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.
This is an independent directory. We are not affiliated with Kenmore, and the technicians listed are independent repair companies, not the manufacturer.
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 Boston
We found 40 appliance repair companies within 30 miles of Boston. 12 of them are based in Boston itself, and other nearby bases include Cambridge (6), West Roxbury (4), and Brookline (3). None of the companies within 30 miles mention Kenmore by name, so we include matching companies from a longer drive plus the nearest appliance repair companies. The closest is Yale Appliance, about 2.0 miles away. Across 30 rated companies, the average public rating is 4.7 stars.
Companies are shown by relevance and distance from Boston. A mention does not mean manufacturer certification, so ask each company about its experience with your dryer.
| With 4.5+ stars and at least 10 reviews | 26 |
|---|---|
| Distance to the three closest (mi) | 2.0, 2.1, 2.1 |
| Show laundry appliance work | 13 |
| Mention Kenmore | 0 |
| Listing Saturday hours | 45 |
| Companies within 30 miles | 60 |
The leading options for Boston are Sears Appliance Repair (35.8 miles away, based in Newburyport, 4.6 stars from 321 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Yale Appliance (2.0 miles away, based in Dorchester, 4.9 stars from 6,248 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Sears Appliance Repair (3.4 miles away, based in Cambridge, 4.5 stars from 604 reviews, lists Saturday hours); UltraFix Appliance Repair (5.7 miles away, based in Cambridge, 4.8 stars from 1,527 reviews, lists Saturday hours).
Kenmore Dryer Lines and Features
How Kenmore Dryers Are Built
Kenmore's Check Vent sensor alerts the owner when the dryer is not moving enough air to the outside. Source: Kenmore - Laundry List: Kenmore Dryer Buying Guide
On Kenmore Elite steam dryers, the display reports ductwork restriction in steps (d80, d90, d95) and a blinking CHECK VENT, which the guide says is an exhaust problem rather than a dryer failure. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178)
Kenmore Dryer Symptoms and First Checks
- Dryer won't start. Kenmore says to confirm the cord is fully plugged into a grounded outlet and the breaker is intact, and to turn off Control Lock if buttons beep but nothing happens. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178)
- Dryer vibrating or noisy. Kenmore says to level the dryer on its four feet without extending them more than needed and keep at least an inch of clearance at the sides and back. 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) |
| 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) |
| CHECK FILTER (Elite steam dryers) | A reminder to clean the lint filter before the load. 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
When to Call for Kenmore Dryer Repair
- Dryer shuts off a few minutes into the cycle
- Squealing, thumping or grinding while it runs
- Cycles take two or three runs to finish
What a Dryer Repair Technician Checks
Care Kenmore Recommends for Its 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)
- 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)
Brand guides: Kenmore Dryer Not Heating: Causes and Fixes.
Kenmore Dryer Repair Cost Ranges
A Kenmore dryer repair usually costs about the same as any other brand for the same part. Published ranges:
- Thermal fuse repair: $80–$130 Source: Angi - How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Dryer?
- Drive motor replacement: $250–$450 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: $100–$200 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
- Appliance technician diagnosis, washer (usually waived if hired for the repair): $50–$100 per visit Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a washing machine?
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.
Before the Technician Arrives
- How long the vent run is and where it exits the house
- Whether the dryer is gas or electric
- The brand, model and serial number from the label inside the door or on the back panel
Dryer Notes for Boston, MA
Gas dryers in Boston are typically served by National Grid (Boston Gas Company). If you ever smell gas near the dryer, leave the house and call the gas utility from outside before calling a repair company. Source: National Grid Gas Cities and Towns list (Mass.gov)
Massachusetts does not issue a separate appliance repair license; running fuel gas piping to appliances and installing their vent piping is gas fitting work that requires a license from the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters. Source: Plumbers and gas fitters consumer fact sheet (Mass.gov)
In Massachusetts, you can check a license with the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure eLIPSE license verification portal or report a problem to the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, Consumer Advocacy and Response Division.
Questions to Ask a Boston Technician
- Can you give a written estimate before ordering parts?
- Do you work on gas dryers, and who handles anything involving the gas line?
- What is the service call or diagnostic fee, and is it applied to the repair?
Kenmore Dryer Repair FAQs: Boston, MA
Should I repair or replace my Kenmore dryer?
Why is my dryer running but not heating?
Why do my clothes come out damp?
Related Repair Pages for Boston
Kenmore Dryer Repair Near Boston
Write down any error code your Kenmore dryer shows and when it appears. It helps a Boston technician bring the right parts.