Should I Repair or Replace My Oven or Range?

When to Repair Your Oven or Range

Ovens and ranges are built to last. They have fewer moving parts than washers or refrigerators, which means they tend to be more reliable and often worth repairing — especially if they're under 12 years old.

Repairs That Are Usually Worth It

• Igniter replacement (gas) ($75-$200) — The most common gas oven repair. Igniters wear out over time but are cheap to replace.
• Heating element (electric) ($100-$250) — If your electric oven isn't heating, a new bake or broil element usually solves it.
• Door hinges or gasket ($75-$200) — If the door won't close properly or heat is escaping, this is an easy fix.
• Burner issues (gas or electric) ($75-$200) — Individual burners can be replaced without replacing the whole unit.

When to Replace Your Oven or Range

Ovens last a long time, but eventually the economics shift toward replacement:

Signs It's Time for a New Oven

• Control board failure — Modern ovens have electronic controls that can cost $200-$500 to replace. On older units, this often signals it's time.
• Multiple repairs in recent years — If you've already fixed the igniter and now the control panel is acting up, the appliance is telling you something.
• Persistent gas smell — This is a safety issue. If the problem can't be fixed quickly and definitively, replace the unit.
• Visible damage or rust — Structural issues with the oven cavity or exterior aren't worth repairing.

Common Oven Issues & Repair Costs

Issue	Typical Cost	Severity
Not heating evenly	$100 – $300	Medium
Burner won't ignite	$75 – $200	Low
Temperature inaccurate	$75 – $250	Low
Self-clean not working	$100 – $300	Low
Door won't close	$75 – $200	Low
Control panel failure	$200 – $500	High
Gas smell	$100 – $300	High

Gas vs Electric Oven: Lifespan & Repairs

• Gas ovens/ranges: 15-17 years typical lifespan. More components to fail (igniter, gas valve, burners) but individual repairs are usually affordable. Always call a professional for gas-related issues.
• Electric ovens/ranges: 13-15 years typical lifespan. Simpler overall, but heating elements and electronic controls can fail. Generally easier DIY repairs for the handy homeowner.
• Dual-fuel ranges: 12-15 years. The best of both worlds (gas cooktop, electric oven) but more components means more potential repair points.

Oven & Range Repair FAQs

Is it worth repairing an oven?

Usually yes. Ovens and ranges have a long lifespan, often 13 to 15 years, and most common repairs (igniters, heating elements, bake elements) are reasonably priced. The big exceptions are control board failures on newer electronic models and gas valve issues, those can get expensive fast.

When should I replace my oven instead of fixing it?

Replace if the oven is over 15 years old and needs major work. Replace if you've got a cracked cooktop, a failed control board on an older unit, or a gas valve issue that's pushing the cost past 50% of a new range. Also worth replacing if you're upgrading kitchens anyway, sometimes the timing just lines up.

How much does oven repair cost?

Oven repairs typically run $100 to $500. Heating element and igniter replacements are on the lower end, usually $150 to $300. Control boards and gas valve repairs are at the top, sometimes $400+. Add the standard $75 to $150 service call on top of parts.

What's the difference between gas and electric oven repair?

Electric ovens are usually cheaper to fix because the parts (heating elements, bake elements) are simple and accessible. Gas ovens have igniters and gas valves that cost more and require more skill. Repair labor on gas units typically runs 15 to 25% higher than electric.

How long do ovens last?

Most ovens and ranges last 13 to 15 years, sometimes longer. Gas units tend to last slightly longer than electric because gas burner systems are mechanically simple and don't have heating elements that burn out. The fancier the controls, the more there is to break, so basic models often outlast premium ones.