If your Kenmore dryer has stopped heating, stopped tumbling or started throwing an error code, the technician you call should know the model line. Below are independent repair companies serving Charleston, with those that mention Kenmore first, then the nearest dryer repair companies.
Washer and Dryer Repair is independent and not affiliated with Kenmore. Listed companies are independent technicians who repair Kenmore dryers and other brands.
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 Charleston
27 repair companies serve Charleston from within 60 miles. Other nearby bases include Champaign (6), Decatur (6), and Olney (3). No company within 60 miles of Charleston names Kenmore in its listing, so the list adds matches from farther out and the closest appliance repair companies. Nearest on the list: Sears Appliance Repair, around 10.5 miles out. The 22 rated companies in range average 4.6 stars. Because the nearest shops are farther out, ask each company whether Charleston is inside its regular service area.
Companies are shown by relevance and distance from Charleston. A mention does not mean manufacturer certification, so ask each company about its experience with your dryer.
| Distance to the three closest (mi) | 10.5, 31.8, 38.6 |
|---|---|
| Show laundry appliance work | 10 |
| Repair companies inside 60 miles | 27 |
| Mention Kenmore | 0 |
| With 4.5+ stars and at least 10 reviews | 14 |
| Listing Saturday hours | 24 |
First up for Charleston: Sears Appliance Repair (63.3 miles away, based in Linton, 4.4 stars from 141 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Sears Appliance Repair (10.5 miles away, based in Mattoon, 4.5 stars from 111 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Mr. Appliance of Champaign (44.3 miles away, based in Champaign, 4.6 stars from 766 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Purcell Appliance Center (56.6 miles away, based in Rantoul, 4.9 stars from 282 reviews, lists Saturday hours).
Kenmore Dryer Lines and Features
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
Common Kenmore Dryer Problems
- 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)
- Check Vent light blinking. Kenmore says the exhaust is seriously restricted and the ducts should be cleaned and inspected before using the dryer again. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178)
Reading a Kenmore Dryer Error Code
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| 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) |
| CL (Elite steam dryers) | Control Lock is on. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178) |
| HS (Elite steam dryers) | The humidity (moisture) sensor has failed; the dryer needs service. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178) |
When to Call for Kenmore Dryer Repair
- Drum turns but the air stays cool
- Burning or hot smell during a cycle
- Drum will not turn even though you hear a hum
How a Dryer Service Call Usually Goes in Charleston
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)
- 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)
Brand guides: Kenmore Dryer Not Heating: Causes and Fixes.
What Kenmore Dryer Repairs Cost
A Kenmore dryer repair usually costs about the same as any other brand for the same part. Published ranges:
- Door switch replacement: $50–$150 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
- Drum belt replacement: $150–$250 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
- Gas valve coil replacement (gas dryer): $150–$300 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
- Typical dryer repair (most homeowners): $100–$430 Source: Angi - How Much Does Dryer Repair Cost?
- Technician service / diagnostic fee, dryer: $50–$80 per visit Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
If a repair would cost more than about half the price of a new dryer, replacing is usually the better choice. Source: Angi - 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.
Getting Ready for the Repair
- The brand, model and serial number from the label inside the door or on the back panel
- Any error code on the display
- How long the vent run is and where it exits the house
Around Charleston
Most dryer calls in Charleston 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.
In Illinois, you can check a license with the Illinois Department of Public Health Plumber License Search or report a problem to the Illinois Attorney General Consumer Fraud Bureau.
How to Choose a Dryer Technician Near Charleston
- What guarantee do you give on parts and labor?
- What is the service call or diagnostic fee, and is it applied to the repair?
- How often do you repair Kenmore dryers, and do you carry common parts on the truck?
Kenmore Dryer Repair FAQs: Charleston, IL
What makes a dryer stop heating?
Why does my dryer take so long to dry?
Is this Kenmore customer service?
Why does my Kenmore dryer show an error code?
Other Dryer Repair in Charleston
Kenmore Dryer Repair Near Charleston
Write down any error code your Kenmore dryer shows and when it appears. It helps a Charleston technician bring the right parts.