Oven Won’t Heat? Common Causes & Fixes

When your oven refuses to heat up, it can be frustrating—especially if you’re in the middle of preparing a meal. Several factors could be causing this issue, ranging from minor problems to major component failures. Below, we’ll walk you through the possible reasons and how you can troubleshoot them.

1. Check the Power Supply (Electric Ovens)

For electric ovens, a faulty power supply can prevent heating. Here’s what you can do:

• Ensure the oven is plugged in properly.
• Check the circuit breaker and reset it if necessary.
• Test the outlet with another appliance to confirm it’s working.

2. Faulty Igniter (Gas Ovens)

If your gas oven isn’t heating, the igniter may be the culprit. Look out for these signs:

• The igniter doesn’t glow or takes too long to ignite.
• You hear clicking, but the oven never lights up.

🔧 Fix: Replace the igniter if it’s faulty. If you smell gas, turn off the supply and contact a technician immediately.

3. Malfunctioning Heating Element

Electric ovens use a bake and broil element to generate heat. If either is damaged, your oven won’t heat up properly.

🔧 Fix: Look for visible signs of damage, such as burns or cracks. If the heating element doesn’t glow red, it may need replacement.

4. Defective Thermostat

A faulty thermostat can prevent your oven from reaching the right temperature. If your food is undercooked or the oven doesn’t get hot, this could be the cause.

🔧 Fix: Use an oven thermometer to check if the temperature matches the setting. If there’s a major difference, the thermostat may need to be calibrated or replaced.

5. Broken Temperature Sensor

The sensor monitors the oven’s temperature. If it’s misaligned or broken, the oven might not heat properly.

🔧 Fix: Make sure the sensor isn’t touching the oven walls, as this can affect accuracy. If recalibrating doesn’t help, consider replacing the sensor.

6. Control Board Issues

The control board manages all oven functions. If it’s defective, your oven might not heat up at all.

🔧 Fix: Look for error codes on the display. A professional technician can diagnose and repair control board problems.

When to Call a Professional?

If you’ve tried troubleshooting and your oven still won’t heat, it may be time to call a repair specialist. At Canadian Appliance Service, we provide expert diagnostics and repair services for all major oven brands.

📞 Contact us today!
Call (905) 773-3668 or schedule a service online for fast and reliable oven repair.