Gas Oven Not Heating Up: (Solved)
A gas oven not heating up is typically caused by a lack of power, issues with the gas supply, or faulty hardware.
So now that we have summarised the main problems, let us dive into troubleshooting.
1. Checking the circuit breaker:
Have you checked the circuit breaker? This may come as a surprise since gas ovens primarily rely on gas for heating, but they still require electrical power to operate certain components, such as timers. Start by checking if the circuit breaker supplying power to the oven has tripped.
Gas ovens are typically connected to a standard 15- or 20-amp breaker, unlike electric ovens that use larger double-pole breakers. Verify that the breaker dedicated to the oven hasn’t tripped. If it hasn’t, proceed to the next steps involving the gas supply and igniter.
2. Checking the Gas Supply:
While rare, it’s possible that your supply of natural gas or liquid propane gas has been interrupted. This can occur if the main gas valve or any branch line valves have been shut off for repairs or replacements. Check that the main gas valve and any related valves are in the ON position.
Has your oven recently been serviced or replaced? If so, make sure that the gas valve on the supply pipe has been turned back on. Still not working, move on to inspect the oven’s gas igniter.
3. Checking the Igniter:
To tell if it’s a faulty igniter not heating up your oven, check that the oven control is set to bake. The igniter should start to glow bright orange, signaling the gas valve to open and release gas into the burner. The igniter then ignites the gas, allowing the oven to heat up.
If the igniter fails to reach the necessary temperature, the gas valve will not open, resulting in no heat production. To check the igniter, start by turning off the oven’s circuit breaker and ensuring that the power is off by checking if the oven light, clock, and other electrical functions are not working.
Make sure you remove the oven racks and the metal plate(s) at the bottom of the oven to access the igniter. Inspect the igniter for any discoloration or signs of damage. If the igniter appears normal, restore power to the oven, set it to heat, and observe the igniter at the beginning of the heating cycle.
The igniter should glow a bright orange within a few seconds. If it fails to do so and the gas does not ignite promptly, the igniter has likely failed the test and needs to be replaced.
4. Checking the Temperature Sensor:
Another potential culprit for your oven’s heating issue is a malfunctioning temperature sensor. This sensor measures the internal heat levels of the oven and communicates with the temperature control to regulate the heating element. If the sensor fails to accurately detect the temperature, it can lead to uneven heat distribution and inaccurate temperature readings.
To check the temperature sensor, follow these steps: unplug the oven, locate the thermostat, remove it from the oven, and test it using a multimeter set to measure resistance.
Place the multimeter on the thermostat and check the reading. A reading close to zero indicates a functioning sensor, while no reading suggests a faulty sensor that needs replacement.
5. Checking the Oven Safety Valve:
The failure of the safety valve or gas valve can also prevent your oven from heating up. This valve ensures that gas only flows to the oven when the igniter reaches the required temperature for ignition. Using a multimeter, you can test the electrical flow at the valve.
Start by shutting off the power supply to the oven, disconnecting the safety valve wires from the terminals, and placing the multimeter probes on each terminal. Check the multimeter for a reading between 0 and 5 ohms, indicating that the safety valve is working correctly.
If the multimeter shows no significant change in the reading or a still needle, it means the valve is defective and should be replaced.
6. Replacing the Igniter:
If the igniter is determined to be faulty, you can replace it by following these steps: Before starting any work, ensure that the power to the oven is shut off and avoid touching the igniter coil to prevent damage. Order a replacement igniter that matches the model and serial number of your oven.
Remove and replace the gas igniter according to the instructions provided with the new igniter. This straightforward process typically requires screwdrivers, a circuit tester, and the replacement igniter.
7. Replacing the Temperature Control Thermostat:
If the igniter is not the cause of the heating problem, you may need to replace the temperature control thermostat. Here’s how: Switch off the power supply to the oven at the circuit breaker, remove the back panel or open the control panel to access the thermostat, unscrew and disconnect the old thermostat, gently place the new thermostat in the desired position, and secure it with screws. Finally, reconnect the wires to the new thermostat and restore power to the oven.
7. Calling a Professional:
If you have followed all the troubleshooting steps and your gas oven still refuses to heat up, it may be time to seek professional assistance. A qualified repair service or technician will have the expertise and tools to diagnose and resolve complex issues with your oven effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why is my gas oven not heating up?
There are several potential reasons for a gas oven failing to heat up, including a tripped circuit breaker, gas supply interruption, a faulty igniter, a malfunctioning temperature sensor, or a defective safety valve.
Can I fix my gas oven myself?
In some cases, you can troubleshoot and fix the issue yourself by following the steps outlined in this article. However, if you are not comfortable or experienced handling electrical or gas-related repairs, it is advisable to seek professional help.
How much does it cost to repair a gas oven that won’t heat up?
The cost of repairing a gas oven depends on the specific problem and the rates charged by the repair service. It is recommended to obtain quotes from different service providers to compare prices and choose the most cost-effective solution.
Final Thoughts
When your gas oven fails to generate heat, it can be frustrating, but there are various potential causes and solutions to explore. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can identify and resolve many common issues that prevent your gas oven from heating up.
Remember to prioritize safety by turning off the power supply before conducting any repairs or replacements. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with the process, do not hesitate to contact a professional repair service to assist you in getting your gas oven back in working order.