The stove is a crucial appliance in your home, but it can also be a hassle to deal with. Thankfully, there are some simple things you can do to help keep your range or oven in great shape.
Cleaning the Burners:
If your burners have been clogged with grease, food debris or sticky spills, they might not work properly. Thorough cleaning can resolve this problem. Whether you have an electric or gas cooktop, clean the burners regularly to prevent future issues.
Reconnecting a Stove Element:
If you have an electric stove, reconnecting the heating element is a quick and easy repair that can save you from having to call in an expert. To start, make sure the elements are plugged into the correct terminal block. Some units have two or more different size elements, so you will need to use a marker to mark the coils and ensure they are all connected correctly.
Troubleshooting a Gas Stove:
If gas is not being fed to the burners, there may be a problem with your stove’s gas control system. The sensor that signals the control to turn off gas may have worn out or become faulty. Regardless of the cause, a new gas sensor can be installed quickly and cost less than $25.
Temperatures in the Oven:
If the temperature in your gas or electric oven doesn’t seem to match the manufacturer’s recommendations, there’s a chance that you have a faulty sensor. Luckily, replacing the sensor isn’t hard, and your owner’s manual will give you step-by-step instructions for removing and installing it.
Checking the Ignitor:
A faulty igniter is another easy repair for an electric stove that you can do yourself. Often, the culprit is a buildup or discoloration that can be removed with a bit of elbow grease and patience. Once you’ve spotted the problem, remove the burner base and grate, cut the gas and power to the burner, unplug the stove, and replace the igniter with a new one.
Test the Cord:
A tripped circuit breaker or fuse box can also stop a stove from working properly. To reset the breaker, you’ll need to find the breaker panel and flip it to off before turning the unit back on.
Reconnecting the Power Cord:
Similarly, if your stove cord is loose or disconnected from the wall, you can fix this easily with some simple tools and attention to detail. To do this, move the stove to a safe location to plug the cord into an outlet. If the cord wiggles when you push it into the outlet, it may be time to replace the outlet.
Replacing a Failed Gas Control:
If your gas stove’s gas control is failing, you will need to replace the gas valve. The valve is an important part of your stove, as it allows you to control how much gas your stove can use at a given time.
