Introduction:
Is your electric stove having a hard time? Whether it’s not heating up, making odd sounds, or burning your meals unexpectedly, you’re not alone. A lot of homeowners in Virginia and Maryland deal with these pesky electric stove issues. The silver lining? Some of electric stove repair problems can be fixed without needing to call a technician.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through 7 common stove problems, complete with DIY solutions and expert tips on when it’s best to bring in a professional.
1. Why Is My Electric Stove Not Heating, and Could It Be a Burnt Element?
If your stove isn’t heating up like it should, chances are the burnt heating element is to blame.
Possible Causes:
- A burnt or broken coil element
- Loose wiring in the burner connection
- A faulty infinite switch
Solutions:
- Unplug the stove.
- If the burner is removable, swap it for another one of the same size.
- If the new burner heats up, the original one will not work.
Still having trouble? The problem might lie with the internal wiring or the switch, and you’ll probably need to call in a technician.
2. Are My Stove Burners Uneven, or Is the Power Supply the Real Problem?
When one side of your pan cooks faster than the other, it can be really frustrating and even a bit unsafe.
Possible Reasons:
- Your coil burner might be warped or uneven.
- There could be a voltage drop or poor power flow.
- The temperature sensor might be faulty.
Solutions by DIY:
- Give your cookware a 180° rotation.
- Try using a flat pan on a different burner.
If the problem keeps happening across different burners, it might be time to check the power outlet or call an electrician.
3. Why Does My Stove Keep Clicking, and Is It Dangerous?
Those clicking sounds can be more than just a nuisance; they might indicate electrical arcing or issues with the control board.
Risk Factors:
- A loose wire or control knob
- Moisture trapped inside the control panel
- A worn-out igniter (especially in dual-fuel stoves)
Safety Tips:
Make sure to turn off the stove and unplug it. If you think moisture is the culprit, let it dry out. If the clicking doesn’t stop, it’s best to avoid using it and call a technician right away.
4. Is My Electric Stove Overheating or Just Misreading the Temperature?
Are you burning food even in low settings? That could be a sign of a miscalibrated thermostat or a faulty sensor.
What to Look For:
- Burners glowing red even on low
- Food cooking way too quickly
- The stove surface feeling hotter than usual.
What You Can Do:
If your stove has a calibration mode, try resetting it (check your manual for details). If that’s not an option, you might need to replace the thermostat or sensor.
5. Why won’t my stove turn on, and could it be the control panel or wiring?
A stove that won’t turn on is often a sign of electrical issues or problems with the control panel.
Possible Reasons:
- Tripped circuit breaker
- Burnt-out internal fuse
- Faulty electronic control board
Solutions:
Check your breaker box for any flipped switches.
- Unplug the stove and wait about 5 minutes before plugging it back in.
- If it still doesn’t work, it’s time to call a licensed appliance repair expert in your area.
6. When Should You Call a Professional vs. Fix It Yourself?
While some minor issues (like changing a burner or checking the power) are pretty straightforward, you should definitely reach out to a professional if:
- Do you smell something burning or see sparks?
- The control panel isn’t responding.
- You hear continuous clicking or buzzing.
- Multiple burners are out of commission.
7. How to Prevent Electric Stove Problems and Extend Appliance Life?
Some Maintenance Tips:
- Clean spills right away to prevent internal damage.
- Avoid dragging heavy pots across the burners.
- Stick to flat-bottomed cookware.
- Schedule an annual checkup for your appliance, especially if it’s over 5 years old.
Need professional stove repair in Virginia or Maryland?
At Home Appliance Care, they’re your go-to for electric stove repairs, offering next-day service in Virginia and Maryland. Whether it’s a faulty burner, wiring issue, or a control board replacement, they’ve got your back!