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.
Independent Kenmore Dryer Technicians, Durham NC
Our data shows 40 appliance repair companies inside a 30-mile radius of Durham. 13 of them are based in Durham itself, and the rest are spread across Raleigh (15), Cary (6), and Wake Forest (2). The farthest listed company is about 21 miles out. No company within 30 miles of Durham names Kenmore in its listing, so the list adds matches from farther out and the closest appliance repair companies. Nearest on the list: Durham Trusted Appliance Repair, around 1.1 miles out. Across 38 rated companies, the average public rating is 4.4 stars.
Companies are shown by relevance and distance from Durham. A mention does not mean manufacturer certification, so ask each company about its experience with your dryer.
| Show laundry appliance work | 14 |
|---|---|
| With 4.5+ stars and at least 10 reviews | 26 |
| Three nearest companies, miles away | 1.1, 2.2, 2.3 |
| Open on Saturdays (per listing) | 35 |
| Companies within 30 miles | 60 |
| Mention Kenmore | 0 |
Closest matches for Durham: Sears Appliance Repair (48.7 miles away, based in Dunn, 4.6 stars from 128 reviews, lists Saturday hours); AMC Appliance Repair- Durham, North Carolina (5.4 miles away, 5.0 stars from 139 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Sears Appliance Repair (2.9 miles away, 4.5 stars from 385 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Mr. Appliance of Cary (16.0 miles away, based in Cary, 4.9 stars from 1,970 reviews, lists Saturday hours).
Know Your Kenmore Dryer
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 Dryer Symptoms and First Checks
- 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)
- 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)
Kenmore Dryer Error Codes
| 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) |
| 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) |
| 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) |
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
Kenmore Dryer Problems Worth a Service Call
- Dryer shuts off a few minutes into the cycle
- Dryer will not start when you press Start
- Squealing, thumping or grinding while it runs
What Gets Fixed on a Durham Dryer Call
Care Kenmore Recommends for Its Dryers
- 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)
- 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.
Budgeting for a Kenmore Dryer Repair
Price the repair before replacing a Kenmore dryer. Published ranges for common jobs:
- Timer replacement: $150–$300 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?
- Gas valve coil replacement (gas dryer): $150–$300 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
- Technician service / diagnostic fee, dryer: $50–$80 per visit Source: Fixr - 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.
What to Have Ready for a Kenmore Dryer Call
- Whether the dryer is gas or electric
- The brand, model and serial number from the label inside the door or on the back panel
- How long the vent run is and where it exits the house
What Durham Owners Should Know
Most dryer calls in Durham 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.
North Carolina has no license specific to appliance repair; work on gas appliances, fuel piping and heating equipment is regulated by the State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors, with an exemption for minor repairs that don't change fuel type, venting or piping. Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 87-21 (NC General Assembly)
Gas and fuel piping installation requires a plumbing or heating license, or a restricted fuel piping license, issued by the State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors. Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 87-21 (NC General Assembly)
Questions to Ask a Durham Technician
- What is the service call or diagnostic fee, and is it applied to the repair?
- Can you look at the washer on the same visit if it is acting up too?
- Will you check the vent and lint path as part of the visit?
Kenmore Dryer Repair FAQs: Durham, NC
Is this Kenmore customer service?
Why does my dryer take so long to dry?
Should I repair or replace my Kenmore dryer?
Other Dryer Repair in Durham
Kenmore Dryer Repair Near Durham
Write down any error code your Kenmore dryer shows and when it appears. It helps a Durham technician bring the right parts.