Imagine that you are baking your dinner for the night and the oven does not seem to be heating as quickly. It is the baking element in your oven. You wonder, are oven heating elements universal? The answer in most cases is yes but only within the manufacturing company and for specific models. Let’s take a look at baking and broiling heating elements.
What Is a Heating Element
Typically, an oven heating element comes in two types. You have a baking element and a broiler element. You will begin to notice that your baking element will likely need replacement faster than your broiler element.
- Baking heating element-this is a found at the bottom of the oven and used the most out of the two heating elements.
- Broiler heating element-located at the top of the oven and specializes in broiling your foods.
These elements are connected by wires in the back of the oven and those wires are connected to the power source plug. Their main purpose is to heat the oven based on your desired cooking needs.
Finding the Correct Oven Heating Element
Now that you know you need to replace the element, where do you go? Local hardware stores, parts stores, and Amazon. You can easily find a replacement element by using your oven serial and model numbers to locate your replacement part.
Does An Oven Heating Element Cost A Lot
Well, are you willing to learn how to change the element yourself? If so, the oven heating element will cost you anywhere from $20-$25.
However, if you are not secure in your professional approach to the project, you will end up paying a professional service person $220 for the
replacement job.
What Tools Do I Need
You will need a few tools to assist you in this project. Luckily, the total project should not take you longer than 15 minutes. Here are the tools that you should have to complete the project:
- Non-contact voltage tester
- Screwdriver
- Needle-nose pliers
- Nut driver
- Electrical (if needed)
- Replacement Heating Element (Baking or Broiler)
How Do I Change My Oven Heating Elements
- The first step in any safety measure when working with an appliance is turning off the power. Do this by going to the electrical box and finding the breaker for the oven or kitchen.
2. Remove the screws associated with the heating element.
3. Gently pull the element out of its holes and watch the wires come through the holes from the back of the oven to about 1-inch of wire being exposed.
4. You will want to check the electricity on the wires with a non-contact voltage tester.
5. Once the voltage is confirmed that the power is off, you will gently remove the connectors from the wire end.
6. Once the wires are removed, you will want to ensure that the wires do not fall back into the holes.
7. Gently attach the wires to the back of the oven with your electrical tape.
8. Lastly, you will position the new heating element in the same position as the old one and reconnect the wires. Once the wires have been connected, you will gently slide them back into their holes and reattach the screws to the back of the oven.
Now that you have your tools and have read the instructions, let’s take a look at this video tutorial to see how it all comes together.
Other Maintenance
While you are working to check the heating elements in your oven, it is also recommended that you clean the oven at this time. Consider using a harmless home cleaner, rather than a toxic oven cleaner.
Since the oven is close to the sink, check the tap water to make sure it runs clear. Does the water happen to be cloudy? There are ways you can fix the cloudy water such as getting rid of the bubbles, using a water softener, and testing the water if you have a well to name a few.
Also, check your faucets for calcium buildup. This will also happen if you have hard water so purchasing a water softener can help in a few areas of the sink. You can also clean this area by using a white vinegar and water mixture and a few other supplies.
When To Call A Professional
It is always best to call a professional if you lack the tools and understanding to complete the project. Do not ever attempt something electrical if you are not comfortable working with the wires. It is always best to defer to a professional to assist you with this project.
Conclusion
Replacing an oven heating element can be complex. If you do not understand the steps in the project or are not comfortable with the directions, then you can always defer to your home inspection professionals. Home inspection geeks are here to assist you with all of your project needs. We service the Chicago, IL areas of Cook, DuPage, and Lake Counties.
