An oven is a key appliance in every kitchen. While it's built to last a long time, eventually, it will experience enough wear and tear that oven repair or a total replacement is required. One reason why your oven may stop working is that the heating element is going bad. Here are signs that your oven's heating element is faulty and requires replacement.

How to Tell if an Oven's Heating Element Is Broken

1. The Color

A simple way to tell if your oven's heating element isn't working correctly is to check its color while the oven is fully heated. The baking coil should glow bright orange, like the embers of a fire. Turn on the oven to 350 degrees and wait 10 minutes, then look at the element. It is likely damaged if it's not orange or only orange in certain parts. An oven repair technician may be able to fix the issue, or they may recommend a complete replacement of the coil. 

2. Visible Damage

This may seem like an obvious suggestion, but you can inspect the baking coil for visible damage like cracks, burns, or blisters. You may be able to remove the element to examine it thoroughly, but it's best if you leave the task to a professional oven repair service. They can perform the inspection safely and without further harming other parts. 

3. Heating Problems

If your oven takes longer to pre-heat or food is coming out of the oven uncooked or partially cooked, a broken heating element is the most likely culprit. Either the baking coil or the broiling coil may be damaged. You can test the oven's temperature accuracy to rule out the thermostat as the issue. 

4. Electricity Bill Increase

If you see a sudden, unexplained spike in your electricity bill, it may be due to a damaged heating element. The oven will work harder and consume more power to continue functioning. Another possibility is that the door is leaking heat. An oven repair technician can diagnose the issue and suggest a solution.

For quality oven repairs, count on the team at Appliance Repair of North Texas. The family-owned company provides reliable repairs for homeowners in the Greater Dallas, TX, area. Their specialists offer same-day and next-day services, friendly communication, and protective parts and labor warranties. They can repair most appliance makes and models, including top brands. You can rely on them to repair refrigerators, washers, dryers, and cooktops. Call (214) 886-2057 to schedule an appointment, or visit the website to learn more about their services.