Oven Not Heating Up? Troubleshooting Guide and Common Causes

An oven that is not heating up is a major disruption to your daily routine. Whether you are trying to bake dinner, roast a holiday turkey, or reheat leftovers, an oven that will not reach temperature leaves you stuck. The good news is that most oven heating problems can be diagnosed in a single visit, and many causes are inexpensive to repair.

Table of Contents

• Common Causes of an Oven Not Heating Up
• 1. Broken Bake Element (Electric Ovens)
• 2. Faulty Igniter (Gas Ovens)
• 3. Burned Out Broil Element
• 4. Failed Temperature Sensor or Thermostat
• 5. Blown Thermal Fuse
• 6. Faulty Gas Safety Valve (Gas Ovens)
• 7. Bad Control Board or Relay
• 8. Tripped Circuit Breaker or Blown Fuse
• Brand-Specific Oven Not Heating Issues
• How to Troubleshoot an Oven Not Heating Up: Step by Step
• When to Call a Professional for Oven Repair
• Oven Repair Costs in San Diego
• Preventing Future Oven Heating Problems
• Frequently Asked Questions

911 Appliance Repair has been fixing ovens in San Diego since 1991. This guide walks through the most common reasons an oven stops heating, how to troubleshoot each one, and when to call a professional.

TL;DR: The most common causes of an oven not heating up are a broken bake element in electric ovens, a faulty igniter in gas ovens, a failed temperature sensor, or a blown thermal fuse. Most of these parts cost under $100 and can be replaced in under an hour. If your oven is not heating, call 911 Appliance Repair at 800-929-1192 for same-day service in San Diego.

Common Causes of an Oven Not Heating Up

1. Broken Bake Element (Electric Ovens)

The bake element is the heating coil at the bottom of an electric oven. It provides the primary heat for baking. Over time, the element can burn out, crack, or develop a short circuit. When this happens, the oven may not heat at all, or it may heat unevenly. This is the most common cause of an electric oven not heating up.

How to check: Turn on the oven to bake at 350 degrees. Watch the bake element. It should begin to glow orange within a few minutes. If part of the element glows and the rest does not, or if there is no glow at all, the element is likely broken. Unplug the oven or turn off the circuit breaker. Remove the bake element by unscrewing it from the back wall and disconnecting the wires. Test the element with a multimeter for continuity. If there is no continuity, replace the element.

Cost to replace: A bake element typically costs $30 to $80 for the part, plus labor. Total repair cost is usually $130 to $250.

2. Faulty Igniter (Gas Ovens)

The igniter is the most common cause of a gas oven not heating up. The igniter must draw enough electrical current to open the gas safety valve. As igniters age, they weaken and may glow but not draw enough current to open the valve. When this happens, you see the igniter glowing but the oven never heats up because no gas is flowing.

How to check: Turn on the oven and watch the igniter through the oven window or by removing the bottom panel inside the oven. If the igniter glows but the gas valve does not open within 60 seconds, the igniter is too weak and needs replacement. If the igniter does not glow at all, test it with a multimeter for continuity. If there is no continuity, replace the igniter.

Important: A weak igniter that glows but does not open the gas valve is the most common gas oven failure. The igniter can test good for continuity but still be too weak to open the valve. If the igniter glows but the oven does not heat, replace the igniter.

Cost to replace: An oven igniter typically costs $40 to $100 for the part, plus labor. Total repair cost is usually $140 to $260.

3. Burned Out Broil Element

The broil element is the heating coil at the top of an electric oven. It provides heat for broiling and assists the bake element in reaching temperature quickly. If the broil element burns out, the oven may still bake but take much longer to reach temperature, or it may not heat at all if the control board uses both elements to preheat.

How to check: Turn on the oven to broil. Watch the broil element. If it does not glow, unplug the oven and test the element with a multimeter for continuity. If there is no continuity, replace the element.

4. Failed Temperature Sensor or Thermostat

The temperature sensor, also called an oven temperature sensor or RTD, measures the temperature inside the oven and sends the reading to the control board. If the sensor fails, the control board may not turn on the heating elements or gas valve because it thinks the oven is already at the correct temperature. On older ovens with a mechanical thermostat, the thermostat itself can fail in the same way.

How to check: Locate the temperature sensor, usually protruding from the back wall of the oven cavity. Disconnect the sensor and test it with a multimeter for resistance (ohms). At room temperature, most oven temperature sensors read approximately 1,080 ohms. If the reading is far off, replace the sensor. On older ovens with a mechanical thermostat, test the thermostat for continuity.

Cost to replace: A temperature sensor typically costs $30 to $80 for the part, plus labor. Total repair cost is usually $130 to $250.

5. Blown Thermal Fuse

Some ovens have a thermal fuse that trips if the oven overheats. If the thermal fuse blows, the oven will not heat at all. This is a safety feature that prevents fire. The thermal fuse is usually located on the back of the oven or behind the control panel.

How to check: Unplug the oven or turn off the circuit breaker. Locate the thermal fuse and test it with a multimeter for continuity. If the fuse shows no continuity, it has blown and must be replaced. Do not bypass the thermal fuse, as it is a safety device. If the fuse has blown, investigate why the oven overheated before replacing it.

Cost to replace: A thermal fuse typically costs $20 to $50 for the part, plus labor. Total repair cost is usually $120 to $220.

6. Faulty Gas Safety Valve (Gas Ovens)

The gas safety valve opens to allow gas into the oven burner when the igniter draws enough current. If the valve fails, gas cannot flow and the oven will not heat. This is less common than a faulty igniter but does happen. A faulty valve may also leak gas, which is a safety hazard.

How to check: If the igniter is new and glows brightly but the gas valve does not open, the valve may be faulty. Test the valve with a multimeter for continuity. If the valve shows no continuity, replace it. If you smell gas at any time, turn off the gas supply and call a professional immediately.

Warning: Gas valve replacement should be performed by a professional. A gas leak is a serious safety hazard.

7. Bad Control Board or Relay

The electronic control board sends power to the bake element, broil element, or gas valve at the appropriate time. If the control board fails, or if a relay on the board that controls the bake element burns out, the oven may not heat even though all other components test good. This is less common than the other causes but does happen.

How to check: If the bake element, broil element, igniter, temperature sensor, and thermal fuse all test good but the oven still does not heat, the control board may not be sending power to the heating components. A technician can test for voltage at the element or gas valve during the heat cycle to confirm.

Cost to replace: A control board typically costs $100 to $300 for the part, plus labor. Total repair cost is usually $250 to $500.

8. Tripped Circuit Breaker or Blown Fuse

Electric ovens use 240 volts, which means they use two circuit breakers. If one trips, the oven may have power for the lights and clock but will not heat. This is a simple fix that does not require any parts.

How to check: Check your electrical panel for tripped breakers. If one is tripped, reset it. If it trips again, there may be a short circuit in the oven that needs professional diagnosis.

Brand-Specific Oven Not Heating Issues

Samsung Oven Not Heating

Samsung ovens commonly fail to heat due to a faulty temperature sensor or a failed control board. Samsung electric ovens also have bake element failures. Samsung gas ovens commonly have igniter failures. Check the temperature sensor first, then the bake element or igniter, then the control board.

Whirlpool Oven Not Heating

Whirlpool electric ovens commonly fail to heat due to a broken bake element. Whirlpool gas ovens commonly fail to heat due to a weak igniter. Check the bake element or igniter first, then the temperature sensor, then the thermal fuse.

GE Oven Not Heating

GE electric ovens commonly fail to heat due to a broken bake element or a failed control board. GE gas ovens commonly fail to heat due to a weak igniter. GE ovens with electronic controls also have temperature sensor failures. Check the bake element or igniter first, then the temperature sensor, then the control board.

LG Oven Not Heating

LG electric ovens commonly fail to heat due to a broken bake element or a faulty temperature sensor. LG gas ovens commonly fail to heat due to a weak igniter. Check the bake element or igniter first, then the temperature sensor, then the control board.

Frigidaire Oven Not Heating

Frigidaire electric ovens commonly fail to heat due to a broken bake element or a blown thermal fuse. Frigidaire gas ovens commonly fail to heat due to a weak igniter. Check the bake element or igniter first, then the thermal fuse, then the temperature sensor.

Maytag Oven Not Heating

Maytag ovens, manufactured by Whirlpool, share the same common heating problems. Electric models have bake element failures, and gas models have igniter failures. Check the bake element or igniter first, then the temperature sensor.

Bosch Oven Not Heating

Bosch electric ovens commonly fail to heat due to a broken bake element or a faulty control board. Bosch gas ovens commonly fail to heat due to a weak igniter. Check the bake element or igniter first, then the temperature sensor, then the control board.

Thermador Oven Not Heating

Thermador ovens, manufactured by Bosch, share the same heating issues. Electric models have bake element and control board failures, and gas models have igniter failures. Check the bake element or igniter first, then the temperature sensor, then the control board.

Kenmore Oven Not Heating

Kenmore ovens are manufactured by Whirlpool, GE, or Frigidaire depending on the model. Check the model number prefix to determine the manufacturer, then follow the corresponding troubleshooting steps above.

How to Troubleshoot an Oven Not Heating Up: Step by Step

1. Check the circuit breaker: For electric ovens, make sure both breakers are on. Reset if needed.
2. Check the bake element (electric): Turn on the oven to bake and watch the element. If it does not glow, test it with a multimeter for continuity.
3. Check the igniter (gas): Turn on the oven and watch the igniter. If it glows but the gas valve does not open within 60 seconds, replace the igniter. If it does not glow, test it for continuity.
4. Check the broil element: Turn on the oven to broil and watch the element. If it does not glow, test it for continuity.
5. Test the temperature sensor: Disconnect the sensor and test it with a multimeter for resistance. It should read approximately 1,080 ohms at room temperature.
6. Test the thermal fuse: Locate the thermal fuse and test it for continuity. If it has blown, replace it and investigate why the oven overheated.
7. Test the gas safety valve (gas): If the igniter is new and working but the gas valve does not open, test the valve for continuity.
8. Check the control board: If all other components test good, the control board may not be sending power to the heating components.

If you are not comfortable working with electrical components or gas components, call a professional. Oven repair involves high voltage on electric models and gas on gas models, both of which require safe handling.

When to Call a Professional for Oven Repair

Call 911 Appliance Repair if:

• You have tested the bake element or igniter but the oven still does not heat
• You do not have a multimeter or are not comfortable testing electrical components
• You smell gas when the oven is on, which is a safety hazard
• You suspect a control board or gas valve problem
• The oven heats unevenly or does not reach the set temperature
• You want the repair done quickly with a warranty

Oven Repair Costs in San Diego

Part	Part Cost	Total Repair Cost (Parts + Labor)
Bake element (electric)	$30 to $80	$130 to $250
Igniter (gas)	$40 to $100	$140 to $260
Broil element	$30 to $80	$130 to $250
Temperature sensor	$30 to $80	$130 to $250
Thermal fuse	$20 to $50	$120 to $220
Gas safety valve	$50 to $150	$170 to $320
Control board	$100 to $300	$250 to $500

At 911 Appliance Repair, our $49.95 house call is free when you approve the repair. We provide upfront pricing before any work begins, and every repair is backed by a 1-year warranty on parts and labor.

Preventing Future Oven Heating Problems

• Do not use the oven for storage. Pots, pans, and baking sheets stored in the oven can damage the bake element when the oven is turned on. Check the oven before turning it on.
• Clean spills promptly. Food and grease that spill onto the bake element or the oven floor can cause the element to overheat and burn out. Clean spills after the oven cools.
• Do not use aluminum foil on the oven floor. Foil on the oven floor blocks airflow and can cause the bake element to overheat. It can also interfere with the temperature sensor reading.
• Use the self-clean cycle sparingly. The self-clean cycle reaches extremely high temperatures that can stress the bake element, broil element, and control board. Use it no more than once every few months.
• Check the door seal. A torn or loose door gasket lets heat escape, causing the oven to take longer to reach temperature and stressing the heating elements. Replace damaged gaskets promptly.

If your oven is not heating and you need professional repair in San Diego, call 911 Appliance Repair at 800-929-1192. Same-day service is available for most calls, and we stock common oven heating parts in our service trucks for single-visit repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my oven not heating up but the stove works?

The oven and the stovetop use separate heating components. In an electric oven, the bake element or broil element has likely failed. In a gas oven, the igniter is likely too weak to open the gas valve. The stovetop uses separate burners or gas igniters that are unaffected. Check the bake element or igniter first.

How do I know if my oven bake element is bad?

Turn on the oven to bake and watch the element. If part of it glows and the rest does not, or if there is no glow at all, the element is likely broken. Unplug the oven and test the element with a multimeter for continuity. If there is no continuity, the element needs replacement.

Why does my gas oven igniter glow but the oven does not heat?

The igniter is too weak to draw enough electrical current to open the gas safety valve. As igniters age, they weaken and may glow but not open the valve. This is the most common gas oven failure. Replace the igniter even if it glows, because a weak igniter will not open the gas valve.

How much does it cost to fix an oven that is not heating?

Most oven heating repairs cost between $120 and $260, depending on the part. A bake element or igniter is the most common repair at $130 to $260. A temperature sensor costs $130 to $250. A control board is the most expensive at $250 to $500. At 911 Appliance Repair, our $49.95 house call is free with repair.

Is it worth fixing an oven that is not heating?

In most cases, yes. The most common fixes (bake element, igniter, temperature sensor, thermal fuse) cost $120 to $260, which is far less than buying a new oven ($600 to $3,000). If your oven is less than 15 years old and the repair costs less than half the price of a new unit, repair is the better choice.