Whether it’s too hot or not hot enough, an oven that doesn’t heat up like it should can ruin any meal. Why won’t my GE oven heat up correctly? It may need to be recalibrated to more accurately reflect the set temperature. Use these troubleshooting tips to solve the problem when you find your GE oven not heating properly.
5 Reasons For a GE Oven Not Heating Like It Should
A GE oven not heating properly typically has a straightforward cause and solution. The following reasons can streamline your troubleshooting to quickly specify the problem.
Oven Needs to Be Calibrated
If your GE oven isn’t heating to the set temperature, it may need to be recalibrated. While your oven is calibrated by the manufacturer, it can be adjusted if you feel it’s not accurate. Some models have an adjustment screw underneath the control knobs, while specific buttons must be pushed on electronic controls. Most ovens allow you to raise or lower the temperature up to 35℉ for improved accuracy.
However, before recalibrating, make sure you always preheat your oven properly. Allowing the oven a full 20 minutes to heat up before cooking can ensure that it gets hot enough and maintains its temperature.
*Note: Calibrating your oven’s thermostat can be a delicate operation. If you aren’t experienced with this process, we recommend hiring an oven service professional to recalibrate the thermostat properly.
GE Oven Element Failure
Is your electric oven not heating properly? It may have a defective heating element. These metal coils at the top and bottom of the oven provide heat when they receive electrical current. When operating properly, the coils will glow bright red and produce a steady, even heat.
Signs of a defective GE oven element include:
- Uneven heating
- Blistering or breakage
- An uneven red glow
A defective heating element can’t be repaired and must be replaced. In some cases, the heating element can suffer damage after exposure to the high temperatures of the oven’s self-cleaning cycle. Our oven cleaning tips recommend cleaning with a vinegar solution to prevent damage to multiple components.
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GE Oven Igniter Failure
For gas ovens, a GE oven not heating up properly is often due to a failed igniter. This component must generate enough electrical current to open the valve that allows gas to flow and produce a spark to light the gas. If it can’t perform one or both of these tasks, the oven won’t heat up at all.
How can you tell if your GE oven igniter has failed? Observe it after turning on the oven. When it takes longer than 90 seconds for the gas to ignite, the igniter may be too weak to open the gas valve or ignite the gas. If multimeter testing confirms this with a lack of continuity, it requires replacement.
Blown Oven Thermal Fuse
A thermal fuse is a safety device that blows if the oven is in danger of overheating, preventing damage to other oven components. A GE oven not heating up properly or a lengthy self-cleaning cycle can result in high temperatures that cause the fuse to blow. It may also blow if it’s defective.
Multimeter testing of the fuse can confirm that it’s blown with a lack of continuity. A blown fuse can’t be repaired and must be replaced for the oven to function.
*Note: An oven thermal fuse will rarely blow for no good reason. Chances are that a blown fuse is due to another problem with the oven. We recommend service from an oven repair specialist who can identify the root cause and help you avoid yet another blown fuse.
Convection Fan Motor Failure
Convection ovens utilize a fan to circulate the hot air inside, resulting in faster cook times and more even heating. If the fan’s motor fails, it won’t be able to circulate the air, leading to longer preheating and cooking times and uneven heating.
The convection fan is found in the back panel inside your oven and can be difficult to remove and test. If you notice noise coming from the fan, or if your oven is experiencing uneven cooking results, we recommend having it checked by an appliance service professional.
The oven repair professionals at Cody’s Appliance Repair can fix a GE oven not heating up or any other problem you may be experiencing. Schedule your expert service today!
