Oven or Stove Not Heating?

Why Your Oven or Stove Is Not Heating - Advice From a Local Repair Pro

I’ve been repairing kitchen appliances in Raleigh for more than 10 years, and one of the most common issues I see is this: the oven powers on, the lights work, but there's no heat. In most cases, it comes down to a burned-out heating element, a faulty temperature sensor, or a control board issue. Sometimes it’s simply a power supply problem. Electric ovens need a full 240 volts to heat properly, and if that’s missing, the oven won’t warm up.

How Often Does This Happen?

"Oven not heating" is one of the top reasons people in Raleigh call for service. It doesn’t matter if it’s electric or gas. This problem shows up all the time and can usually be solved with the right tools and parts.

What Are the Signs of a Bad Heating Element?

When I inspect ovens with heating issues, here’s what I usually look for first:

• The heating element stays dark and doesn’t glow red
• You see cracks, bubbles, or burns on the element
• The oven heats unevenly or takes too long to reach temperature
• The temperature sensor is pressed against the oven wall
• Error codes show up on the control panel

If any of these signs are present, it’s a strong clue that the element needs to be replaced.

What Should You Check if the Oven Turns On but Doesn’t Heat?

Here’s a quick checklist I follow during service calls:

1. Power supply: Make sure no breakers are tripped and the oven is getting 240 volts
2. Heating element: Look for damage, discoloration, or a cold element when the oven is on
3. Temperature sensor: Check placement and condition. A bent or misplaced sensor gives bad readings
4. Igniter (for gas ovens): If it’s not glowing, the gas won’t ignite
5. Control board: If other parts test fine, the board may not be sending power where it's needed

Can You Fix It Yourself?

It depends on your comfort level. Some homeowners are good with tools and can safely replace a heating element or sensor. If you know how to use a multimeter and can disconnect power correctly, it’s doable. But if you’re dealing with gas or electronics, it’s best to call a technician. I’ve seen many cases where a simple fix turned into a bigger issue because something was wired wrong or installed improperly.

When to Call a Technician

Call a professional if you notice any of the following:

• The gas igniter isn’t glowing at all
• The control board shows error codes or doesn’t respond
• You’re unsure how to test voltage or remove parts safely
• Your oven is older and it’s hard to find the right parts

My team at Swift Appliance Repair handles these issues every week in Raleigh. We work on all major brands and usually offer same-day or next-day repair.

Is It Better to Repair or Replace?

Most of the time, a repair makes more sense. If your oven is less than 10 years old and the issue is limited to one part, fixing it will save you money. Repairs like element replacement or sensor repair usually cost between $200 and $300. But if your oven is over 12 years old and has other problems too, replacing the whole unit might be more cost-effective.

How to Prevent This Problem in the Future

Here are a few things I recommend to homeowners in Raleigh to avoid heating problems:

• Clean the oven regularly. Grease and food buildup can affect heating performance
• Don’t overload the oven with heavy cookware that blocks airflow
• Check the heating element visually every few months
• If food starts cooking unevenly, have the temperature sensor tested

Final Thoughts

If your oven or stove isn’t heating, don’t ignore it. Even if everything looks fine, there could be a deeper issue with the power, control board, or gas system. I’ve fixed hundreds of these problems around Raleigh, and I’m always happy to take a look. Whether you just need a new element or a full inspection, give Swift Appliance Repair a call. We’ll get your kitchen back up and running fast.