How long should an oven thermostat last?

Author: Dr. Sunny Steuber  |  Last update: Monday, January 12, 2026

Thermostats can last for 10 to 35 years, depending on the type and usage.

How long does an oven thermostat last?

The lifespan of a thermostat is dependent on several factors, including the type of thermostat, usage, and maintenance. On average, most thermostats last about 10 years, depending on the model, usage, and proper maintenance.

How do I know if my oven needs a new thermostat?

Test the Temperature with an Oven Thermometer: Place an oven-safe thermometer inside, set your oven to a specific temperature, and check the reading after 10-15 minutes. If there's a big difference, your thermostat may need adjusting or repair.

Is it worth replacing an oven thermostat?

We recommend replacing the oven thermostat if it temperature changes between uses or is off by more than 10% of the set temperature.

What happens when an oven thermostat goes bad?

If you have a faulty oven thermostat, you will know about it. As the heat is no longer regulated, this could cause burnt or even undercooked food - and nobody wants that!

What Does An Analog Oven Thermostat Do & How Does It Work + Bonus at End..

Is it expensive to replace a thermostat in an oven?

The cost to replace an oven thermostat is $100 to $350 on average. Signs of thermostat failure include the heating light never switching on or the oven not heating. A thermostat turns the heat on and off as needed to reach the right temperature setting.

How do I know if my thermostat is going bad?

Your Heater and Air Conditioner Won't Turn On

If you hear clicking, but the heater and air conditioner won't respond, it usually means you have a broken thermostat. An issue with the relay switch or the motherboard could cause this problem. It could also be a case of faulty wiring.

Can I replace an oven thermostat myself?

Locate the thermostat and disconnect the wires to remove thermostat. Remove the screws holding the thermostat in place and gently pull it out. Install the new thermostat: Position the new thermostat in the same place where the old one was.

Is it worth repairing a 10 year old oven?

You should typically lean toward replacing a wall oven only if it's older than 10 years, or if you're otherwise unhappy with your oven's performance and feel that buying a new model makes more sense. Most appliances are covered under warranty in their first year.

How many years should an oven last?

The life expectancy of an electric oven is around 13 - 15 years. The life expectancy of a gas oven is around 15 years. The life expectancy of a dual-fuel oven is also around 15 years. However, the lifespan of these kitchen appliances depends on how frequently you use them.

How do I reset my oven thermostat?

Remove the oven temperature knob and turn it over. It should have one or two screws on the back. If the oven is running cold, you will want to turn the screws counterclockwise, and if it is running hot, you will want to turn them clockwise. Turn them gradually, about an eighth of a turn each time.

How do you know if an oven element or thermostat is broken?

If there's a problem with the element, the light is never going to turn off because it's never going to hit the correct temperature. On the other hand if when you turn the thermostat on the light does not turn on at all, that shows there's a problem with the thermostat.

Can a dirty oven affect the thermostat?

Sometimes dirt might prevent the thermostat from working properly. Take it out and clean it. This might solve the problem.

What is the lifespan of a thermostat?

Modern home thermostats tend to have about a 10-year lifespan but are usually replaced sooner due to innovations in the market. Non-programmable thermostats have become outdated and replaced by programmable (or learning) thermostats.

Will a bad oven thermostat cause no heat?

A broken thermostat is another common cause of an oven not heating up. It is the component that controls the temperature inside the oven. To check for a broken thermostat, you can check the oven's temperature using an oven thermometer while the oven is on.

What is the life expectancy of an oven heating element?

As an estimate, most cooker elements should last for about 5 years. Of course, this is dependent on the health and overall quality of your oven; the better your oven, the longer its parts should last.

How much to replace an oven thermostat?

Thermostat. It costs between $100 and $200 to repair or replace an oven thermostat. The thermostat is the most likely culprit if your oven isn't heating properly.

Is it cheaper to fix an oven or buy a new one?

The rule of thumb is that if repair costs exceed 50% of the price to install a new oven, you should buy a new oven instead of replacing it. For example, if your oven costs $2,000 but costs $1,500 to repair, you could use that $1,500 for a new and improved oven.

How do I know when my oven needs to be replaced?

Keep reading to learn about the seven signs it's finally time to replace your oven.
  1. Cracked Glass. The glass on your oven door allows you to safely keep an eye on your food as it cooks, and it helps insulate the front of your oven. ...
  2. Rust Buildup. ...
  3. Escaping Heat. ...
  4. Insufficient Heat. ...
  5. Noise Problems. ...
  6. Strange Odors. ...
  7. Constant Repairs.

What are the symptoms of a faulty oven thermostat?

A faulty temperature sensor will cause the oven not to heat to the correct temperature. If food is taking longer to cook, or is undercooked when cooking time is completed this is due to the oven not reaching the desired heat. You need to make sure that the temperature sensor isn't touching the interior oven wall.

How do I know if I need a new thermostat?

If your thermostat has fresh batteries but suddenly lacks power, flashes, or isn't responsive to adjustments, it may need replacement. If resetting the thermostat doesn't resolve the problem, you may have wiring problems or faulty components causing your thermostat to not turn on.

How long do oven thermostats last?

With life spans ranging from around 10 to 35 years, thermostats are designed to last a long time.

Can I replace my thermostat myself?

In most cases, installing a new thermostat is a relatively simple do-it-yourself project that can result in improved comfort and convenience and one that can help you save energy.

What causes thermostat to burn out?

This can happen if there is a power surge or if the thermostat is connected to a faulty electrical circuit.

Will you get a code if your thermostat is bad?

P0128 is an extension of OBD-II code P0 which indicates a problem with your car's coolant thermostat.

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