolonging the issue by trying to fix it yourself, contact ABC Home & Commercial Services. Our appliance repair pros will efficiently locate the issue and then get to work on making all oven repairs.
