Your over can benefit from some attention this winter — especially if you plan to use it for baking lots of holiday goodies. One of the best ways to ensure that your oven is working right is to do some simple maintenance. Taking these steps, instead of thinking about them only when things go wrong, is a good way to prevent problems.

Keep Everything as Clean as Possible

It’s easy for people with busy schedules to forget how important it is to deep clean your oven two or three times a year. Always make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Food residue that isn’t cleaned up can cause smoke, ruin food flavors, and decrease your oven’s performance. Self-cleaning features are best avoided because they can cause damage due to their high operating temperatures.

Check Your Door Gaskets

If your oven door doesn’t seal right, you may have heating issues. It’s a good idea to take a minute to inspect your gaskets for cracks or other damage before each use. Otherwise, you might lose heat, which would affect the oven’s performance. An appliance technician can replace your gaskets quickly and easily.

Inspect Your Gas Line

Your gas line needs occasional attention if you’re using a gas oven. Be sure to look for abrasions that could lead to troublesome leaks. Besides being a safety hazard, leaks can affect oven performance. Any issues with your gas line require a professional’s attention sooner rather than later.

Keep the Area Under and Behind Your Oven Clean

Clean underneath and behind your oven every time you check your gas line. Crumbs, dust, and food can attract pests and encourage the growth of mold. Debris can restrict airflow, which can affect performance and create a fire hazard. Making it a point to keep this area swept out will save you a lot of time and frustration when you need to clean the kitchen.

Clean Your Range Hood Filter Regularly

Range hoods are exhaust systems that can reduce grease, odors, and smoke. Debris and grease can fill up your filters and make your kitchen environment unpleasant. The good news is that most of these filters are easy to remove by hand. Some of these filters can go through a dishwasher cycle. Otherwise, soaking in warm water and dish soap usually works to keep them clean.

An oven that works well makes winter baking a breeze. When you need oven services this winter, contact our team at Signature Appliance in Chattanooga, TN.