Why is the oven not heating up?

Author: Braxton Bernier  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Issues with the thermostat, selector switch, or heating element can hinder the oven's heating ability. Additionally, ensuring the gas supply line is intact and not obstructed, if you have a gas oven, is essential for proper heating. If problems persist, seek professional assistance for a thorough inspection and repair.

How do you fix an oven that is not heating up?

Troubleshoot an oven that's not heating up
  1. Inspect circuit breaker. If your oven is not heating, it could be the result of a tripped circuit breaker. ...
  2. Check outlet. ...
  3. Inspect heating element (electric oven only) ...
  4. Check oven door seal. ...
  5. Locate temperature sensor. ...
  6. Examine igniter.

How much does it cost to replace the heating element in an oven?

The cost to replace a heating element in an oven is $150 to $450. A new heating element for an oven costs $15 to $100 for the part alone. Ovens have 2 heating elements, the baking coil, and the broil element.

Why is my electric oven suddenly not heating up?

An often fault that causes electric ovens to produce no heat entirely is when the thermostat or selector switch has become burnt out. If the thermostat or selector switch burns out and stops working then so will your oven.

Why is my oven taking so long to preheat?

If your oven is taking a longer time than normal to preheat, there could be several factors responsible, including:Unused racks have been left in the oven. Remove any unused racks before preheating. The door has been open for an extended time before putting food into the oven.

Electric Oven Won’t Heat — Electric Range Troubleshooting

How do you fix an oven that takes too long to heat up?

If you notice your oven struggling to maintain temperature or taking longer to preheat, inspect the door seal. Any damages or gaps could be causing heat leakage. Replacing a worn-out seal can make a world of difference, both in preheating times and energy efficiency.

How to know if a heating element is bad in an oven?

Conclusion. If you think your oven's heating element is broken, look for signs outlined above—dirty appliance, visible damages, an element that's no longer bright orange, uncooked or half-cooked food, and an increase in the electrical bill. All these indicate that it's time to have your oven's heating element replaced.

How do I reset an oven?

Turn the circuit breaker to the OFF position or remove the fuse. Wait one minute, then turn the circuit breaker back to the ON position or install the fuse to reset power to the appliance. This should reset the electronic controls on the Range or Wall Oven.

How to tell if an oven thermostat is broken?

Make sure the multimeter is calibrated and then turn the dial to the lowest ohm rating. Place the multimeter on the thermostat. If the thermostat has a reading of zero or as close to zero as possible, it is working fine. However, if it has no reading at all, your oven thermostat is faulty and will need replacing.

How long 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.

Can I replace an oven element myself?

Most oven heating elements last quite a few years, but just like any other appliance part, eventually they wear out or can break if something falls onto them. No need to panic. Thankfully, replacing your oven's element is a simple repair to make, as you only need a screwdriver.

What is the lifespan of an oven element?

What's the average lifespan of an oven 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.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace an oven?

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.

Why is my electric oven having power but no heat?

If the oven isn't heating, the igniter or heating element might be broken. Temperature Sensor: If the oven is heating inconsistently or to a lower temperature than set, the issue could be with the temperature sensor. This thermometer might need replacing for the oven to work accurately again.

How do I get my oven to heat up?

How to preheat an oven step by step
  1. Prepare your oven. Remove any racks from the oven that will not be used and make sure the oven is clean before placing food inside. ...
  2. Set the oven temperature. Consult your recipe's instructions to determine the proper temperature setting. ...
  3. Allow the oven to preheat.

Why is my oven blowing cold?

If the thermostat of your oven is turned on, but you notice that the oven is blowing in cold air, the likely culprit could be the damaged heating element surrounding the fan. Have a technician unplug the cooking appliance and eject the back cover. This will give you a clear view of both the oven and the element.

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.

How do you test an oven that is not heating?

Turn on the oven to 400 degrees, then watch each heating element for a couple of minutes. If they glow red, they're working. If one doesn't, or if you notice signs of blistering, separating, or cracking, the heating element should be replaced.

What happens when an oven element blows?

Experiencing an Oven Heating Element Failure

This will cause the sheath to rupture and sparks may occur for a few seconds. At this point, one of two situations may result: The household fuses or circuit breakers may "blow" or trip. The heating element will stop working.

Can an oven just stopped working?

If your gas or electricity supply is in good working order, then the most likely cause is an igniter problem for a gas oven. If you have an electric oven, then the heating element could be at fault.

Do stoves have a reset button?

Reset Digital Displays: If your stove has a digital display, there may be a specific combination of buttons to press to reset the stove or clear any error codes. Check Circuit Breakers: Sometimes, a power outage can trip a circuit breaker.

How do you diagnose a broken oven?

Knowing when your oven is showing signs of going out or needing repair can help to ensure that you seek assistance before the problem worsens.
  1. Odd Smells Coming From Your Gas Oven. ...
  2. Electrical Oven Glitches. ...
  3. Undercooked or Overcooked Food. ...
  4. Your Burner Is Not Working. ...
  5. Excessively Long Preheating. ...
  6. The Oven Door Won't Seal.

How do I know if I need a new heating element in my oven?

The most common problem with oven elements is when the oven light and fan come on but the oven element won't heat up at all. This is the classic sign that the element needs replacing.

Previous article
What is the best indoor plant for kids?
Next article
Can you shower on New Year's Eve?