Electric Oven Not Heating Up? Here’s How to Fix It
The reason why an electric oven is not heating up are generally caused by a faulty thermostat, damaged heating elements, or other hardware issues.
Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a novice, this article will help you get your electric oven heating up again.
1. Verify the Thermostat
The thermostat plays a crucial role in regulating the oven’s temperature. If it’s not functioning correctly, the oven may fail to heat up. Follow these steps to check your oven’s thermostat:
a) Locate the thermostat: Typically, the thermostat is positioned near the back of the oven, either on the control panel or behind the oven cavity.
b) Test the thermostat: Set the oven to a specific temperature and allow it to preheat. Once it reaches the desired temperature, use an oven thermometer to measure the actual temperature inside the oven. Compare it to the temperature set on the thermostat. If there is a significant difference, it indicates a possible malfunction in the thermostat.
c) Inspect the temperature control: Adjust the temperature control dial to a lower setting and wait for a few minutes. Then, increase it to a higher setting and observe if the oven temperature changes accordingly. If there is no change, the thermostat may be malfunctioning.
2. Inspect the Heating Element
The heating element is responsible for generating heat in the oven. If it malfunctions, the oven won’t heat up properly. Follow these steps to examine the heating element:
a) Locate the heating element: Typically, the heating element is situated at the bottom or back of the oven and is shaped like a coil or a spiral.
b) Check for visible damage: Inspect the heating element for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks, blisters, or breaks. If you notice any, the heating element will need to be replaced.
c) Test the heating element: Set the oven to a high temperature and wait for a few minutes. Then, use an oven thermometer to measure the temperature inside the oven. If the oven fails to reach the desired temperature or doesn’t heat up at all, it indicates a potential issue with the heating element.
d) Check the heating element’s continuity: To assess the continuity of the heating element, you’ll need a multimeter. Ensure the oven is unplugged, and set the multimeter to the continuity setting. Place the leads on the heating element terminals. If the multimeter beeps or shows a reading, it confirms that the heating element is functioning correctly. If there is no response, the heating element may be faulty and require replacement.
3. Examine the Oven’s Circuit Breaker or Fuse
A tripped or blown circuit breaker or fuse can prevent the oven from receiving power, resulting in a failure to heat up. Perform the following steps to check the oven’s circuit breaker:
a) Locate the circuit breaker: Typically, the circuit breaker is housed in a metal box called the service panel or breaker box, usually found in a utility room, garage, or basement.
b) Identify the correct breaker: Look for a breaker labeled specifically for the oven or one that controls the kitchen circuit. If you’re unsure which breaker corresponds to the oven, you can switch off all the breakers and turn them on one by one to identify the correct one.
c) Verify the breaker’s position: The circuit breaker can be in either the “on” or “tripped” position. If it’s in the “tripped” position, you need to reset it by moving it to the “on” position.
d) Test the oven: After resetting the breaker, turn on the oven to check if it is functioning properly.
4. Check the Bake and Broil Elements
The bake element, located at the bottom of the oven, and the broil element, positioned at the top, are responsible for heating the oven.
If either of these elements is faulty, it can lead to a failure in heating. Follow these steps to assess the bake and broil elements:
a) Locate the bake and broil elements: The bake element is situated at the bottom of the oven, while the broil element is located at the top.
b) Inspect for visible damage: Carefully examine the elements for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks, blisters, or breaks. If you identify any damage, the respective element will need to be replaced.
c) Test the elements: Set the oven to the bake setting and wait for a few minutes. Then, use an oven thermometer to measure the temperature inside the oven. If the oven fails to reach the desired temperature or doesn’t heat up at all, it suggests a potential issue with the baking element. Repeat the process for the broil element by setting the oven to the broil setting.
d) Check the elements’ continuity: To determine the continuity of the elements, utilize a multimeter. Ensure the oven is unplugged, and set the multimeter to the continuity setting. Place the leads on the element terminals. If the multimeter emits a beep or shows a reading, it confirms that the element is functioning properly. If there is no response, the element may be malfunctioning and require replacement.
If you have examined all of the above components and your oven still fails to heat up, it may be necessary to seek professional assistance. However, before doing so, consider checking for less common issues that can cause an electric oven to not heat up:
Verify the temperature sensor: The temperature sensor is responsible for measuring the oven’s internal temperature. If it’s not working correctly, the oven may not heat up to the desired temperature.
Clean the oven: Accumulated food residue or debris can hinder the oven’s functionality. Thoroughly clean the oven to ensure proper operation.
Inspect the oven’s clock and timer: The clock and timer functions can sometimes interfere with the oven’s heating. Verify that they are set correctly, or try resetting them.