Stove Not Getting Hot? Here’s Why and How To Fix It

If you’re trying to cook a meal only to find that your stove won’t heat up, it can be both frustrating and inconvenient. Your stomach growls are more noticable than before and all you want is your stove to start heating up. This can be due to many issues like power supply, wiring, heating elements, and faulty temperature sensors.

Before you call in a professional for a professional stove repair in Charlotte, there are several things you can try at home to diagnose and possibly fix the issue yourself.

We’ll walk through the most common reasons why a stove might not be heating properly, so you can solve these problems safely and effectively.

Why My Stove Isn’t Heating

Problems with the Power Supply in the Stove

One of the most common causes of a stove failing to heat is an issue with the power supply. Some signs stopping your stove may be burnt wires, disconnected wires, or a blown fuse. Your stove needs a strong power supply to start up.

Solutions To Fix Power Supply for a Stove

  • Check Your Circuit Breaker: Head to your electrical panel and see if the breaker connected to the stove has tripped. If so, reset it by switching it off and then back on.
  • Test the Outlet: If your stove is plugged into an outlet (some electric ranges are), make sure the outlet is working by plugging in something else like blender or phone charger.

Stove Heating Element is Failing

The heating element (in electric stoves) is responsible for generating heat. If either component is damaged or worn out, your stove may not heat up like usual or at all. General wear and tear, stress, or repeated heating and cooling cycles will contribute to their ability to heat up a stove.

Solutions For A Broken Heating Element

  • Visually Inspect the Element: On electric stoves, check if the heating element glows red when turned on. If you don’t see signs that your heating element are heating up, it may be time for a replacement.
  • Test the Heating Element with a Multimeter: If you have basic electrical knowledge, use a multimeter to test the continuity of the heating element. No reading means it’s faulty and needs replacement. If you’re not confident with electrical problems, contact a professional technician that repairs appliances in Charlotte, NC.

man repairing stove

Error with the Stove’s Temperature Sensor

The stove’s temperature sensor maintains the correct temperature when you turn it on. If this part is malfunctioning, your stove may not reach the desired heat level you set it to.

Solutions To Check a Stove’s Temperature Sensor

  • Check Sensor Placement: Make sure the sensor isn’t touching other heated or cooling appliances, as this can interfere with its readings.
  • Calibrate the Sensor: Some modern ovens allow for manual calibration. Refer to your user manual for instructions on adjusting the temperature settings.
  • Test the Sensor with a Multimeter: Measure the resistance of the sensor at room temperature. A properly functioning sensor should show increasing resistance as the stoves heats up.

Broken Wiring in the Stove

Over time, wires inside or behind the stove can become loose, damaged, or disconnected entirely. This can disrupt the flow of electricity to critical components like the heating element or control board. This can happen due to excess heat and moisture or wear and tear.

Solutions For Broken Wiring in a Stove

  • Turn Off the Power and Inspect Wires: With the stove unplugged or the circuit breaker off, carefully remove access panels to inspect wiring connections. Look for signs of wear or disconnection. If you find some, it’s a sign you need to replace your wiring.
  • Tighten Loose Connections: Be careful with the wires and make sure the power to your stove is off. If any wires appear loose, reattach them securely to their terminals using insulated gloves and tools.
  • Replace Damaged Wires: If you notice burnt or broken wires, they will need to be replaced. Make sure to match the exact specifications listed in your owner’s manual or online parts guide. If you’re not confident that your wires need replacing, consult with a technician that repairs stoves to get a certain answer.

Fixing a Stove That Won’t Heat on Your Own

If you want to try fixing the issue on your own before calling us, try these solutions for repairing a stove that won’t heat:

  • Checking the power supply: Make sure the stove is getting power. Check the breaker and outlets.
  • Inspecting the heating element: Look for glow in the stove. Clean or replace if faulty.
  • Making sure the temperature sensor is working: Check placement and test with a thermometer or multimeter.
  • Finding any loose or damaged wiring in your stove: Look for frayed, loose, or disconnected wires and repair as needed.

If your stove is still not beginning to heat after these solutions, it’s best to call for professional repair.

Want to Repair a Stove That Won’t Heat?

When all hope is lost, you still have us as a last resort. Our expert technicians will get your stove heating up like it’s brand new. We’ll evaluate the situation and provide you with the solution that works for you and your stove.

We service all major stove brands and offer full service stove repairs in Charlotte and its surrounding areas.

Say bye to your cool stove and bring back the heat with Just Call Appliance Repair today.

FAQs: Why Stove Doesn’t Heat

Why is my stove not hot?

There are several possible causes, including a faulty heating element, problems with the temperature sensor, or a disruption in the power supply. Identifying which component is affected will help determine the solution.

Is it worth it to replace my broken stove?

It depends. If your stove is under 8 to 10 years old and the fix is simple (like a bad heating element), repair is usually worth it. Replacing may make more sense if a technician suggests it.

Can I replace a heating element myself?

Yes, replacing a heating element is often a straightforward DIY job. Make sure to disconnect the power, remove the old element carefully, and install a compatible replacement. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions or consult a repair guide specific to your stove model.