We understand that dealing with a broken oven can be very frustrating, especially during an emergency. However, before you reach out to an oven service repair expert, there are some easy DIY steps you can try first. 

Here’s something you should know: major oven issues are complex and require the skill and expertise of professional oven service repair experts. However, some issues may not be difficult to fix and with a few quick checks, you can get your oven working again. Well, join us in this blog as we show you some of the DIY oven service repair tips you can consider before calling an oven service repair expert.

Let’s get started!

Key Highlights

• You can fix some simple issues in your oven with common DIY checks. This will help you to get your oven working properly without spending money on oven service repairs.
• If you notice a complex problem in your oven or you’re not sure of what to do when your oven stops working, then it’s best to call a professional oven repair technician.

Simple Steps for DIY Oven Troubleshooting

Your oven is a great investment in your kitchen. However, sometimes it can malfunction or stop working because of some issues, such as a failed bake element. If your oven is having issues, don’t worry! More often than not, the fix is easier than you may believe. What you need is a guide to fix simple issues in your oven and you can get your appliance running well again and avoid extra service calls. Here are some steps to find the problem and even fix it without the help of a technician.

1. Checking your oven’s power supply and connections

If you find out that your oven isn’t working, then the first thing you should check is your power supply. You should make sure your oven is properly plugged in and the outlet is getting power.

Sometimes the issue may be because of a tripped circuit breaker. All you need to do is find your electrical panel and look for the breaker that controls your oven. If it’s tripped, turn it off and then back on to reset it.

Also, if you’re using a gas oven, check if your gas valve is turned on. If it isn’t, turn it on and your oven may start working. However, if you are not comfortable handling electrical parts such as the broil element, it’s best to call a qualified electrician. This is because your safety should come first when dealing with major appliances and electricity.

2. Inspecting the oven door seal for damage

Whenever you notice a poor oven heating, there’s a high possibility that the issue is because of a broken door seal. If your seal is ripped, bent, or not lined up right, it can let the heat that is expected to cook your food escape. This makes your cooking uneven and raises your energy usage and bills. 

To fix this problem, you can start by checking your seal closely along its whole length for any damage or dirt. If you see any problem, you may need to change your seal. Well, getting a new oven door seal is not a hard task. You can find new seals of major brands online or at appliance stores. However, before you buy a new seal, make sure it’s the right seal for your oven model for your oven to work well. 

3. Verifying the oven temperature settings and calibration

Do you know that sometimes the issue in your oven may not be a malfunction but simply an incorrect setting? It might seem obvious, but accidental changes in settings can happen. In such cases, try to double-check if your oven is set to your desired temperature and cooking mode. 

If the settings are correct and your oven is still not heating your food properly, then it might need calibration. This is because most ovens come with some features, like temperature adjustment, to help you fine-tune its internal thermostat. However, to do this, you need to check your oven’s manual for instructions on how to calibrate the temperature. Here’s a simple way to check if your oven is calibrated correctly:

If the actual temperature significantly deviates from your set temperature, then it needs calibration.

4. Cleaning the oven interior and heating elements

Here’s something you should know: if grease and food bits build up in your oven, it can lead to a faulty heating element and can also create smoke or bad smells over time. That’s why cleaning your oven often is an important DIY oven care that can help you avoid oven service repairs in the future.

Before you clean your oven, you need to allow it to cool down completely. Then, carefully take out your oven racks and trays and use a damp cloth and a mild cleaner to wipe the inside. If there are tough stains, you can use a paste made from baking soda. 

However, don’t use strong chemicals as they might damage the surface of your oven. You should clean the heating parts too. When you want to do this, you should check your oven’s manual for tips specific to your model, as the steps can be different.

5. Resetting your oven’s control panel

If you’re using some of the popular modern ovens, you’ll notice that it has electronic control boards, and sometimes, these boards can have glitches or mistakes. These problems can be easily fixed by resetting the control panel. However, the way to reset it can be different based on your oven model.

You can reset some ovens by turning off the power at your circuit breaker for a few minutes before turning it back on. On the other hand, some ovens have a special reset button, while others may need you to press a certain sequence of buttons on their control panel. To do this properly, you’ll need to check your oven’s user manual to know the exact steps to reset your model.

However, if your oven is still not working even after resetting it at the control panel, then it may mean that there is a more serious problem that will require you to call an oven service repair expert for your appliance repair.

6. Look for error codes

Most modern ovens are built to detect what is wrong with your oven when it’s not working as it should. They’ll display an error code to let you know what caused the problem, including any issues with the latch. If you’re using this type of oven, check your oven’s manual to interpret the error code when your oven malfunctions. You’ll also see some recommended troubleshooting steps to guide you while fixing the problem.

However, if the error persists even after trying to fix it with the recommended troubleshooting tips in your manual, then it might be a major issue that will require the assistance of an expert. So, quickly reach out to an oven service repair expert to help you properly diagnose your oven and fix the issue before it escalates, leading to expensive repairs or even an oven replacement.

When to Call an Expert for Oven Service Repair

Here’s the truth: some issues in your oven can be fixed with simple DIY techniques, especially when it’s a minor problem. However, if it’s a complex issue like a heating element failure, or a faulty igniter (for gas ovens), or you’re not comfortable fixing your oven repairs by yourself, it’s wise to call a professional oven service repair technician like Star Appliance Repair. They have the right tools, skills, and years of experience to give you quality services for your oven maintenance and repairs.

For homeowners living in California, Star Appliance Repair is the right service professional for your oven repairs and maintenance (Bosch, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, GE, and all). We have certified expert technicians who have been trained in modern and efficient ways to provide you with quality services for your oven needs. That’s not all. We can also help you repair your fridge, freezer, dryer, air fryers, washer, ovens, and other important appliances in your kitchen, too. And guess what? All our services are fast and affordable. We’re ready to help you get your oven working again. Reach out to us now.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common signs my oven needs repair?

Many signs show that you need a professional repair service for your oven, including an oven burner not working. Some common oven issues are uneven heating, not turning on, a broken thermostat, strange noises, or a constant burning smell. If you have problems like your Samsung oven not heating, you should get expert help. The average cost for repair can change.

How often should I self-maintain my oven to avoid repairs?

Regular maintenance of your oven is important for extending the life of your oven and keeping it in top shape (weather electric oven or gas oven). It can help it run well and might lower future repair costs. Simple tasks like cleaning the inside, checking the door seal, and looking at the temperature settings every few months help. You should also check the guide from your oven’s brand. It will give you special tips for maintaining your major appliances (including your dishwasher, microwave, and cooktop).

Can a malfunctioning oven increase my energy bills?

A broken oven can cause higher energy bills. If your oven keeps turning on and off, has trouble reaching the right temperature, or has problems with heating and cooling, it uses more energy. This means you will pay more for utilities.

Is it safer to attempt DIY repairs or call a professional in California?

While DIY is appealing, safety must come first. In California, licensed experts handle oven repair to meet safety rules. Working with gas lines, electrical parts, or complicated repairs is best done by professionals. This reduces risks and makes sure your repairs are done right.

When should I call for professional oven service repair?

You can fix some minor problems with DIY techniques. However, there are times when you need to get help from professionals for your household appliances, especially if you have a home warranty that covers certain repairs. This includes issues like gas leaks, electrical problems, or if your oven keeps breaking down. It’s also important to call an expert if you have repair parts covered under warranties. Certified technicians know what they are doing and have what they need to fix things safely and well. Choosing to get professional service in these situations is usually the best choice.