Common Oven Faults & Tips for Repair
Ovens are a staple in almost every home in North America, providing tasty meals and snacks without having to worry about stove top disasters. If your oven has stopped functioning, it’s not always necessary to call in a professional. There are many common oven faults and issues that a consumer can troubleshoot and fix on their own. Here are five common oven problems and tips on how to repair them.
Problem 1: Oven Not Heating
The first common oven fault that can occur is that the oven won’t heat. While this can be caused by an electrical issue, it can also be caused simply by an element or thermostat gone bad. If the element and thermostat appear to be functioning properly, you should carefully check all settings including the temperature settings and timer. If everything appears to be in working order and your oven still won’t heat, it might be time to call in an appliance repair technician.
Problem 2: Oven Not Reaching Proper Temperature
Sometimes, ovens will not heat up to the proper temperature, even though they seem to work just fine. This is most likely an issue with the thermostat. Make sure that the thermostat is correctly calibrated and if it is not, adjusting it can usually fix the issue.
Problem 3: Oven Not Igniting
If your oven does not ignite, it can be caused by a blocked igniter or a faulty spark module. If the igniter is blocked, clean it with a damp cloth or brush to unclog it. If the igniter is still faulty, replace it. For a faulty spark module, check the spark gap and make sure it’s the correct size. If it’s not, replace the spark module and adjust the spark gap.
Problem 4: Smoke Coming Out of Oven
If there is smoke coming out of your oven, the first thing to do is to make sure that the door is completely shut. If the oven door is not completely closed, it can cause smoke to come out, so make sure the door is shut tight. If your oven is still smoky, the flames may be too high and need to be adjusted. If this doesn’t work, there may be an issue with the igniter or spark module.
Problem 5: Oven Not Starting
If your oven isn’t starting, it may be due to an issue with the wiring or the control board. Carefully inspect the control board for any signs of cracking or other damage. Replacing the control board should solve the issue. If the issue is with the wiring, consult an appliance repair technician.
Knowing what to do if your oven stops working can save you a lot of time and money. Oftentimes, the most common oven faults can be fixed with simple troubleshooting, but if the issue persists or you are unsure how to proceed, consulting a professional appliance repair technician is the best option.
If you need help finding appliance repair technicians in your area, take a look at our Directory of Appliance Repair Technicians to find skilled professionals near you.
Common Oven Faults & Repairs
What are the most common oven fault types?
The most common oven fault types include malfunctioning thermostats, heating elements and igniters, electrical problems, and mechanical issues.
What should I do if my oven won’t heat up?
If your oven won’t heat up, you should first check the thermostat settings to ensure it is set to the desired temperature. You can also check the heating elements, igniters and wiring to see if there is any loose wiring or broken heating elements.
What if the oven is producing smoke?
If your oven is producing smoke, you should turn it off and disconnect the power. This could be an indication of an electrical fault or a problem with the heating elements. You should also check for any food residue that may have caused poor ventilation.
What can I do if my oven appears to be heating unevenly?
If your oven appears to be heating unevenly, it might indicate a problem with the heating elements, thermostat or igniters. You can start by running a cycle of self-cleaning mode or cleaning the walls and shelves of the oven to ensure that the hot air can circulate properly. You can also check the heating elements and make sure they are working.
How can I tell if my oven needs to be repaired?
If you suspect your oven needs to be repaired, you should watch out for common signs such as overheating, an error message on the display, an unusual smell, or uneven temperature readings. You can also run a cycle of self-cleaning mode to check if there are any broken heating elements or faulty thermostats.
5 Key Takeaways from “5 Common Oven Faults & How to Fix Them”
- Ovens are prone to common faults that may be easy to troubleshoot and repair on your own.
- If the oven doesn’t heat, it could be caused by an element or thermostat gone bad. Check settings and temperature.
- Ovens not reaching proper temperature might require thermostat calibration.
- Smoke coming out of the oven can be caused by an open oven door, or a too high flame. Inspect igniter and spark module.
- Oven not starting may be due to an issue with the wiring or the control board. If needed, seek help from a skilled appliance repair technician.