How to Prevent Oven Repairs in 7 Little Steps

Ovens should last forever. They have no moving parts!

Sadly, they don’t. No appliance lasts indefinitely, and one day your trusty oven will be hauled off to the scrapyard, along with the dishwasher before it, the washer and dryer, and the dozen or so air fryers you’ll have purchased and disposed of by then.

That said, ovens are among the most durable kitchen appliances. Even so, after several years of heavy use, it’s perfectly normal for an oven to start showing signs of wear and tear.

Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to keep repairs at bay until the day you replace your oven with a newer model.

1. Keep Your Oven Clean

Wipe down your oven’s interior at regular intervals to remove built-up grease and grime, damaging the oven’s heating elements and other components over time.

Prepare a mild dish soap and water solution and use a sponge or cloth to clean the oven’s interior surfaces. Remove any baking sheets, racks, or other items before you begin cleaning.

If your oven has gas burners, elements may fail to light in certain areas. Take a needle to clean the holes of any blockages.

As for self-cleaning ovens, they still do need occasional manual cleaning. Run the self-cleaning feature often to reduce the need for manual cleaning.

2. Maintain Your Oven Filters

Dust and grease can accumulate on the filters in your oven, compromising its performance over time.

Replace or clean the filters every 3 to 6 months, depending on how often you use the oven. If you notice that your oven isn’t heating correctly, check the filters for any obstructions and replace them if necessary.

3. Avoiding Overloading Your Oven

Never overburden your oven with large, heavy loads of food and dishes. Not even on Thanksgiving! Doing so can strain your oven’s components and cause premature wear.

Prepare large meals in batches, or use multiple oven racks to distribute the weight of food and bakeware more evenly.

3. Treat the Oven Door Gently & Check Its Seal

That rainbow effect you notice when you view the oven door from the side?

That’s due to the heat shield protecting the door and preventing excess heat from escaping. Clean your door with care to protect this coating and the door itself.

Oven doors look indestructible, but you should treat them gently like windows.

Also, the door seal on your oven can become loose or damaged, allowing heat to escape and impact your oven’s performance.

Inspect the door seal regularly and replace it if necessary.

4. Keep your Oven Clock Set

Believe it or not, some ovens won’t work if the clock isn’t set. Try setting your clock before panicking that something has gone wrong and calling an oven repairman. We love it when you call us at West Coast Chief, but know that you’d be unhappy if we charged you for simply resetting your clock.

While this tip won’t do much to extend the life of your oven, it may save you aggravation and expense.

5. Recalibrate the Oven

Over time, your oven will lose some of its temperature calibration. Check your manual and recalibrate your oven when necessary to prevent it from over or under-cooking your meals.

Not sure how to recalibrate, or is recalibrating beyond the scope of a DIY? Call us at West Coast Chief to do the work for you.

6. Use Quality Ovenware

Invest in high-quality baking sheets, casserole dishes, pots, and pans that won’t warp or discolor when exposed to high temperatures.

7. Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes

Likewise, avoid exposing your oven to sudden temperature changes, such as opening the door frequently while cooking. These temperature fluctuations can stress the oven’s components and lead to premature failure.

You Can Do It! Your Oven’s Good to Go

Following these tips, you can keep your oven running like new for many years to come. But even with the best care, all ovens eventually need to be replaced.

When it’s time for a new oven, call West Coast Chief. We’ll help you select the perfect model for your needs and install it quickly and correctly. If your oven is already showing signs of its age, schedule a service call today!

Q: How can regular maintenance help prevent oven repairs?

Routine maintenance — like cleaning the oven, checking the door seal, and inspecting burners — helps prevent breakdowns by catching small issues before they turn into costly repairs. A little TLC keeps your oven running efficiently and extends its lifespan.

Q: How often should I clean my oven?

You should deep-clean your oven every 3–6 months, depending on use. Wipe up spills as they happen to avoid smoke and buildup. For frequent bakers or cooks, more regular cleanings are ideal to keep grease and food debris from damaging components.

Q: What’s the best way to clean my oven safely?

Use a non-toxic oven cleaner or a homemade mix of baking soda and vinegar. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage internal parts. Always unplug or turn off the oven before cleaning to stay safe, especially when cleaning around heating elements or the fan.

Q: Why is my oven not heating evenly?

Uneven heating can result from a faulty heating element, damaged temperature sensor, or poor air circulation due to debris or blocked vents. Regular maintenance and keeping the oven clean can help ensure more consistent performance.

Q: How do I check if my oven door seal is still good?

Inspect the rubber gasket around the door for cracks, tears, or looseness. A worn seal lets heat escape, which forces the oven to work harder and can affect cooking times. Replace the seal if it’s damaged to maintain energy efficiency.

Q: Why is it important to calibrate my oven temperature?

Ovens can lose temperature accuracy. If your food is consistently undercooked or overcooked, your thermostat may need calibration. Many models allow manual calibration, or a technician can adjust it for you.

Q: Can I do oven maintenance myself, or should I call a professional?

Many tasks—like cleaning, inspecting the door seal, and checking burners—can be done by homeowners. However, if you’re dealing with electrical components, gas connections, or inconsistent heating, it’s best to call a certified appliance technician.

Q: What are signs my oven might need professional repair?

Watch out for inconsistent temperatures, unusual smells, electrical issues, delayed heating, or strange noises. If these symptoms persist after basic cleaning and inspection, schedule a professional service to prevent further damage or safety risks.