Like all appliances, your oven will only last so long before wear and tear take their toll, and you have to replace it. However, with diligent maintenance and prompt oven repair, you can maximize its lifespan and avoid costly, early replacement. Here are a few ways to get started. 

How to Extend Your Oven’s Lifespan

1. Clean It Regularly

Regular cleaning is the best and easiest way to preserve your oven. Most modern ovens should be cleaned every three months, or according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Wipe up spills as soon as they occur since baked-on food residue can reduce the efficiency of the heating elements and force them to work harder to achieve desired temperatures and heat food.

Clean the filters in the range hood since built-up grease can reduce your oven’s thermal efficiency. Heavy-duty cleaners can corrode or damage heating elements and door seals, so use gentle, non-abrasive baking soda and vinegar instead. Finally, remove your oven’s knobs to clean them rather than spraying them while they’re attached. Cleaning spray can enter the electrical connections behind the knobs, corroding wiring and increasing the risk of shorts and electrical fires.

2. Repair the Door Seals

An oven’s door seal, or gasket, keeps heat inside and allows the appliance to reach pre-set temperatures quickly. If your oven isn’t heating effectively or is taking a long time to heat up, inspect the door seal for damage. 

Gaps or cracks in the seal will allow heat to leak out and strain your oven. You can find replacement seals at most hardware stores.

3. Don’t Put Foil on Drip Pans

You may have seen others wrapping their drip pans in aluminum foil to make cleanup easier. This should never be done, as foil can increase the risk of short-circuiting. Furthermore, foil can reflect heat back onto the heating element, thus overheating it and causing your food to be over- or under-cooked. 

Foil can also melt, leading to a need for unexpected oven repair and shortening its useful lifespan. Instead, scrub your drip pans to clean them, and replace them if they become worn or damaged beyond repair.

Keep your oven in great shape with prompt oven repair from Pro Appliance in Portal, GA. For over 25 years, the appliance repair specialists at this locally-owned company have kept Portal residents’ brand-name appliances in peak condition with transparent pricing and top-quality workmanship. All of their work is guaranteed by a comprehensive 12-month warranty. Call (912) 764-4654 to schedule an appointment, or find out more about their services online.