Electric and gas ovens can both be easy and difficult to repair. How easy fixing an oven is depends on the degree of fault. Hence, rather than asking ‘can I fix my oven?’ it’s best to explore the various types of faults an oven can develop.
When the faults are simple, your DIY oven repair guide will be enough. However, with more technical faults, you need an expert. Common problems with gas ovens involve the supply and ignition parts. For electric ovens, the heating elements get faulty the most.
However, how will you know if the fault is something you can repair? Here is where your knowledge of troubleshooting an oven comes in. However, while you are on the ‘fix my oven’ adrenaline hit, make sure you unplug it (if electric). If it’s a gas oven, disconnect the supply.
Once you ensure all safety measures, you can then check and make feasible repairs. There is, however, a lingering question, ‘is it worth it to repair a faulty oven?’
Is Fixing an Oven Worth It?
Fixing common oven problems yourself can be an exciting experience. Also, calling in an expert for highly technical repairs is a smart move at extending the appliance’s lifespan. However, there are times when it’s not worth it to fix your oven.
When the insides of the oven are rusting, consider getting a new one. Rust can find its way into your food, which can accumulate, leading to a health hazard.
If the glass door to the oven is cracked or broken, you may consider getting a new one. Again, though, you can call on an expert for this.
It’s also not advisable to repair an oven when the repair cost exceeds the new purchase’s cost. The price, in this case, may not be a one-off. For example, when your oven breaks down too frequently, the aggregate cost may be more than the cost of a new one. Hence, rather than investing time and effort in constant repairs, it’s better to get a new one. The same goes for when the oven no longer meets your needs.
How Much Does it Cost to Fix an Oven?
Ovens are essential kitchen appliances. Hence, you need them up and running frequently. When your oven develops a fault, you need to fix it immediately. Beyond your technical know-how of where to fix and what o fix, the cost factor is also important.
As a rule of thumb, several factors influence the cost of fixing your oven. These include; the type of oven it is, the faulty part, how old the oven is, etc. The price also heightens when you need a professional around for the repair.
On average, a price anywhere between $150 and $400 should solve any issue. However, if you need to make major changes to the oven, like replacing the control board of a steam oven, you may spend up to $600.
You don’t need to dash your ‘I want to fix my oven’ hopes yet. There are times you won’t need to spend more than $100. It all depends on the problem at hand.
How to Troubleshoot an Oven.
Discovering that your oven is not responsive just when you are about to cook can be a nightmare. But you don’t need to panic just yet. You can fix your oven yourself. Though, as you’ll see in the latter part of this article, some faults require the attention of oven repair technicians. However, before forking out your hard-earned dollars, you can troubleshoot the oven. Here is how;
Examine the Breaker; if the electric oven is dead
The breaker protects the oven from power surge damages. However, when the electricity supply to your home is unstable, it can cause the breaker to trip. If you can locate your home service panel, you should identify the breaker. Power surges cause breakers to fall ‘off.’ Turning the switch to ‘on’ will solve the problem.
If the power surge/breaker trip occurs again, you should reach out to an electrician to check up on your electrical system.
Checking the Oven Knobs’ Positions
When cleaning the oven, removing the control know may be vital. However, wrongly replacing the knobs can cause the oven not to work when you need it to. It’s easy to miss this problem. Hence, when your oven is acting up, fondle with it to know if it’s in the proper place. If in doubt of where the knob should be, check the oven’s manual.
Check the Self-Cleaning Feature
Modern ovens come with self-cleaning capabilities. The self-cleaning leverages a lever that locks the door as it cleans. At times, the lever may be in the ‘locked’ position as you aim to cook. When the lever is ‘locked,’ the oven door may not be properly closed. A partially open door causes the oven to lose heat, which results in partially cooked food. Check the lever.
Check the Igniter
If you use a gas oven, igniter issues are possible. When the igniter is acting up, you’ll turn on the stove’s burner, but the oven won’t heat. The problem here may be dirt accumulation. So first, find out your igniter’s location.
For some ovens, you’ll see it easily. For some, you may need to remove the panel beneath your oven. Your oven’s manual will guide you. To avoid damaging anything else, it’s best to reach out to a professional.
If you find the igniter, try removing debris with a toothbrush. If your efforts to remove the dirt fail to get it working, purchase another igniter. Replacing an igniter isn’t on the ‘I will fix my oven’ list.
Examine the Temperature Sensor
Your oven’s temperature sensor is the thin tube you’ll find somewhere at the top of your oven’s back. If the sensor now touches the wall, or it got hit by something, it will result in erratic temperature. The sensor may be faulty; a new one costs between $15 and $25. It’s easy to replace a sensor. Ensure you purchase a new sensor only from the manufacturer or licensed distributor.
Common Oven Problems You Can Fix
Not everyone can ‘fix my oven at home.’ However, if you are confident that you can get some repairs going on your own, don’t overdo it. Being able to handle repairs of some oven problems saves you some extra bucks on technician labour fees. Also, technicians won’t be there in that instant. Hence, a need to understand solutions to these common oven problems.
When the Gas Burner Won’t Light up
For gas ovens, the problem of the burner not lighting up directly ties to the ignition. You can solve the problem by using a match. You should carry out the ignition troubleshoot process we explained above. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the igniter.
The burner problem may, however, result from a kink in the gas line. But, again, you’ll want to call a professional for this.
When the oven has temperature Issues
There are two main temperature issues your oven may have. It’s either the oven isn’t up, or it’s not getting to the right temperature.
The oven not heating up may result from a damaged igniter if it’s a gas oven. For electric ovens, the heating element is most likely the problem. You can replace either the heating element or igniter on your own.
With a screwdriver, you should remove the igniter or heating element. You’ll find the heating element inside the oven while the igniter is located under the oven. To reach the igniter, you’ll need to remove the broiler. In either case, ensure your oven’s power is off. Then, get a new igniter or heating element and fix your oven yourself.
When the Oven Door Won’t close
It would be best if you didn’t use an oven that the door isn’t closing. Firstly, heat escapes and the food isn’t properly cooked. Secondly, the escaping heat may damage nearby appliances or objects. Finally, damage to an object may lead to another.
Check on the door’s glass; ensure there is no crack. You should also check the door hinges; ensure it is firm. The door springs may also be faulty; you can replace these with a plier. A rubber gasket may also work in completely shutting the door.
Take a cue from the door troubleshooting tip above.
The Interior Light is Faulty
The bulb inside your oven can go out suddenly. The bulb problem is certainly an oven problem you can fix. Any oven repair guideline will detail a short process to replace the bulb. First, remove the cover by turning it slightly, clockwise. Next, pull out the faulty bulb; place a new bulb in there. Return the cover.
When the Oven Doesn’t Self-Clean
Modern ovens come with a self-clean feature. When the self-cleaning feature stops working, here is what you should do.
Ensure that the cycle starts correctly. Also, cross-check the timers and knobs; ensure they are correct. These simple checks here and there should help you get to the problem.
Also, you shouldn’t expect the self-clean feature to manage large spills. You may need to follow up with some manual cleaning.
Related Article: What Is the Cost of Repairing an Oven in Toronto?
Oven Problems Expert Technicians Should Fix
While mastering how to fix oven faults is all fun and games, there is a limit. There are faults you’ll notice that require the expert attention of a technician immediately. When you see any of the following, reach out to an expert.
When You Notice Gas Smell
If you have a gas oven, extra care is pertinent. Gas is highly flammable; you shouldn’t joke around with it. But, thanks to gas manufacturers, it’s easy to detect leakages. Gas in itself is odourless. However, to ensure easy detection during leakage, a rotten egg smell is added. When you notice that smell upon turning on your gas, turn it off immediately.
The pungent egg smell indicates leakage. Get an expert right away. Using the oven in that condition can be dangerous.
Electrical Faults
If you use an electric oven and you notice electrical issues like power surges, call an expert. The oven’s electrical controls can also develop faults. Once you can’t figure it out, call on an expert.
Broken Oven Door
While some oven door problems may be on your ‘fix my oven’ DIY level, others are not. For instance, if you need to replace the door completely, it’s best to have an expert do it. In addition, your oven door needs to be in perfect condition. A bad door can undermine your cooking. A bad door can also lead to a spiral of negative effects on other kitchen appliances due to heat escape.
Other reasons that necessitate an expert’s presence are; changes in cooking time and problems with the burner.
Why You Need an Expert Technician for your Oven Repair
Leveraging tips to fix your oven can save you some money. However, some faults require the attention of an expert. The incentive of saving money may tempt you to risk solving the technician-necessitating faults yourself. Don’t do that. Here is a breakdown of why you should consider incurring a little extra charge in hiring a professional.
They have Technical Knowledge
Safety is important that the little amount of money you’ll save. The technicians understand different oven designs and are well-versed in common problems and their causes. They have access to technical information you may not find online. They are also valuable in helping you prevent potential faults.
Their Services Include Warranty
It’s safer to have a technician work on your appliance. If something else breaks during repair, their service’s warranty will quickly take of it. However, if something else breaks while you work on it, you’ll incur more costs and may end up needing an expert again.
They have the Right Tools.
You most likely don’t have the right tools that’ll safely administer corrections to the appliance. By getting a professional for the job, you save yourself the trouble. On the other hand, using the wrong equipment increases your chance of damaging something else.
Getting an Expert Protects Your Appliance’s Warranty
When you purchase appliances, they come with a warranty. However, the warranty on your appliance only remains valid if any repair work on it is done by a professional. Tampering with the oven on your own invalidates the warranty.
You Save Time and Energy
It’s a no-brainer that you save time and energy when you hire the right hands to do the job. You don’t have to scour through manuals and web pages looking for answers you may not find. With the money you pay the technician, you buy the time you can leverage for other activities.
Related Article: Oven Not Heating: 5 Common Reasons Your Oven Isn’t Heating
Final Take
When you are trying to fix your oven, ensure it’s something you can handle. However, it is best to call on a technician. You have more to gain when you have the right hands on your oven. Warranties are vital to an appliance like your oven. If there is any problem with your oven, reach out to Prime Appliance Repair today. Our technicians are always on standby!
