6 Telltale Signs You Need a New Oven Right Away
Photo by Marcos Ramírez
In general, ovens and stoves should last around 13 to 15 years. But of course, there are some circumstances that can either shorten or prolong your oven’s lifespan. Or you may have inherited (or purchased) a new oven (to you) from the previous homeowner, and aren’t quite sure how old it is.
In any case, there comes a time when you start pondering if it’s on its last legs or not.
Are you wondering if you need a new oven? Then read on. We’ll show you 6 telltale signs that you need one straight away.
1. It Doesn’t Heat up All the Way
Every time you use your oven, you might swear that it doesn’t feel as hot as it used to. And all your foods are coming out either just slightly undercooked, or it’s taking longer than usual to cook it thoroughly.
In this case, it’s not your imagination. With electric ovens, the heating element may fail to operate properly, even if it’s a newer model.
This issue shouldn’t be too difficult for a professional to fix, which is the good news. However, if your oven has a faulty heating element, chances are, other parts are on their way out too.
Because of this, it may be very likely that the fix for the heating element will only be temporary and you’ll need a new oven in the near future anyway.
2. The Oven Won’t Light
Do you have a gas oven instead of an electric one? Then you still might have problems getting it to heat up properly.
For gas ovens, you may have an issue with getting it to light or for it to stay lit. Because you’re dealing with gas here, it’s far more dangerous than an electric oven would be, so you need to address your issues promptly.
There are many things that can cause improperly lighting, such as just a lack of oxygen flow or a broken switch. As soon as your gas oven won’t light, you need to call an expert immediately so they can assess the situation and advise the best course of action to take.
3. The Inside Is Rusty
Rust isn’t just a visual problem; it’s also a technical problem that can be detrimental to your health.
Over time, your oven will most likely accumulate rust. But that doesn’t always mean you need to immediately get a new oven.
Instead, you should try cleaning it thoroughly first with some heavy-duty oven cleaner. Afterward, not only will your oven be cleaner, but you might find that the cleaning will solve other problems too, such as uneven cooking.
If not, then it may be time to replace your oven. This is especially true if you see that the corrosion is in a thick layer across the unit. Any particles can fall into your food, which won’t taste pleasant, nor will it be good for your health. And larger pieces can actually become choking hazards.
4. It Makes Strange Noises
Of course, when your oven is on, it’ll be quite noisy, no matter if you have a gas or electric oven. But if you’ve had it for some time, you’ll most likely be used to the “normal” noises it emits.
If at any time, you hear some strange noises (such as ticking, buzzing, or scratching), then it can be anything from a loose part to a faulty one. In this case, the best thing you could do is have a professional take a look at your oven. They’ll be able to tell you if something needs to be tightened or replaced.
In the worst-case scenario, the repair is so expensive that it may be better worth your time and money to just replace the oven.
5. Your Energy Bills Are Higher Than Normal
Your oven may seem fine, but your energy bills say otherwise. Yes, your older oven might be operable, but it may not be the wisest choice when it comes to saving both your money and the environment.
Nowadays, ovens are designed to be eco-friendly and energy-efficient. This means that while you do have to spend an upfront cost, a new one may save you a significant amount of money in the long run. Even after just a month of owning your new oven, you’ll see a huge drop in your energy bills.
6. You’ve Had Numerous Other Repairs Done
Sure, you can keep having yours repaired to keep extending its life by a little bit. But at some point, the costs of all those repairs will far exceed just outright buying a new oven.
If you haven’t been, start keeping close track of what you’ve been spending on repairs. Then, price up a potential new one for your home.
Have you spent so much on repairs that you could’ve bought a new one, plus accessories? Then it’s probably time for you to ditch the old and go with the new.
Are You Sure You Need a New Oven?
After reading this article, you might find that your current oven has all the telltale signs we’ve listed. In that case, you might think you need a new oven.
However, before you trash it, consider having an expert look at it first. These professionals are both trained and skilled in making repairs, so they may be able to take what seems to be a broken oven and breathe new life into it.
So make sure you exhaust all your options first before making a purchase. It’ll cost less to have it repaired than replaced, after all.
Want a professional to take a look at your oven before you buy a new one? Then get in touch with us now.
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