Here's What You Need To Do Next If Your Oven Light Blows

It definitely makes it difficult to keep track of the progress of food that you're baking if your oven does not have a properly functioning oven light. How will you be able to see whether a cake is rising as intended or if a casserole is browned just right when the light goes out? Since this is such an obstacle, you probably want to replace an oven light that has gone out as soon as possible. YouTube appliance blogger Ben Schlichter of Ben's Appliances and Junk shared exactly what to do when your oven light blows while speaking exclusively to House Digest.

First, it's important to know where to look. "Typically, they are front-accessible from the oven cavity," Schlichter said of the location of the light. He did note that in some oven models, you might need to reposition a wire retainer so you can take out a glass cover in front of the light and access where it is attached. "Others may have screws that hold it in place," he said. "It varies by model." 

From here, the process of replacing an oven light is pretty simple. However, there are a few other details you should be aware of before attempting this simple repair yourself.

You might be wondering what triggers oven lights to go out in the first place. Thankfully, appliance blogger Ben Schlichter provided some common reasons for why these lights blow. "It may be due to old age of the appliance and/or lightbulb," he explained while speaking exclusively to House Digest. The expert confirmed that they function just like any other light fixture in your home that will eventually go out and require a replacement bulb.

When your oven light does finally go out, you might assume that this indicates there is something wrong with the appliance itself. Generally, this is not the case. "Lightbulbs are typically not a major component of the oven in that it may not cause issues with anything else on the oven," Schlichter explained while speaking exclusively to House Digest.

He said homeowners can replace their dead oven lights as needed since delaying this task will not harm the appliance itself. According to the expert, there are no dangers to using an oven while the light is not working. You should be safe to bake while waiting for your replacement light. Just keep in mind that you may need to turn on a nearby light to get a peek inside in the meantime if you don't want to let the heat escape from the oven while it's working.

On rare occasions, a broken oven light requires a bit more help than a simple replacement. You will sometimes need to call a professional so that they can address any complex problems that may have caused the light to go out. Appliance expert Ben Schlichter revealed that there is a chance you are in need of professional help "if replacing the bulb with a new [bulb made by the original equipment manufacturer] does not fix the problem." Wiring problems can also be the culprit. "Typically, if the bulb doesn't fix it, then there's something damaged with the wiring or bulb housing," the expert told House Digest exclusively.

"This will require removal of the range from its location, then inspection/replacement of the housing and potentially wiring as well," Schlicter added. "At that point, having a professional do it is advisable." When dealing with oven repairs, make sure you hire an appliance repair pro that will not take advantage of you. You can do this by reading customer reviews online or hiring repair professionals your family or friends previously worked with and trusted.