With the holidays approaching, many households prepare for visitors. Kitchens are ramping up for increased cooking and baking. An oven acting up would really throw a wrench in your meal prep! At River City Appliance, we understand the inconvenience this causes, which is why we’ve compiled a list of the top five oven problems homeowners face and some guidance for troubleshooting. However, if the fix is out of your comfort zone, it’s best to consult with a professional technician from Sacramento’s River City Appliance to ensure safety.

Inaccurate Oven Temperatures

A consistent temperature is crucial for perfectly cooked meals. No one wants a raw turducken! If you notice that your dishes are coming out undercooked or charred, it might be time to check your oven’s calibration. Your user manual may have specific instructions on adjusting the oven’s temperature, usually by a few degrees at a time. Typically, this process is straightforward, involving a combination of button presses on your oven’s control panel. If it’s more technology than you want to deal with, contact River City Appliance for assistance.

Oven Has No Heat and Is Not Baking

If your oven does not turn on, check that the appliance has power — look for tripped breakers and verify that the oven is plugged in. If power isn’t the issue, the culprit could be a defective control board. For electric ovens, the heating elements might be at fault, whereas gas ovens could have issues with their igniter or gas line. Due to the complexities and hazards involved, these repairs are best handled by a technician. River City Appliance can help.

Oven Light is Out

If the interior light of your oven is keeping you in the dark about how the dish is coming along, try the simple things first. Start by replacing the bulb. Should the problem persist, the cause might be a deeper electrical issue, such as a malfunctioning light switch or control. Tackling electrical problems carries a significant risk of shock, so enlist the expertise of a technician for these fixes.

Oven Door Does Not Close or Open

The over door locks during a self-cleaning cycle. After self-cleaning, if the door remains locked, use the breaker to turn off the power to the oven for several minutes before resetting the power. Manipulate the door lock lever — if the door remains stuck, try starting and then canceling the self-clean cycle to disengage the lock. Conversely, a door that won’t stay closed may have hinge issues, requiring disassembly of the door or side panels. You can also just call River City Appliance right from the start.

Oven Does Not Self-Clean

If your oven’s self-cleaning cycle does not work, first check and see if the door lock is engaged. Again, as a safety feature, your oven needs to be locked to start the cycle. If the door isn’t the issue, the problem could be related to the control thermostat or the control board. These components should be replaced by qualified repair specialists.

River City Appliance is Here to Help

When oven issues arise before the guests arrive, River City Appliance is your home repair alliance. Our trained technicians tackle issues both common and complex, restoring your oven to its peak performance. Contact us today to arrange an inspection or repair, and then get ready to cook and bake your way into the hearts of your guests!