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.
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.
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 Portland
We found 17 appliance repair companies within 30 miles of Portland. 5 of them are based in Portland itself, and the rest are spread across Auburn (3), South Portland (1), and Scarborough (1). The closest is Appliance Repair Portland ME, about 1.1 miles away. 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. Rated companies nearby average 4.2 stars across 17 businesses.
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.
| Rated 4.5 stars or higher (10+ reviews) | 9 |
|---|---|
| Repair companies inside 30 miles | 17 |
| Show laundry appliance work | 4 |
| Distance to the three closest (mi) | 1.1, 1.8, 2.6 |
| Open on Saturdays (per listing) | 8 |
| Mention Kenmore | 0 |
First up for Portland: Sears Appliance Repair (67.3 miles away, based in Newburyport, 4.6 stars from 321 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Agren (3.8 miles away, based in South Portland, 4.8 stars from 2,172 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Agren (23.3 miles away, based in Topsham, 4.9 stars from 2,165 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Appliance Advantage (23.4 miles away, based in Kennebunk, 4.7 stars from 641 reviews, lists Saturday hours).
Kenmore Dryer Features Technicians Work On
What Makes Kenmore Dryer Repairs Different
Accela Steam dryers connect directly to the household water supply, so the inlet hose and water pressure (20 to 120 psi) become part of a steam-dryer service check. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178)
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
Common Kenmore Dryer Problems
- 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)
- Clothes wrinkled after drying. Kenmore says to remove clothes promptly, avoid overloading, and use Wrinkle Guard or a short touch-up cycle. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178)
Reading a Kenmore Dryer Error Code
| 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) |
| 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) |
| 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) |
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
Signs Your Kenmore Dryer Needs a Technician
- Drum turns but the air stays cool
- Dryer will not start when you press Start
- Outside of the cabinet gets unusually hot
Inside a Dryer Repair Visit
Owner Care for Kenmore 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)
- 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.
Budgeting for a Kenmore Dryer Repair
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?
- Igniter replacement (gas dryer): $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?
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.
What to Have Ready for a Kenmore Dryer Call
- Whether the dryer is gas or electric
- 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
What Portland Owners Should Know
Most dryer calls in Portland 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.
Maine has no general appliance repair license, but installing or servicing propane and natural gas appliances requires a Maine Fuel Board propane and natural gas technician license with an appliance connection and service authorization. Source: Maine Fuel Board - Licensing - Individual Licenses (Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation)
The Maine Fuel Board licenses propane and natural gas technicians, who install, repair and service gas equipment under specific authorizations, including appliance connection and service and large equipment connection and service. Source: Maine Revised Statutes Title 32, ยง18135: Propane and natural gas technician
Hiring a Dryer Repair Company in Portland
- Will you check the vent and lint path as part of the visit?
- Can you look at the washer on the same visit if it is acting up too?
- What is the service call or diagnostic fee, and is it applied to the repair?
Kenmore Dryer Repair FAQs: Portland, ME
What should I do about a Kenmore error code?
Why is my dryer running but not heating?
How do I find a technician who knows Kenmore dryers?
Why does my dryer take so long to dry?
More Laundry Repair in Portland, ME
Kenmore Dryer Repair Near Portland
Write down any error code your Kenmore dryer shows and when it appears. It helps a Portland technician bring the right parts.