How to Fix an Oven That’s Overheating
When your oven overheats, it can be annoying and even dangerous. Overheating can cause your food to be undercooked or burned. In more serious cases, it can even create a fire hazard. Knowing what might be causing the problem and how to fix it can help you get your oven working properly again. This guide will go over the most common reasons your oven might overheat and show you how to fix each problem, one step at a time.
Overheating Ovens
An overheating oven is one that consistently exceeds the set temperature, causing your food to cook unevenly or burn. If your oven starts overheating, it’s crucial to address the issue as soon as possible. Ignoring it can lead to further damage, huge energy bills, and could even cause a fire. The good news is that most overheating issues can be diagnosed and fixed with a little bit of effort and the right tools. If you’re not comfortable handling the repairs yourself, an oven repair professional can help. Let’s take a look at the most common causes of this problem.
Common Causes of an Overheating Oven
Several factors can lead to an oven overheating. Below are some of the most frequent causes:
Faulty Temperature Sensor
The temperature sensor, or thermistor, helps the oven monitor and regulate its temperature. If this sensor is faulty, it may send incorrect readings to the oven’s control board, causing the oven to heat up beyond the set temperature.
Malfunctioning Heating Element
Ovens use heating elements to generate heat. If one of these elements malfunctions, it might not turn off when it’s supposed to, causing the oven to overheat. This is often the case in electric ovens.
Broken Thermostat
The thermostat regulates the oven’s temperature. If it’s faulty, it might not tell the oven to stop heating when it reaches the set temperature. This leads to oven overheating, or sometimes, it may not heat up properly at all.
Diagnosing Overheating Issues in Your Oven
Diagnosing the cause of your oven’s overheating is the first step toward resolving the issue. Let’s go over how you can check each possible cause.
Checking the Temperature Sensor
To check if the temperature sensor is not working correctly, first look for any visible damage. If it looks okay, you can test it using a multimeter. Set the multimeter to ohms, which measures resistance, and check the sensor’s reading. If the reading is much higher or lower than what the manufacturer recommends, it’s time to replace the sensor.
Inspecting the Heating Element
To check the heating element, start by turning off the power to the oven. Then, visually inspect the element for any signs of wear or breakage. Suppose the element looks intact, but your oven still overheats. In that case, it may be malfunctioning internally, and you should consider replacing it. You can also use a multimeter to check for continuity in the element.
Testing the Thermostat
To test the thermostat, use a multimeter to measure its resistance. If the thermostat isn’t working correctly, it might not be able to keep the temperature at the right setting. A broken thermostat needs to be replaced to fix the overheating problem.
Steps to Fix Your Overheating Oven
Once you’ve diagnosed the problem, it’s time to fix your oven. Here’s how to resolve the common issues that cause overheating.
Replacing the Temperature Sensor
If the temperature sensor is faulty, replacing it is relatively straightforward. Start by unplugging the oven or turning off the power at the circuit breaker. Locate the sensor (it’s usually near the back wall of the oven) and unscrew it. Install the new sensor, making sure it’s properly connected. Afterward, test the oven to see if it’s heating correctly.
Replacing the Heating Element
Replacing a heating element is a bit more complicated, but most DIYers can handle it. Start by turning off the power to the oven. Then, remove the screws that hold the element in place. Gently pull the element out and disconnect it from the wiring. Next, connect the wires to the new heating element and secure it in position. After everything is in place, turn the power back on and test the oven.
Fixing or Replacing the Thermostat
If the thermostat is the culprit, you can either fix it if the issue is minor or replace it entirely. To fix a thermostat, you may need to recalibrate it or clean it. However, if the thermostat is broken, you’ll need to replace it. Disconnect the oven from the power supply, locate the thermostat, and remove it. Install the new one, and test the oven to ensure the temperature is regulated correctly.
Preventing Future Overheating Issues
Once you’ve fixed the overheating issue, it’s important to take steps to prevent it from happening again. Here are some tips to keep your oven running smoothly:
Regular Maintenance for Ovens
Regular maintenance can help prevent overheating issues. Clean your oven periodically, checking for any dust or grease buildup that might affect the performance of the heating elements or thermostat. It’s also important to replace any worn parts as soon as you notice them.
Importance of Professional Inspections
While you can fix many overheating problems yourself, it’s a good idea to have your oven professionally checked every so often. A technician from Appliance Cowboys can identify potential issues before they turn into bigger problems and ensure your oven runs safely and efficiently.
Don’t Let Your Oven Overheat—Get It Fixed Today!
Oven overheating is a common problem, but it can be fixed with the right tools and steps. By following the tips above, you can solve issues like a broken temperature sensor, faulty heating element, or a damaged thermostat. Regular maintenance is important to keep your oven from overheating again in the future. If you’re unsure about fixing the problem yourself, it’s always a good idea to call a professional. Appliance Cowboys can help you diagnose and fix any issues to make sure your oven stays safe and works well for years. Call us today!