When it’s hot, we usually don’t like to spend too much time in the kitchen and baking or roasting our meals. This is because your oven will obviously make your home even warmer and uncomfortable. In the winter, however, this extra warmth and the delicious smell of cookies or a scrumptious roast filling your home is always welcome. This is why we tend to use our ovens far more often in the winter than in summer. It’s advisable to inspect your oven regularly – especially when you know that you are going to be using it more frequently. Neglecting to inspect your oven can result in significant damage and this can be costly as well as dangerous. Here are some important things to check:
The Prevention of Build Up
Every time you use your oven, the vapors and fats will make their way from the dish to the walls of your oven. If left unchecked, these deposits will accumulate and this will make your oven less and less effective. In addition, you will probably notice an unpleasant smell coming from your oven – particularly when you heat it up. This is the smell of all those old fats warming up again and again. Some ovens have a self-cleaning function which can help you keep your oven clean without much effort. Others that do not have this feature need to be cleaned manually and there are a number of effective ways to do so. Firstly, don’t wait too long to oven repair. The more grime builds up, the harder it will be to clean. If you prefer a natural solution to all those harsh chemicals, baking soda and vinegar are really effective. It’s best to allow the cleaning solution sit for a few minutes to loosen the dirt. This will make it easier to wipe away.
Pay Attention to Sounds
Your oven, no matter the type you use, will make some normal sounds when in use. A fan will make a noise, a gas oven will also make a softer sound, and you might even hear the sound of metal expanding or contracting. If you hear any strange noises coming from your oven, make sure that you turn it off right away and call a professional
Test the Knobs
Your oven knobs are essential for regulating temperature and if they don’t work properly, it can result in a burned or uncooked meal. Broken knobs need to be replaced sooner rather than later. If the knob seems to be in good shape but it does not turn or if you experience any kind of problem setting the temperature, call a technician to diagnose and repair the problem.
Inspect the Oven Seals
There are seals all the way around the oven door . When they are broken, loose, or damaged, air will escape and your oven will not be able to maintain the desired temperature. In most cases, since your oven loses heat too quickly, you will end up using more electricity or gas to keep your oven hot. Inspect the seals for damage and, if necessary, have them replaced.
