4 Common Problems with a Natural Gas Oven

an oven open on a white brick wall
  • 1 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 25
What You'll Need
Igniter
Brush
Wire
Wire brush or toothbrush
What You'll Need
Igniter
Brush
Wire
Wire brush or toothbrush

A natural gas oven makes a good alternative to an electric oven. Initially, a gas oven may cost more to acquire than the electric range. However, over time, it may well work out as a more cost-effective choice. A gas-fueled oven is cheaper than an electric oven because electricity costs more than gas. Also, the warm-up and cool-down times are more rapid with gas than electricity. More energy is utilized by an electric oven. With a gas oven, you get better cooking results because gas cooking doesn’t dry out food like electricity. However, gas ovens are not without their disadvantages. Below are 4 common problems with a natural gas oven.

Delayed Ignition

One of the advantages of a gas oven is the rapid on-off time, unlike electricity. However, sometimes even after you ignite the oven, it takes a while before it operates. Delayed ignition may be caused by blocked ignition ports. It is best to have a qualified technician to examine the gas oven. They will be able to determine if the ignition port is clogged and can fix the problem for you. Delayed ignition has the potential to cause a fire or explosion, which could damage the oven glass viewing pane and other internal parts. It may be necessary to have your ignitor replaced if it turns out to be faulty.

Gas Odor

A gas odor when the oven is in use indicates that something is wrong. In most cases, defective gas valves cause gas emissions. Gas valves may sometimes open up too soon and do not allow the gas ignition to reach the right temperature. This lack of synchrony results in a gas leak.

A gas odor may also be caused by damaged gas valves. A hole or slit in the valve is a perfect way to a gas leak. Any gas odor must be addressed immediately. If left unchecked, it can cause a fire or explosion. Leaking gas can also poison household members.

Inadequate Lighting

Sometimes the gas burners in the oven fail to light up completely. Even when turned on to the highest heat, the burners still do not give a sufficient flame. An insufficient flame affects the cooking efficiency of your oven. The most likely cause of burners not giving a proper flame is because of a restricted cross-over port. Open your gas oven and examine the cross-over ports located on the burner tube. These are tiny holes or a slot on the burner tube. Use a small wire brush or old toothbrush to scrub carefully at the ports. You should be able to clear any blockages.

Oven Burner Fails to Light

The oven pilot light usually lights up when you turn your gas oven on. The light is located at the back of the oven. If the pilot light doesn’t light, it is possible that the pilot light electrode is dirty and needs cleaning. The electrode is a tiny metal rod located between the tubes that connect to the burners. Use an old toothbrush to clean the electrode. Relight the oven pilot light after cleaning.