The heating element is a crucial component of your oven. Heat is provided via two coils: the baking element, which is located at the bottom of the appliance, and the broil element, which is at the top. Faulty heating coils prevent you from cooking foods at the proper temperature, so you should schedule an appliance repair appointment if you suspect yours aren't working. Here are a few signs to know if there is a problem with your oven's heating element. 

How to Tell If Your Oven's Heating Element Is Going Bad

1. The Coils Don't Glow Orange

The next time you're preparing a meal, take a look inside the oven once it's fully heated up. Both coils should have a bright orange color, similar to embers in a campfire. Additionally, this color should be consistent throughout the entire coil. If you notice that the coil appears duller or that there are dark spots in certain places, it likely won't be long before they stop working.

2. It Takes Longer to Cook Things

After using one oven for so long, people tend to get acclimated to the time it takes to prepare different foods. If you notice that foods are taking longer than normal to be fully cooked or that your oven has been slower to preheat, a heating problem is likely. Along with possible heating element issues, damage to the thermostat may also be to blame for the longer cooking times. An appliance repair specialist can help you figure out the exact cause of the problem.

3. Foods Are Unevenly Cooked

Normally, the heating coils will cook all foods evenly. When sections are damaged, though, certain parts of your food will be undercooked or frozen, while other parts might appear burned. If this is the case, look closely at the coils. If you can see noticeable damage, such as cracks, burns, or warping, the coils are not heating up consistently when cooking and will likely need to be repaired or replaced. 

No matter what goes wrong with your oven, K Appliance in Anchorage, AK is happy to fix it. Their services are backed by more than 42 years of experience, so they can handle even the most complex appliance repairs. If your appliance is beyond repair, they can also help you find a dependable replacement from their great selection. Visit the website to learn more about their services, or call (907) 272-0626 to schedule an appointment.