Your gas oven is the most important kitchen appliance as you need it to cook delicious meals. It can be frustrating to find out that it has malfunctioned. If your gas oven is struggling to maintain the correct temperature, it means there is an issue that needs attention. You will need to spend some time to figure out the cause of the problem and need to hire an oven repair technician. We will take a look at some possible reasons along with solutions to help you get through the problem.
Bad Thermostat
If your gas oven is not keeping the correct temperature, the first thing you need to check is the thermostat. These are electronic devices and can sometimes malfunction due to external factors influencing their performance. Although it is rare in newly installed gas ovens, if the unit installed in your kitchen is years old, it might be that the thermostat needs replacement.
Furthermore, if you have recently installed an aftermarket thermostat, it might be causing some problems. Keep in mind that the thermostat is the only device keeping the temperature of the unit in check. It helps the device maintain its temperature as well and prevents over or under-cooking.
However, if there is an issue, the thermostat will lose its ability to gives signals to the oven’s control board how much to heat up the oven. Sometimes, it only needs calibration. If you had recently gotten your oven serviced, the thermostat might have lost its settings. Fortunately, calibration is easy and should not take more than a few minutes to get the thermostat back on track.
Malfunctioning Heating Element
If the thermostat is not the issue, you should check the heating element. Another reason your gas oven might not be able to maintain the correct temperature is due to a faulty heating element. Although heating elements are meant to last a while before needing replacement, you can say when they will give up.
The best way to know there is a problem with your heating element is by inspecting the food. If it is unevenly cooked, it means the heating element is not doing its job. To fix the issue, you have to access the heating element. For that, you will need to consult the owner’s manual.
Make sure the heating element is not hot. If it is, wait for a while so it cools down. Once you have accessed the heating element, look for any visible cracks or signs of damage. Try replacing the element to see if the problem is solved.
Faulty Temperature Sensor
Back in the day, gas ovens were simple and not loaded with smart and intelligent features. Today, modern ovens are packed with a combination of effective and safety features that allow the user to operate safely at high temperatures without having to worry about injuries or burns.
The temperature sensor as the term suggests is a sensor that keeps track of the temperature. If the temperature nears or exceeds a certain point, it will signal the unit to shut down to prevent damage or injuries. However, if the temperature sensor is faulty, it will send wrong signals to the oven and will confuse.
Then again, you will need to access the temperature sensor to look for signs of damage, cracks, etc. Unfortunately, a temperature sensor cannot be fixed and will simply need to be replaced.
Check The Gas Supply
Sometimes, the problem does not lie with the oven but the gas supply. It is easy to blame the oven but not if it’s new. As mentioned before, near ovens hardly experience any complications. If your oven has suddenly stopped maintaining the correct temperature, it might be that it is not receiving proper gas supply.
To check the issue, you will first need to make sure the gas valve is fully open. It might be dirt and dust accumulation preventing the supply of gas to the oven. Just as the gas ovens need to be clean to function normally, the same is the case with the gas lines.
Make sure to turn off the gas supply completely before maintenance. Do not use or keep inflammable materials in the area as it could lead to a fire.
Most commercial appliances run on gas so this advice for commercial kitchens as well. You should still consult commercial appliance repair Springfield services if your equipment acts strangely.
The Oven Needs Maintenance
Gas ovens need regular maintenance similar to any gas or electric appliance. Because you will need the oven to cook food, oil, leftover food, and other factors may block some components. This will eventually hinder the oven’s performance
To prevent the issue, your oven must receive professional inspection and maintenance. Cleaning the oven from the outside is one thing but maintenance from the inside is another. If you haven’t done it yourself already, we suggest handing the task over to a professional.
The maintenance will depend on the usage frequency of the oven. If the oven is used daily, it will need professional maintenance at least once a month. Although, it might seem to be an expense but is an investment. This ensures that your oven avoids malfunctions and complications down the road.
How Do I Maintain The Oven Myself?
Cleaning and keeping your gas oven maintained requires using special tools and chemicals. But, the process does not take more than a few minutes if you are regular. The first thing you need to do is consult the user manual. Depending on the variant of the oven, the manufacturer may or may not recommend using some specific tools and chemicals.
Wear safety equipment and make sure the oven is not hot. Begin by inspecting the knobs and cleaning them to remove the grime and oil accumulation. Sometimes, the knobs become stuck as well that do not allow the user to adjust the fire level.
Next, you need to inspect the fire range and clean it using special liquid solutions. If the accumulations are stubborn, you will need to use slightly abrasive tools for removal. However, if the oven is maintained, simply use a soft microfiber cloth.
Once the oven is thoroughly cleaned, remove any excess solutions or liquid using a dry cloth. Ensure everything is in place and try turning on the oven to see if it functions properly. If the oven is facing some issues post-maintenance, it means something has gone wrong.
If you have removed any components such as the knobs for easy access to complicated areas, you will need to re-check to ensure they are perfectly positioned. It might be that your oven needs calibration and you will need to call an expert if you do not have the tools or are not familiar with the process.
Conclusion
Gas ovens are fairly easy to operate and maintain if you follow the tips mentioned above. At the same time, it is easy for them to run into some problems as time goes by. However, you should be familiar with the basic troubleshooting tips to get things back to running normally. Plus, ensure your oven receives regular care to help prolong its lifespan. And if the problem is confusing, hire an appliance repair Alexandria expert to fix your oven.
