Have you ever stopped to think that if you purchased a gas oven, that meant you might have to light it? Do you know how to light a gas oven? If you answered “no” to either of these questions, then let’s take a look at the steps necessary to successfully light your gas oven.
What Is A Gas Oven
It is a very simple appliance that is tied to a natural gas or propane gas line. This is much like an outside grill. You will need to make sure the pilot light is lit in order to spark the gas on your oven. As long as the pilot light is working, you should be able to turn the burner on and spark the gas and begin cooking your meal.
How Can I Make Sure It Is Safe To Light
The very first thing that you want to consider is a smell. If you smell gas, do not light the burners. Also, you should not touch any electrical switches, as you might spark a fire. Leave the home immediately and call the local gas company. If you cannot reach someone at the gas company, then reach out to the Fire Department.
If you don’t smell anything gas-related, then it is safe to turn on the burner and follow the directions below on how to light your oven.
What Are The Steps In Lighting A Gas Oven
There are definitely some precautionary steps that you will need to take when lighting a gas oven. Let’s take a look at what those steps are.
- Make sure the burners and oven are all turned off
- Open your windows and doors to provide ventilation
- Open the oven door to check for the pilot light hole
- Make sure the pilot light hole is clean
- Push in and hold the knob until you reach the lighting setting
- Now you will hold a long match or lighter near the pilot light hole to light it
- Hold the oven knob for up to 10 seconds to ensure the pilot light is lit
- Finally, you will close the oven door and adjust your cooking temperature as needed
There is a great tutorial in this video that will take you through the steps.
Other Home Maintenance
While you are inspecting the pilot light hole and making sure that it is clean around the area, it is a great idea to just clean the oven at the same time. This way, all loose debris is gone and away from the oven. Consider a home remedy oven cleaner to avoid any gas meeting the fumes of a toxic oven cleaner.
You will also want to consider inspecting the gas sediment traps as well. This attaches to your gas line and will need cleaning to ensure gas has a free passage through the line.
When Should I Call A Professional
You should always consider a professional when it comes to natural or propane gas in your home. If you aren’t comfortable lighting the pilot light for your oven, you should seek out a professional to assist you. It might not be the most convenient time, however, you do not want to accidentally create a bigger problem in your home.
Conclusion
Gas ovens can be tricky to start if you aren’t understanding the steps. If at any point the gas doesn’t light after a few attempts you should turn everything off. Immediately call a professional to inspect your gas oven. Atkinson Home Inspectors can check your gas oven during a home inspection in Orlando, Clermont, and the Villages.