Oven Not Heating? 5 Common Oven & Stove Problems — Chicago

Published: April 28, 2026 · By SAVA HVAC & Appliance Repair

Most oven and stove problems come down to one of a small number of failing parts. The good news: the most common issues — a bad bake element, a weak igniter, a faulty temperature sensor — are well-understood repairs that a technician can typically diagnose and fix in a single visit. Here are the 5 problems we see most often from Chicago homeowners.

1. Oven Won't Heat or Heats Very Slowly

On an electric oven, the bake element (the coil at the bottom of the oven cavity) is the most likely culprit. A failed element won't heat at all; a partially failed one heats slowly or unevenly. Look at the element — if it has a burn spot, a break, or a blister, that's your answer. On gas ovens, a weak igniter is the usual suspect: it glows but doesn't get hot enough to open the gas valve, so the burner never lights. Both repairs are typically under $200 parts and labor.

2. Oven Temperature Is Off — Food Burns or Undercooks

If the oven runs but the temperature doesn't match the dial, the oven temperature sensor (the small probe inside the oven cavity, usually at the back) is likely reading incorrectly. This is one of the most overlooked oven problems. You can test it with an oven thermometer: set to 350°F and check actual temperature after 20 minutes. A $5 thermometer can confirm whether the sensor is the issue before you call a tech. Sensor replacement is straightforward and inexpensive.

3. Gas Burner Won't Light or Keeps Clicking

A gas burner that won't light when other burners work fine is almost always a dirty or wet igniter. Remove the burner cap and clean around the spark igniter with a dry toothbrush. Moisture from boil-overs is the most common cause. Let it dry fully (sometimes overnight) before testing again. If the burner still won't light after a thorough cleaning, or if the igniter clicks continuously without lighting, the igniter switch needs replacement — a quick repair.

4. Broiler Not Working While Bake Function Is Fine

On electric ovens, the bake and broil elements are separate components. If your oven bakes normally but the broiler produces no heat, the broil element is the likely failure — separate from the bake element and independently replaceable. On gas ranges, a broiler that won't light may have a separate igniter from the oven burner. Tell the technician which function has failed and they'll come prepared with the right part.

5. Oven Door Doesn't Close Properly or Won't Stay Shut

A door that doesn't seal completely causes significant heat loss, uneven cooking, and higher energy consumption. The most common causes are worn door hinges, a stretched or cracked door gasket, or a door spring that's lost tension. Oven door gaskets can be ordered for most brands and installed without tools. Hinges require more disassembly but are still a manageable repair. Don't cook with a door that won't stay closed — you're losing heat and overworking the oven's components.

When to Call a Repair Tech

If cleaning the burner igniter doesn't fix the issue, or if you're dealing with an oven that won't heat at all, burns food, or has a broken door — call a technician. Gas appliance issues in particular should always be assessed by a certified tech rather than DIY-diagnosed. Most oven repairs are completed same-day.