It isn’t unusual to have an oven make noise as it heats up, and the fan works to circulate hot air to keep the oven at a stable temperature. But what happens if the appliance continues to make noise, even after it is switched off?
If your oven is making noise when off, the most common cause is the cooling fan working to cool the unit down faster. It can last as long as 20 minutes. But longer cooling times or more unusual noises could be the sign of damaged fan blades or a broken fan motor, which should be replaced if faulty.
In this article, we will explore some common reasons your oven may be making noise when switched off and what should be done, if anything, to fix the issue.
Why Your Oven Makes Noise Even When It Is Off
When you switch your oven on, chances are it will start making noise. This will be the oven motor and the fan working to warm up. However, after you switch the oven off, these may continue to make noise.
Your oven will likely continue to make noise after switching it off because the unit is working to cool the appliance down. When the heating element is no longer engaged, the oven will activate the cooling fans, which will work to expel residual heat, and cool the unit. This can last as long as 20 minutes, depending on the cooking time duration and how hot the oven got.
These fans will make noise during this time, and it is a normal part of the oven’s heating and cooling cycle.
When You Should Seek Assistance
If your oven continues to make noise beyond the typical 20 minutes it can take to cool the oven after being used; it could be a sign of something more serious. Similarly, if the sound is high pitched or not something you would expect from a fan, it may be time to have the appliance serviced.
Before starting any preliminary checks or repairs, always ensure that the unit is unplugged. If unsure of how to locate the necessary parts, call a repairer to run a diagnostic and make any potential repairs.
Damaged Thermostat
The thermostat in the oven is used to regulate heat. When the unit is turned on and a temperature selected, the oven will work to heat up until the thermostat registers that the desired temperature has been reached. Similarly, the thermostat will gauge the temperature as the oven cools, eventually turning the fans off when it is cooled enough.
If there is damage to the thermostat, it could prevent the oven from properly heating and cooling. It may also be shown by the cooler fans working continuously, as the thermostat cannot register the correct heat. They may continue to run, not getting the signal to stop.
How To Fix
Depending on the brand of the unit, the thermostat can be found behind the back panel, under the backsplash, or below the control panel. Once located, the piece can be tested using a multimeter. If faulty, it is usually possible to order the right part online and replace it within the unit.
Broken Fan Blades
If the noise coming from the unit is higher pitched or sounds more like banging, it could be an issue with the fans inside the oven. Damaged, broken, or greasy fans will not work correctly. When damaged, you may hear bangs as broken parts hit the side of the unit.
If the fan is saturated in grease, it may create a high pitched sound as it tries harder to turn the blades. Worn out bearing can also create such a noise as the metal scrapes against metal while the fans turn. In most cases, the whole fan unit will be replaced rather than just the fan. However, it may be possible to buy a replacement fan only, though it is best bought from the manufacturer to ensure its fit.
Damaged or Worn Fan Motor
Oven fan motors play a key role in ventilating the appliance. Typically, an oven will have a fan for heating and a fan for cooling, and both will include a fan motor to activate them. If the oven is making a lot of noise while it runs, chances are there is an issue with the heating fan and its motor. If it is making excessive noise during the cooling period, it will likely be an issue with the cooling fan motor.
You will know if the motor is faulty by excessive noise, or if after the cooling fans stop, the oven is still hot. If accessible, you can also check by attempting to turn the fan blades by hand. If they are stiff, there is likely an issue with the motor.
How To Fix
The cooling fan is usually located on the top of the oven and can only be accessed once the appliance is switched off behind the panel in the oven. In some models, the appliance will need to be pulled away from the wall to access the back.
Once clear, the back panel will need to be removed and wires disconnected to remove and replace the fan component. If you are unsure of how to work with such components, it is advised to call a professional.
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Conclusion
If your oven is making noise when off, it is most likely the cooling fan working to cool the unit after being heated up. Depending on how long and how hot the oven got, this can take some time.
However, if the oven continues to make noise or makes more unusual noises, such as banging or rattling, it could be an issue with an internal element. Check the thermostat and the fan, and replace anything that is broken or damaged.
