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 Ellicott City, with those that mention Kenmore first, then the nearest dryer repair companies.
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.
If you bought your Kenmore at Sears, you do not need to go back to Sears for a repair. Independent technicians near Ellicott City work on Kenmore dryers every week.
Kenmore Dryer Repair Near Ellicott City
40 repair companies serve Ellicott City from within 30 miles. 1 of them are based in Ellicott City itself, and the rest are spread across Baltimore (14), Columbia (6), and Randallstown (3). Distances run up to about 12 miles. Nearest on the list: Mr. Appliance of Howard County, around 1.0 miles out. None of the repair companies near Ellicott City 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 4.6 stars across 34 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.
| With 4.5+ stars and at least 10 reviews | 24 |
|---|---|
| List dryer or washer & dryer work | 11 |
| Open on Saturdays (per listing) | 43 |
| Companies within 30 miles | 60 |
| Mention Kenmore | 0 |
| Distance to the three closest (mi) | 1.0, 3.6, 4.1 |
The leading options for Ellicott City are Mr. Appliance of Howard County (1.0 miles away, 4.7 stars from 1,049 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Dexterous Appliance Repair (9.8 miles away, based in Fulton, 4.9 stars from 319 reviews); NT Appliances Repair Service (7.6 miles away, based in Randallstown, 4.9 stars from 83 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Fix Appliance Baltimore County (12.3 miles away, based in Reisterstown, 5.0 stars from 153 reviews, lists Saturday hours).
Know Your Kenmore Dryer
What Makes Kenmore Dryer Repairs Different
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)
Common Kenmore Dryer Problems
- 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)
- 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)
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) |
| 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) |
| 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) |
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
- Outside of the cabinet gets unusually hot
- Dryer shuts off a few minutes into the cycle
- Drum turns but the air stays cool
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)
- 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
Price the repair before replacing a Kenmore dryer. Published ranges for common jobs:
- Drum bearing replacement: $100–$250 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
- Thermostat replacement: $100–$260 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
- Thermal fuse repair: $80–$130 Source: Angi - 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?
- Typical dryer repair: $100–$200 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.
Before the Technician Arrives
- How long the vent run is and where it exits the house
- Whether the dryer is gas or electric
- What happens when you press Start (no response, hum, runs with no heat, stops early)
Around Ellicott City
Most dryer calls in Ellicott City 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.
Maryland does not issue a separate appliance repair license; the Maryland Board of Plumbing licenses plumbers, natural gas fitters and propane gas fitters, whose trades cover gas connections. Source: License Requirements - Maryland Board of Plumbing (Maryland Department of Labor)
The Maryland Board of Plumbing issues master, journey and apprentice natural gas fitter licenses and a propane gas fitter certificate, and recognizes certain Baltimore County and WSSC gas fitter licenses. Source: Md. Code, Business Occupations and Professions ยง 12-302 (Maryland General Assembly)
Hiring a Dryer Repair Company in Ellicott City
- Can you give a written estimate before ordering parts?
- How often do you repair Kenmore dryers, and do you carry common parts on the truck?
- Will you check the vent and lint path as part of the visit?
Kenmore Dryer Repair FAQs: Ellicott City, MD
Do you work for Kenmore?
How do I find a technician who knows Kenmore dryers?
Why is my dryer running but not heating?
Related Repair Pages for Ellicott City
Kenmore Dryer Repair in Nearby Cities
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.