Gas Oven Not Heating to Right Temperature? Here’s Why

Is your gas oven failing to reach the right temperature, leaving you with half-baked meals and frustration? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered! In this guide, we delve into the common culprits behind gas ovens not heating to the right temperature and provide a solution for each one.

From faulty igniters to malfunctioning thermostats, we explore the components within your oven that might be responsible for not heating correctly. Simply work your way through each step until you can find the cause of the problem and fix it.

Step 1 – Check the gas burners

The best place to start is to check the gas burners. Gas flows through the burners to produce the flames that heat your oven. Occasionally, the burners can become obstructed, preventing the oven from being able to heat to the right temperature.

To perform a check on the gas burners, follow these steps:

1. Switch off the power and gas supply.

2. Carefully remove the gas burners from the oven.

3. Inspect the burners for any blockages. If you find any, clean them thoroughly and reinsert them into the oven. If the burners are clean and unobstructed, you may go to step 2.

4. Restore the power and gas supply, then check if your oven is operating correctly. If it is not, go to step 2.

Step 2 – Check the gas supply

If your gas oven is heating up but not to the right temperature, it could result in your gas supply not functioning correctly. A blockage or a valve not properly turned on can obstruct the supply of gas, which leads to problems producing enough heat.

To perform a check on the gas supply, follow these steps:

1.    Begin by verifying that the main gas valve is in the “on” position.

2.    If the gas valve is turned off, turn it on and turn your oven on. You can then check if the problem is resolved. If not, go to step 3.

3.    If the main valve is already on, attempt to turn on your oven and assess if you detect the smell of gas. A noticeable gas odor indicates that the gas supply is functioning correctly. However, you should book a qualified technician to inspect your gas supply line if you cannot detect any gas odor.

Step 3 – Check the safety valve

If you’re still unable to determine the cause of your gas oven’s heating issue, the next component to inspect is the safety valve. The safety valve ensures gas gets to the burners safely. If the valve stops opening and closing correctly, your gas oven might not heat to the right temperature.

To perform a check on the safety valve, follow these steps:

1. Make sure the gas and power are switched off.

2. Find the safety valve and disconnect it.

3. Test the safety switch with a multimeter for continuity.

4. No continuity means the switch is faulty and must be replaced. If it has continuity, the switch is working correctly, and you can reconnect it and then move on to step 4.

5. If a new switch gets installed (by you or a technician), the final action is to check if the gas oven can now heat correctly. If not, proceed to step 4.

Step 4 – Check the igniter

The igniter lights up the gas flame so your oven can heat. If your oven is lighting up, then the igniter is working. However, the igniter could still be faulty and the cause of your oven not heating to the right temperature. If you inspect the igniter and find damage, it must be replaced.

To perform a check on the igniter, follow these steps:

1. Take the racks out of the oven.

2. Locate the igniter (it’s at the bottom of the oven).

3. Check the igniter for damage or if it has become discolored.

4. If damaged or discolored, the igniter is defective and must be replaced.

5. If you don’t find any damage, attempt to light your oven. If any of the burners won’t ignite, this indicates an issue with the igniter, and it must be replaced. If all burners ignite, move on to the final step in this guide.

6. To replace an igniter, you first need to get the correct replacement part.

7. Turn the power and gas off once you have a replacement igniter. You can then remove the old igniter and install the new one.

8. Once installed, switch the power and gas back on and attempt to ignite your gas burners by turning your oven on.

9. If your oven still doesn’t heat to the right temperature, go to the final step in this guide.

Step 5 – Replace the temperature control thermostat

The temperature control thermostat monitors the oven’s internal temperature and signals the control board to increase burner output when it falls below the desired level. If the thermostat malfunctions, your gas oven will not reach the right temperature. Because testing the thermostat is challenging, the recommended course of action is simply to replace it. You can either do this yourself or get a qualified technician to do it for you. Once replaced, turn your oven on and make sure it can operate correctly. If not, you will need to book a technician to come and inspect your oven.