A Kenmore dryer shares most of its parts with other dryers, but its controls, error codes and sensor-dry cycles are specific to the brand. We flag companies whose listing or website mentions Kenmore and fill in with nearby dryer repair companies so you always have options.
Independent listings only: Washer and Dryer Repair is not affiliated with or endorsed by Kenmore. If your dryer is still under manufacturer coverage, contact Kenmore directly.
Kenmore dryers were made for Sears by several manufacturers over the years, so the model number matters more than the badge. Independent technicians can look up the parts from it.
Kenmore Dryer Repair Near San Rafael
40 repair companies serve San Rafael from within 30 miles. 10 of them are based in San Rafael itself, and other nearby bases include Richmond (7), Novato (5), and Mill Valley (5). The farthest listed company is about 12 miles out. Nearest on the list: Marin County Appliance Repair by Hi-Tech, around 1.1 miles out. None of the repair companies near San Rafael name Kenmore in their listings, so we show the closest appliance repair companies. Ask each one about your model before booking. Rated companies nearby average 4.8 stars across 21 businesses.
We do not show business phone numbers. Call our helpline to be connected with a participating technician, or look a company up directly. Always confirm licensing and insurance.
| Mention Kenmore | 0 |
|---|---|
| Open on Saturdays (per listing) | 41 |
| With 4.5+ stars and at least 10 reviews | 18 |
| Three nearest companies, miles away | 1.1, 1.2, 1.2 |
| Appliance repair companies in range (30 mi) | 60 |
| List dryer or washer & dryer work | 12 |
The leading options for San Rafael are UniFix Appliance Repair (1.2 miles away, 4.9 stars from 94 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Sears Appliance Repair (10.6 miles away, based in Richmond, 4.6 stars from 489 reviews, lists Saturday hours); FixWell Appliance Repair (1.2 miles away, 4.9 stars from 100 reviews); Marin County Appliance Repair by Hi-Tech (1.1 miles away, 4.9 stars from 19 reviews, lists Saturday hours).
Kenmore Dryer Features Technicians Work On
What Makes Kenmore Dryer Repairs Different
SmartDry Ultra dryers combine two moisture sensors with a temperature monitor and a dual heating element to fine-tune heat and cycle length. Source: Kenmore - 8.8 cu. ft. Electric Dryer w/ SmartDry Ultra Technology
Kenmore Dryer Symptoms and First Checks
- Dryer not heating. Kenmore says to check for a tripped breaker or blown fuse and, on gas models, confirm the gas supply is on, noting an electric dryer can tumble without heat on a partial circuit. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178)
- Dryer takes too long to dry. Kenmore says to clean the lint filter of lint and softener residue and check the exhaust duct for buildup or excess length. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178)
Kenmore Dryer Error Codes
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| PS (Elite steam dryers) | The power cord on an electric model is wired incorrectly; check the neutral on the center terminal. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178) |
| CL (Elite steam dryers) | Control Lock is on. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178) |
| gAS (Elite steam dryers) | The gas supply is off on a gas model; open the house and dryer gas shutoffs. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178) |
Kenmore smart washers and dryers can check diagnostics through the Kenmore Smart app or Alexa and send app notices about blocked filters and other machine issues. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite 81782 Smart 7.4 cu. ft. Electric Dryer with Accela Steam
Kenmore Dryer Problems Worth a Service Call
- Cycles take two or three runs to finish
- Dryer shuts off a few minutes into the cycle
- Burning or hot smell during a cycle
What a Dryer Repair Technician Checks
Owner Care for Kenmore Dryers
- Clean the lint trap after every load, since lint that gets past it builds up in the vent and lengthens drying times. Source: Kenmore - 3 Reasons to Clean Your Dryer Vent (And How to Do It)
- If the lint screen looks clogged when held to the light, scrub it with hot soapy water and a stiff brush and let it dry fully before reinstalling. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178)
Brand guides: Kenmore Dryer Not Heating: Causes and Fixes.
What Kenmore Dryer Repairs Cost
Most Kenmore dryer repairs involve common parts and an hour or so of labor. For reference, published cost guides report:
- Drum bearing replacement: $100–$250 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
- Timer replacement: $150–$300 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
- Igniter replacement (gas dryer): $100–$250 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
- Technician labor: $50–$100 per hour Source: Angi - How Much Does Dryer Repair Cost?
A dryer that keeps needing repairs despite regular maintenance is usually cheaper to replace. Source: Angi - How Much Does Dryer Repair Cost?
Ranges are published estimates, not quotes. See the dryer repair cost guide and how long dryers last.
Getting Ready for the Repair
- What happens when you press Start (no response, hum, runs with no heat, stops early)
- The brand, model and serial number from the label inside the door or on the back panel
- How long the vent run is and where it exits the house
Dryer Notes for San Rafael, CA
Most dryer calls in San Rafael come down to the same handful of parts: the vent and lint path, the heat source, the belt and rollers, and the door and start switches.
California requires businesses that repair major home appliances such as refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, washers and dryers for pay to register with the Bureau of Household Goods and Services as Major Home Appliance Service Dealers, including out-of-state providers serving California customers. Source: Application for Registration (Electronic and Appliance Repair Dealers) - Bureau of Household Goods and Services
Gas piping, gas appliance connections and gas safety devices fall within the C-36 Plumbing Contractor classification licensed by the Contractors State License Board. Source: C-36 - Plumbing Contractor, Licensing Classifications Detail - CSLB
How to Choose a Dryer Technician Near San Rafael
- Will you check the vent and lint path as part of the visit?
- Do you work on gas dryers, and who handles anything involving the gas line?
- What guarantee do you give on parts and labor?
Kenmore Dryer Repair FAQs: San Rafael, CA
Why is my dryer running but not heating?
Is this Kenmore customer service?
Why does my Kenmore dryer show an error code?
Is my Kenmore dryer worth repairing?
Other Dryer Repair in San Rafael
Kenmore Dryer Repair in Nearby Cities
Clean the lint screen, check the vent hood outside and note the model number before calling. It rules out the simple causes and speeds up a Kenmore repair.