Most Kenmore dryer repairs in Ames involve the same few systems: heat, airflow, the drum drive and the controls. The Ames list starts with companies that name Kenmore, followed by other appliance repair companies that list dryer work.
This is an independent directory. We are not affiliated with Kenmore, and the technicians listed are independent repair companies, not the manufacturer.
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 Ames
We found 18 appliance repair companies within 30 miles of Ames. 1 of them are based in Ames itself, and the rest are spread across Des Moines (8), Urbandale (5), and Ankeny (2). The closest is Ken's Appliance & Services LLC, about 0.5 miles away. No company within 30 miles of Ames names Kenmore in its listing, so the list adds matches from farther out and the closest appliance repair companies. Rated companies nearby average 4.6 stars across 18 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.
| Open on Saturdays (per listing) | 15 |
|---|---|
| Distance to the three closest (mi) | 0.5, 20.5, 22.5 |
| List dryer or washer & dryer work | 5 |
| Mention Kenmore | 0 |
| Rated 4.5 stars or higher (10+ reviews) | 4 |
| Appliance repair companies in range (30 mi) | 18 |
At the top of the Ames list: Sears Appliance Repair (64.5 miles away, based in Carroll, 4.8 stars from 25 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Ken's Appliance & Services LLC (0.5 miles away, 4.0 stars from 90 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Westside Appliance Repair (28.9 miles away, based in Urbandale, 4.6 stars from 774 reviews); Sears Appliance Repair (28.9 miles away, based in Des Moines, 4.4 stars from 117 reviews, lists Saturday hours).
Kenmore Dryer Features Technicians Work On
What Makes Kenmore Dryer Repairs Different
Kenmore's compact condensing dryer needs no outside wall vent, runs on a 220V supply and offers manual-drain or direct-drain water removal. Source: Kenmore - 4.0 cu. ft. Front-Load Electric Condensing Dryer
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 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)
- 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)
What Kenmore Dryer Codes Mean
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| PF / nP (Elite steam dryers) | A power supply or cord connection problem; check the cord at the terminal block and the house fuse or breaker. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178) |
| d80 / d90 / d95 (Elite steam dryers) | The exhaust ductwork is roughly 80, 90 or 95 percent blocked; stop using the dryer until the vent is cleaned or repaired. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178) |
| 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) |
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
- Drum will not turn even though you hear a hum
- Burning or hot smell during a cycle
- Dryer shuts off a few minutes into the cycle
What a Dryer Repair Technician Checks
Keeping a Kenmore Dryer Running
- Use only 4-inch rigid or semi-rigid metal duct (no plastic or foil), check it for lint monthly and clean it at least yearly; one Elite steam model allows about 65 feet with no elbows and 28 feet with four 90-degree elbows using a 4-inch hood. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178)
- To clean the vent, unplug the dryer, disconnect the duct from the dryer and wall, and vacuum lint from the duct, the wall vent and the back of the dryer. Source: Kenmore - 3 Reasons to Clean Your Dryer Vent (And How to Do It)
Brand guides: Kenmore Dryer Not Heating: Causes and Fixes.
Kenmore Dryer Repair Cost Ranges
Price the repair before replacing a Kenmore dryer. Published ranges for common jobs:
- Gas valve coil replacement (gas dryer): $150–$300 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
- Drum roller replacement: $100–$150 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
- Door switch replacement: $50–$150 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
- Technician service / diagnostic fee, dryer: $50–$80 per visit Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
Replacement makes more sense once a dryer is about 10 years old or past half its expected lifespan. Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
Ranges are published estimates, not quotes. See the dryer repair cost guide and how long dryers last.
Before the Technician Arrives
- What happens when you press Start (no response, hum, runs with no heat, stops early)
- How long the vent run is and where it exits the house
- The brand, model and serial number from the label inside the door or on the back panel
Dryer Notes for Ames, IA
Most dryer calls in Ames 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.
Iowa does not issue a general appliance repair technician license; the Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board licenses plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration and hydronic work, and state law carves out a special restricted license only for utility employees who repair appliances. Source: Iowa Code Chapter 105, Plumbers, Mechanical Professionals, and Contractors
Fuel gas piping falls within Iowa's statutory definition of plumbing, and gas lines tied to HVAC, hydronic and refrigeration systems are covered by those mechanical licenses, all issued by the state Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board; people qualified under liquefied petroleum gas rules may work on propane equipment and its piping. Source: Iowa Code Chapter 105, Plumbers, Mechanical Professionals, and Contractors
How to Choose a Dryer Technician Near Ames
- Is your company licensed where my state requires it, and insured?
- Can you give a written estimate before ordering parts?
- What is the service call or diagnostic fee, and is it applied to the repair?
Kenmore Dryer Repair FAQs: Ames, IA
Is this Kenmore customer service?
Why is my dryer running but not heating?
Why does my dryer take so long to dry?
Other Dryer Repair in Ames
Kenmore Dryer Repair in Nearby Cities
Write down any error code your Kenmore dryer shows and when it appears. It helps a Ames technician bring the right parts.