Lately I have noticed my oven takes much longer to heat up than in the past. It's about 12 yrs old. ?

Question

What could be causing this and how can it be fixed? I was thinking it is a heating element but how do I know if it's the top or the bottom that needs replacing? Where do I buy heating elements for an oven?

Answer 1

I believe you are correct that it is one of the two heating elements.  Turn the oven on with the door open and see which element doesn't get hot - broiler or bottom element.  You can also measure them with an ohmmeter - an open indicates a bad element.  You should be able to buy them at an appliance parts store locally or on line at a place like www.repairclinic.com.  That site will also give you more troubleshooting information.

Answer 2

time for a new oven i would think.

Answer 3

The elements in an electric range's oven don't both work at the same time, unless you're in a CLEAN mode.  Otherwise, the lower element is the bake element and the top element is the broil element.  Whichever one is turned on should glo red when in use.   You should be able to find a major appliance parts store in the local yellow pages or on the web.  You will need the model # and make of the unit to order.  If you should decide to try to replace elements yourself, be sure to  unplug the unit first.  It uses 220 volts to heat these elements, enough to kill you in the blink of an eye.