Our oven does not get to the desired temperature. We have to set the temp about 100 degrees higher than the package indicates. Is this just a bad thermostat that needs to be replaced?
Hello samahi72. Welcome to my Gas Appliances topic.
YES! Thermostat has lost it's internal vapor charge and now unable to monitor and regulate temperature. Any temp above 50 degrees, indicates thermostat defective.
Ovens that cannot maintain a set temp or are 50 degrees above or below the set temp are usually thermostats that are defective. Defective can mean originally from new or from age.
To accurately determine an ovens temp, use a liquid filled thermometer set in the the middle of a rack centrally located in the baking compartment.
Allow the oven to heat to 350 and wait 15 minutes to determine the actual temp. Do not open the door during this time. Peer through the glass and use a flashlight, if need be, to focus on the thermometers temperature reading.
Once the temp is reached after 15 minutes, open the door slightly and allow the temp to drop 50-100 degrees, then close the door. Allow the temp to once again raise to the set temp.
Note the temp readings during all phrases of this test. If the temp is 50 or more degrees off either high or low, the thermostat is considered to be defective and needs replacement.
Less than an actual 50 degrees either way, the thermostat only needs a recalibration. This task requires a digital readout temperature testing device and meter. Special skills, experience, test and adjustment methods, which can only be done by a skilled service tech.
Many natural gas utility companies offer in home service for this task. Some provide the service for a low cost fee, while others do it FREE.
Inquire from your natural gas supplier. The phone number should be on every gas bill you've received.
Replacement required to correct. Replacing a thermostat as a do-it-yourself project may or may not be an easy task on some models. Thermostats that are purchased over the counter and self installed are not returnable and may not be warrantied by some dealers.
The one item you can check is the capillary tube. That's the heat sensing tube located in the oven compartment. It should be suspended by 2 clips, not bent or damage and not touching anything except the 2 clips.
When an oven fails to maintain the desired set temperature, before any parts are replaced, I suggest you have the thermostat checked for calibration. If the thermostat needs a recalibration, this is NOT a do-it-yourself project.
Special tools, training, practice, procedure and experience are needed along with the proper technique and adjustments made in the correct sequence in order to successfully accomplish the task.
Done incorrectly, as a do-it-yourself task, can ruin an other wise good thermostat that only needed an adjustment...
I highly suggest you either contact the gas utility company and inquire if they perform this service. If they do not provide this service, contact the local appliance service dealer listed in the phone book.
Retail parts dealers and appliances parts stores can also help determine what the possible problem may be based upon that specific brand and model. Bring the make, model and serial numbers. Dealers and appliances parts stores are listed in the phone book.
Additional Suggestions:
Read the manufacturers on line web site for product information, problem possibilities, causes, solving methods, part locations, disassembly, reassembly methods, repair procedures, pictorials, schematics, repair and or owners manuals which may be available on line.
Cautionary Reminder Note:
Before attempting any repairs, be sure to unplug the appliance from the wall receptacle power source first.
Help Link: Range-Stove-Oven-Broiler Basic Help Information Manufacturers Web Sites: http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=159808
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