A faulty oven door seal could cost you money especially when it comes to your utility bills. If your current door seal isn’t doing its job, then you need to turn your oven on longer just to heat your food. The reason for this is that hot air will keep on escaping the oven cavity and that can become an expensive ordeal. So, it’s best that you know more about its importance to ensure you won’t neglect it whenever it’s scheduled for routine maintenance.
The risks of using a faulty oven door seal
- Energy loss and rising utility bills: Cooking takes steady, consistent heat. When the oven door seal no longer closes tightly, heat escapes through the gaps. As a result, the appliance has to work harder to keep the inside at the right temperature. This not only puts stress on the heating element but also drives up energy bills.
- Uneven cooking and food safety concerns: Cooking is about precision, and even heat is key. A faulty seal causes cold spots inside the oven, which means some parts of our food may cook while others remain underdone. This is not just frustrating but also unsafe. Undercooked meat, for example, can expose us to harmful bacteria.
- Strain on the appliance: Heat escaping from the oven doesn’t only affect cooking results. It also forces the oven to cycle on and off more often to maintain temperature. That extra strain wears down the heating element, the thermostat, and even the wiring inside the unit. Source: Certified Appliance Repair
What’s the best adhesive to use?
There are a few different adhesives that can be used on oven door seals. The best adhesive for your needs will depend on the type of seal you are using and the temperature range of your oven.
Here are a few of the most popular adhesives for oven door seals:
- Silicone adhesive: Silicone adhesive is a desirable choice for oven door seals because it is heat-resistant and flexible. It is also non-toxic and food safe. A common one is RTV Silicone adhesive
- Urethane adhesive: Urethane adhesive is another excellent choice for oven door seals because it is also heat-resistant and flexible. It is also more durable than silicone adhesive. Source: The Seal Extrusion Company
Fixing or Replacing: Making the right choice
Sometimes, a full replacement isn’t even necessary. For minor issues, try these quick fixes:
- Realign the seal if it’s just out of place.
- Use high-temperature silicone sealant for small gaps.
- Clean the seal thoroughly – sometimes dirt is the only culprit.
Maintaining your oven door seal
- Clean it regularly with mild soap and water.
- Avoid slamming the oven door.
- Inspect the seal every few months for wear and tear. Source: CLT Appliances
A well-maintained oven door seal will guarantee better cooking results and will result in increasing your energy efficiency. But if ever there’s a problem with it that you can’t handle alone, then make sure to come to us to have it serviced. Just give us a call and we’ll be there to fix it right away!