Upkeep of appliances is part and parcel of being a homeowner. Regular maintenance is the simple key to prolonging the lifespan of your fridges and stoves. However, it’s normal for those appliances to fail after some time, even when you’ve put in the effort to keep them in optimal condition. When that happens, it helps to look for signs that will tell you when your stove isn’t working as well as it should.
Here are telltale clues that give a malfunctioning stove away:
1.Smell of gas
One of the most recognizable signs of a problem with your stove and oven is smelling gas. By itself, gas has no smell, but fragrant additives are added to the gas to make it easier to detect leaks.
The smell of gas when turning the stove on is normal, but if the smell is noticeable even when it’s off do not turn on the stove. Instead, open the windows to let out the gas, and contact a repairman right away. While you’re at it, turn off the gas tank to cut it off at the source.
2.Electrical problems
For homeowners with electric stoves, keep an eye out for signs of electrical issues to minimize the risk of electrical fires. While stove sparking may be the most visible clue, there are other signs to stay vigilant for like power fluctuations or the stove taking too long to start.
Unplug your stove right away once you become aware of problems with the wiring to stay on the safe side. Another issue to watch for is the control panel becoming unresponsive. Those controls allow you to set the heat to cook properly, which can get in the way when you need to make food. Take note that a control panel malfunction typically calls for the replacement of the stove. In this case, replacement may be the easier and more inexpensive approach to getting your kitchen back on track.
3.Cracked glass tops
Cracks in a glass top stove may not sound like much of a problem, but they actually present a hazard whenever you need to cook. The cracks increase the risk of electric shock when you turn the stove on, so refrain from using the stove to cook until a professional repairman can take a look at it. Other than how they affect the stove’s utility, unsightly cracks in the stovetop can also affect the stove’s value and that of your home. In the case of multiple cracks, you may need to consider investing in a new range altogether. To add additional value to your home, keep functionality and appeal in mind to find a stovetop that suits the kitchen’s aesthetic.
4.Issues with the burners
The burner is the most important element of your cooktop, so any problems are high-priority. Some of the most common issues with the burners include uneven heating, changes in the colour of the flame, or just not starting when you turn the knob. In case of colour changes, check the burner caps and grate to ensure that leftover particles aren’t affecting the flame. If the grate is clean, or you have another issue, it may indicate some kind of internal problem.
No matter which issue you’re experiencing, call a professional to deal with it.
5.Signs of rust
Rust is typically an indicator of an issue, wherever it occurs. In the case of stoves, rust tends to develop on the burners. Rusting burners may point to corrosion, which could mean the burners need to be replaced. Make sure the marks are indeed rust; they may actually be superficial stains left over from cooking. Wash the affected burners with soap and water to remove the marks and make sure. In case of rust, call for professional stove repair right away. If left unattended, the rust may spread to the rest of the burner and cause failure.
6.Presence of smoke
Smoke is an uncommon issue for any appliance, even stoves. The presence of smoke may indicate problems with the wiring, particularly if you’re using an electric stove. Call a repairman immediately once you see unexplained smoke to keep the kitchen safe. Smoke can also indicate other issues with your stove. If you’re cooking food that gives off plenty of smoke, your stove hood’s job is to give it a way to escape and avoid clogging up the kitchen with fumes.
Excess smoke may be a sign that there’s an issue with the hood rather than the stove proper. The hood may be clogged somewhere, or the fans may have malfunctioned. Whatever the case may be, call for repairs to get to the heart of the problem.
7.Undercooked food
If you’ve been using the stove long enough, you should have a basic idea of how long it takes to cook most meals. However, if it takes longer to cook than usual, there may be issues you need to resolve. Longer cooking times are often a sign that the stove isn’t getting enough power.
Whether it’s a gas or electric stove, take steps right away and get the stove looked at. You may also notice an issue if you’re having trouble cooking with the oven (e.g. food is burnt on the bottom but raw on top). In case of issues with the stove temperature, the temperature sensor or thermostat may be faulty, and in need of a checkup. On the other hand, overcooked food is another cause for concern. There may be a faulty thermostat involved, which needs to be inspected immediately to prevent fire hazards.
Signs Your Oven Needs Maintenance
Speaking of ovens, there may also be indicators that the oven needs a checkup as well. As these systems are connected, problems with one may point to a common problem that needs a checkup at the source. Keep an eye out for these oven issues that may need professional repair to help fix.
1.Mysterious sounds
Some appliances make some sounds when they operate, but ovens are typically on the quiet side. However, if you hear unusual ticking, whirling, or buzzing sounds, there may be a loose part somewhere inside. When strange noises occur, turn off the oven immediately and call a repairman right away.
2.Scorched worktops
Normally, the heat should be mostly contained inside the oven, enough that the worktop shouldn’t get burned. If you notice scorch marks on the nearby worktop, there may be something wrong with the oven. What’s likely to have happened is that the seals on the oven have worn out, letting out heat and damaging nearby surfaces. Get a professional repairman to look at the oven and help you replace the seals.
3.High energy bills
Unexpected energy spikes are a common way of telling if something’s wrong with your appliances. In the case of the oven, there may be a faulty door gasket letting out heat. However, any unusual increases in your electric bills may be caused by another appliance. To be sure, call a repairman to look at your oven to see if that’s where the issue really lies.
Having a faulty stove isn’t just a cooking problem, it may present a serious hazard to your home. Call Toronto Refrigeration for professional help when your appliances need some TLC. We understand that appliance breakdowns are never convenient, and we’re here to offer a helping hand. Call us now at (416) 918-2700 for 24/7 support.
