If your oven isn’t heating, your dishwasher is humming but not drying, or your heater feels warm instead of hot, the culprit is often a faulty element. Elements are the metal coils that turn electricity into heat, and when they go bad they can ruin a whole appliance’s performance. The good news? Most element problems are easy to diagnose and fix without calling a pro.
First, look for the obvious. An oven that stays cool no matter what temperature you set, a dryer that tumbles but never gets hot, or a water heater that produces lukewarm water are classic red flags. You might also notice a burnt smell or see the element itself looking blackened or corroded. In many cases the appliance will still run, but it will be slower, use more electricity, or shut off mid‑cycle.
Another hint is uneven heating. If part of a bake dish stays cold while the rest browns, the element may be partially broken. For electric ovens, the oven element and the broiler element work separately, so you can test each one by turning the oven to the corresponding setting and watching for heat.
Don’t ignore error codes either. Modern ovens often flash a code when they detect an element fault. Look up the code in the user manual – it usually points straight to the heating element.
Before you start, unplug the appliance or switch off the breaker. Safety first, always.
1. Remove the element. Most oven elements are held in place by a couple of screws and a metal bracket. Loosen the screws, pull the element out gently, and unplug the connector at the back. Take a photo of the wiring if you’re unsure how it fits back.
2. Test with a multimeter. Set the meter to the resistance (Ω) setting. Touch the probes to the element’s two terminals. A healthy element reads between 10 and 30 ohms; anything infinite or zero means it’s broken.
3. Order the correct replacement. Use the make, model, and part number from the old element (often printed on the coil) to find an exact match. Buying the right size prevents re‑work later.
4. Install the new element. Plug the connector back in, secure the screws, and re‑mount the bracket. Double‑check that the element sits flat and isn’t twisted.
5. Test the appliance. Turn the power back on and run a short heating cycle. You should feel heat within minutes. If not, re‑check the wiring or consider that another component (like a thermostat) might be at fault.
These steps apply to most electric ovens, but the same principle works for dishwashers, dryers, water heaters, and even some kitchen hobs. If you’re not comfortable handling electricity, a quick call to a local repair service in Northampton can save time and keep you safe.
Remember, catching a faulty element early can extend the life of your whole appliance and lower your energy bills. Keep an eye on performance changes, run the simple tests above, and you’ll be the hero of your own kitchen.
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