Oven Not Heating or Temperature Off

What usually causes it

• Bake element (electric). A failed element often shows a visible break or blister. The oven heats slowly with broil only, or not at all.
• Igniter (gas). The most common gas oven failure. A weak igniter glows but does not draw enough current to open the valve, so there is no flame.
• Temperature sensor. A sensor out of range makes the oven run hot or cold, or sets an error code.
• Control board or relays. A board that does not send power to the element or igniter.
• Gas safety valve. Less common. It opens only when the igniter is hot enough.
• Calibration. Many ovens let you offset the temperature by up to about 35°F from the settings menu.
• Power supply. Electric ranges need both legs of a 240V circuit. Half a tripped breaker can give a working cooktop and a dead oven.

Oven not heating

On electric ovens, a burned-out bake element or sensor is common. On gas ovens, a weak igniter is the most common cause.

Check first: Check whether the broiler works but bake does not, and whether a gas oven glows but never lights.

Oven temperature off

A faulty sensor or control can make the oven run hot or cold compared with the setting.

Check first: Check with an oven thermometer after a 20-minute preheat.

Safe checks you can do

• Look at the bake element for breaks, bubbles or burn marks.
• On a gas oven, watch the igniter through the bottom panel. If it glows for more than about 90 seconds without lighting, it is likely weak.
• Check an oven thermometer on the middle rack after preheating for 20 minutes.
• Check the breaker for the range.
• If you smell gas, leave the home and call the gas company.

Parts that fail most often

• Gas oven igniters are among the most common oven repairs.
• Bake elements fail on electric ovens, often with a visible flash.
• Temperature sensors drift with age.

How your home affects it

In older homes

Older homes in the Houston area often have smaller kitchens and laundry closets built for smaller appliances, older wiring, and shut-off valves that have not been turned in years. Older ranges and gas lines deserve a careful check, and some older kitchens share a circuit between appliances.

In new construction

Newer homes in the Houston area usually come with builder-grade appliances, and many early problems are installation issues rather than failed parts. A missing anti-tip bracket or a gas range that was never converted correctly can cause problems from day one.

In apartments and condos

In apartments, condos and townhomes around the Houston area, space is tight and the building often has its own rules for access, parking and shut-off valves. Compact and slide-in ranges are common, often on a single small circuit.

In garages

Plenty of homes in the Houston area keep a second fridge, a freezer or the laundry in the garage, where summer heat regularly passes 100°F. Outdoor and garage cooking setups see more heat, dust and humidity than kitchen ranges.

During storm season

Storm season around the Houston area brings power outages, surges and sometimes flooding, and appliances often show problems right after the lights come back on. Surges can damage oven controls and igniters. If a gas appliance was underwater, do not use it until it is inspected.

When to call for repair

• The oven will not heat with the breaker and gas supply on.
• The oven is more than about 25°F off after calibration.
• You see sparks or a break in the element.

If you smell gas, do not light anything or flip switches. Leave the house and call the gas utility from outside.

Need help? We do oven repair across Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties. Call (832) 345-9300, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM. Every repair comes with a 1-year warranty on labor.

Common questions