An oven that needs repair usually shows a warning sign first: it heats slowly, it heats unevenly, it will not light, or it makes a new noise. This guide lists the signs, the likely cause of each, and the signs that mean you should stop using the oven.
Bonita Appliance Repair has repaired gas and electric ovens in San Diego County since 2012. See oven repair in San Diego for the services we offer.
Stop using the oven if you notice these signs
Some signs need immediate action.
- A gas smell. Do not turn any switch on or off. Leave the house, and call SDG&E at 1-800-411-7343 or 911 from outside.
- Sparks, burning smells, or smoke that do not come from food
- A scorched or melted wire, outlet, or plug
- A tripped circuit breaker each time you use the oven
Turn off the oven, and call a technician before you use it again.
The oven heats slowly or not at all
Food that takes longer than usual to cook is the most common sign. The cause depends on the type of oven.
- Electric ovens: a worn bake or broil element, a failed temperature sensor, or a faulty control board
- Gas ovens: a weak igniter that cannot open the gas valve, or a failed safety valve
Check that the oven is set to bake and not to a timed or delayed mode. If the display shows an error code, look up the code in your owner’s manual.
The oven temperature is wrong
An oven that burns food or leaves it raw may be off temperature. Place an oven thermometer on the center rack, and heat the oven to 350°F. Wait 20 minutes, then read the thermometer.
- A difference of more than 25°F suggests a failing temperature sensor or thermostat
- Uneven browning suggests a worn element or a damaged door seal
- A long preheat time suggests a weak element or igniter
The door does not seal
Heat escapes through a worn or torn door gasket, and the oven works harder to hold temperature. Look for tears and gaps. A hinge that sags or a door that does not close fully also lets heat out. A technician can replace the gasket or adjust the hinges.
The controls or display do not respond
Buttons that fail, a blank display, or a clock that resets can point to a failed control board, a worn touchpad, or a power problem. Reset the oven at the circuit breaker, and wait 5 minutes before you turn it back on. If the problem returns, call a technician.
The oven makes a new noise
- A rattle can mean a loose rack, a sensor, or a hinge
- A grinding or scraping sound can mean a failing convection fan motor or a damaged door hinge
- A hissing sound from a gas oven can mean a gas supply problem. Follow the gas smell steps above.
What an oven repair costs
At Bonita Appliance Repair, a typical oven repair costs $130 to $400. Common repairs have these typical ranges:
- Bake or broil element: $180 to $320
- Gas igniter: $220 to $380
- Temperature sensor or thermal fuse: $180 to $280
- Control board: $250 to $400
The diagnostic fee is $80 to $90. We usually waive it if you approve the repair. A technician gives you the price before any work begins. If the oven is old, read is it better to repair or replace an appliance. For Chula Vista, see oven repair in Chula Vista.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my oven heating element is bad?
Look for a bake or broil element that stays dark, has blisters or breaks, or heats unevenly. A slow preheat and food that cooks unevenly are also common signs. A technician can test the element with a meter.
Why is my oven not heating?
In an electric oven, the cause is often a failed element, a bad temperature sensor, or a control board fault. In a gas oven, a weak igniter is a common cause. Check for an error code, and call a technician if the oven still does not heat.
What should I do if I smell gas from my oven?
Do not turn any switch on or off. Leave the house, and call SDG&E at 1-800-411-7343 or 911 from outside. Do not use the oven until a technician inspects it.
Is it safe to use an oven that is not heating evenly?
An oven that cooks unevenly is usually safe to use, but food may not reach a safe temperature. Use a food thermometer, and schedule a repair. Stop using the oven if you smell gas or see sparks.
How much does it cost to repair an oven?
At Bonita Appliance Repair, a typical oven repair costs $130 to $400. The diagnostic fee is $80 to $90, and we usually waive it if you approve the repair.
Book oven repair in San Diego
Bonita Appliance Repair finds the cause of the oven problem and explains the repair and its price before any work begins.
