Gas ovens have been dominant in most kitchens. But electric ovens are no less popular either for baking or broiling. So in this week's blog, we'll examine why your electric oven won't heat up. Though gas and electric ovens are somewhat similar, you need to understand how they operate to diagnose the appliance's malfunction.
How Electric Ovens Work
So how does an oven work? Unlike gas ovens, electric ovens use a heating element, which operates using alternating currents on the wire. The electricity passes through the wire and causes it to heat up. An oven thermostat monitors the temperature and will shut off the voltage when it reaches the set temperature. This is repeated throughout the process to keep the right temperature. The actual temperature fluctuates throughout the cycle and isn't constant.
Reasons Your Electric Oven is Not Heating Up
Having an electric oven that won't turn on is troublesome, so knowing that it doesn't turn on can give you a heads-up on the problem. If you think to yourself, “why is my oven not heating up?” There are several reasons why. Let's look at some common issues that could cause your electric oven not to heat properly.
- Temperature Sensor. One key component of any electric oven is the temperature sensor, which is also the most common to break down. The sensor regulates the heat inside your oven, so if it's damaged, it won't turn on your oven even if you have power. Some electric ovens will display an error code if there's an issue with your sensor to notify you. You can check with a multimeter if the sensor is out of calibration or broken. If you need repairs or replacement, it is something best done by a professional.
- Bake and Broil Problems. Electric ovens have a bake and broil element and are a typical cause of problems. The part probably burns out if the bake or broil element fails to glow red when you turn on the oven. You can check if the component has burned out by inspecting it for cracks and blistering. Using a multimeter, you can also test the heating element for an electrical current. If it tests negative for continuity, it is defective and needs replacing.
- Loose or burnt wire connection. Your power supply wires commonly burn out near the heat source and will appear visibly damaged. Inspect the wires for damage and that their connection is secure. Even slight damage to the wiring can cause it not to heat up. It doesn't always need to be the wiring of the heating element. Ensure you check that the other wiring of your electric oven isn't loose.
- Blown thermal fuse. The thermal fuse protects the unit from electrical damage and will blow when there's an electrical overload. Heat and current overload can burn the fuse and can cause some problems. The thermal fuse will blow on most electric ovens if the oven gets too hot and shuts off the power.
- Thermostat sensing bulb. A thermostat sensing bulb is a liquid-filled apparatus that expands when heated and regulates the temperature of the ambient air of the oven. You can check if the sensor is working using a multimeter. If the resistance is off, the sensor is broken or leaking; the component needs to be replaced.
Other Possible Problems
The heating elements and thermostats might be the most common components that suffer from problems, but they aren't the only things that could cause your electric oven not to heat properly. So what else could cause issues to your appliance?
- Malfunctioning control board. Power surges are the leading cause of failure on control boards. When the control board stops working, the display will not show. Also, normal wear and tear will eventually take a toll on the circuit board and cause your unit to fail. A short circuit in a component like the heating element or thermostat can damage the control board. Have a service technician replace your control board.
- Faulty Cooling Fan. The cooling fan blows air to the control board to keep them from overheating when using the oven. A malfunctioning cooling fan can cause the thermal fuse to trip and shut the oven control board. Get a technician to replace the cooling fan when it stops working.
- Oven Not Preheating. Yet another issue that you may find on your electric oven. Usually caused by a faulty heating element, you can troubleshoot for any loose wires and connections or reach out to a professional when it needs replacing.
Why You Should Choose Repair Services From Home Alliance
If you have any issues regarding your electric oven, don't try to fix them yourself. Troubleshooting should be left with the professionals to ensure your oven is safe and secured. Trust the experts at Home Alliance. Our service specialists will provide the best, top-quality repairs for your electric oven. We stock all the replacement parts that can keep your ovens baking and broiling as usual. Whether it’s heating elements, thermal fuses, control boards, and thermostats, you can count on Home Alliance to get you what you need.
