Oven Not Heating Up

You turn on the oven, set the temperature, and wait… but nothing happens. No preheat signal, no warmth, just cold air. If your oven isn’t heating up, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common oven problems we see in Charlotte homes, and the good news? It’s often fixable.

Whether your oven is gas or electric, heating problems usually come down to a few key parts failing. If your oven used to work just fine and suddenly won’t heat, chances are one of those parts needs attention, not a full replacement.

Let’s take a look at the most likely causes and what you can do to get your oven heating again.

Why Your Oven Isn’t Heating Up

1. The Bake Element Is Burned Out (Electric Ovens)

If you have an electric oven and it’s not getting hot, the bake element at the bottom may be broken. When working, it glows red-hot. If it’s cracked, blistered, or just staying dark, it likely needs replacing.

2. The Igniter Isn’t Firing 

Ovens use an igniter to light the flame. If the igniter is too weak or completely dead, the oven won’t heat, even if you hear clicking or smell gas. This is one of the most common repairs we do for ovens.

3. The Thermal Fuse Has Tripped

A safety device called the thermal fuse shuts down the oven if it overheats. When blown, it cuts power to the heating elements. If the fuse is faulty, the oven stays cold no matter what setting you use.

4. The Control Board Isn’t Sending Power

The control board acts as the brain of the oven. If it’s malfunctioning, it may not send voltage to the heating elements or igniter. This often requires professional diagnosis and part replacement.

5. The Temperature Sensor Is Faulty

Ovens use a temperature sensor to regulate heat. If the sensor is damaged or out of calibration, it may tell the control board the oven is hotter than it is, preventing proper heating.

What You Can Try Right Now

Before calling a technician, try these quick steps:

• Double-check the settings – Make sure you’re using “bake” and not just “timer” or “warm.”
• Look for visible damage – Inspect the bake element or igniter for any cracks, breaks, or burn marks.
• Reset the oven – Try turning it off at the breaker or unplugging it for 5 minutes, then power it back up.
• Test other functions – If the broiler or stove top works but the oven doesn’t, it helps narrow down the issue.

If none of that helps, you might be looking at a part failure, and that’s where we come in.

Need Help With an Oven That Won’t Heat? Let’s Fix It.

At Just Call Appliance Repair, we’ve helped hundreds of Charlotte homeowners get their ovens back up and running fast. Whether it’s a faulty igniter, a blown fuse, or a worn-out sensor, we’ll diagnose the problem and get it fixed right the first time.

We work on all major oven brands, and we offer same-day oven service when available. Your oven should be reliable, and we’re here to make sure it stays that way.

FAQs: Oven Not Heating Up

Why won’t my oven heat, but the burners work?

This is often a sign of a failed bake element,a  faulty igniter, or a control board issue. The cooktop and oven use separate components.

Is this a common oven issue?

Yes, especially in older ovens. Over time, parts like igniters and heating elements wear out.

Can I fix this myself?

You can check for visible signs of damage or try resetting the oven, but electrical parts can be risky. If in doubt, call a pro.