What A Range Repair Service Might Do If Your Oven Won't Heat

It's a major annoyance when you're ready to cook a meal in the oven and it doesn't heat up. This is a common problem that's caused by a bad heating element. Here's a look at what a heating element is, how to tell when it's bad, and how to replace it.

Your Oven Has A Heating And Broil Element

The heating element is the coil near the bottom of the oven that glows orange or red when the oven is heating up. There's a similar element near the top of the oven called a broil. Both of these turn on when you use the oven, but the coil at the bottom is the element that supplies the most heat unless you're using the broil setting. Since the heating element is used more, it's more likely to fail.

Ways You Can Tell The Heating Element Is Bad

You may be able to tell by looking when something is wrong with the heating element. Part of it may be burned out, or there may be a black area that isn't heating. You might even witness the element go out, where a small flame is followed by the heating element going dark.

If you didn't see the element go out, it may be surprising if you turn on the oven and it doesn't work. You might notice a minor amount of heat or no heat at all even though the rest of the range seems to be working fine. You can tell for sure if the heating element is bad by testing it with a multimeter.

Before you try to test the element or work on it, unplug the range. If you're not sure how to check it or you don't feel comfortable working on the appliance, call a range repair service for help.

A Bad Heating Element Can Be Replaced

A heating element is a fairly inexpensive part, although you'll also pay for the service provided by the range repair company. It is also easy to replace. This is done by turning off the power and unscrewing the old heating element. Then the wires are disconnected. After that, the repair person can pull the old element straight out of the oven.

The new element is attached to the wires and then slid in the same way the old one was positioned. Once in place, it's secured with the screws using the same screws and holes. While replacing a heating element isn't difficult, it does require working around electricity, and that can be dangerous. If you don't feel comfortable changing the part yourself, be sure to call a range repair expert so you stay safe and your oven is back in service quickly.

Contact a range repair service for more information.