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 North Chicago, 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 appliances were sold through Sears for decades, so many owners look for Sears dryer repair. The companies here are independent technicians who work on Kenmore and Kenmore Elite dryers; they are not Sears.
Kenmore Dryer Repair Near North Chicago
Within 30 miles of North Chicago there are 40 appliance repair companies in our data. 2 of them are based in North Chicago itself, and the rest are spread across Waukegan (6), Highland Park (5), and Vernon Hills (4). Distances run up to about 12 miles. Nearest on the list: Salt Lake City Appliance Repair, around 0.3 miles out. No company within 90 miles of North Chicago mentions Kenmore by name, so these are the nearest appliance repair companies. Most work on several brands, so ask about yours. Across 33 rated companies, the average public rating is 4.5 stars.
Listings come from public business data. A brand or service mention means the company names it in its listing or website; it is not a certification. Verify experience, licensing and insurance before hiring.
| Mention Kenmore | 0 |
|---|---|
| Rated 4.5 stars or higher (10+ reviews) | 27 |
| Three nearest companies, miles away | 0.3, 0.9, 1.9 |
| Open on Saturdays (per listing) | 42 |
| Companies within 30 miles | 60 |
| Show laundry appliance work | 15 |
First up for North Chicago: A Absolute Appliance Repair (8.7 miles away, based in Mundelein, 4.9 stars from 480 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Appliance Repair Stars (9.6 miles away, based in Highland Park, 4.9 stars from 152 reviews, lists Saturday hours); AMZ Appliance Repair (11.6 miles away, based in Buffalo Grove, 4.8 stars from 1,072 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Good Guys Appliance Repair (11.4 miles away, based in Deerfield, 4.9 stars from 107 reviews).
Kenmore Dryer Lines and Features
How Kenmore Dryers Are Built
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
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)
- 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)
Kenmore Dryer Error Codes
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| 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) |
| CL (Elite steam dryers) | Control Lock is on. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178) |
| tE1-tE7 (Elite steam dryers) | A temperature 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
- Dryer shuts off a few minutes into the cycle
- Drum turns but the air stays cool
- Cycles take two or three runs to finish
Inside a Dryer Repair Visit
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)
- 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
Price the repair before replacing a Kenmore dryer. Published ranges for common jobs:
- Thermal fuse repair: $80–$130 Source: Angi - How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Dryer?
- Heating element replacement: $150–$350 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
- 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?
- Typical dryer repair: $100–$200 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
- Service call fee (may be waived if the technician does the repair): $50–$80 per visit Source: Angi - How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Dryer?
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
- Whether the dryer is gas or electric
- Any error code on the display
- How long the vent run is and where it exits the house
Dryer Notes for North Chicago, IL
Most dryer calls in North Chicago 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.
Hiring a Dryer Repair Company in North Chicago
- If a part has to be ordered, how soon can you come back to finish?
- What is the service call or diagnostic fee, and is it applied to the repair?
- Will you check the vent and lint path as part of the visit?
Kenmore Dryer Repair FAQs: North Chicago, IL
Should I repair or replace my Kenmore dryer?
How do I find a technician who knows Kenmore dryers?
What should I do about a Kenmore error code?
More Laundry Repair in North Chicago, IL
Kenmore Dryer Repair Near North Chicago
Before you call, find the model and serial number on your Kenmore dryer's label, usually inside the door opening. A technician who knows the model can often tell you on the phone what the first visit will involve.