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. Below are independent repair companies serving Forest Acres, 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.
Kenmore dryers were made for Sears by several manufacturers over the years, so the model number matters more than the badge. Independent technicians can look up the parts from it.
Kenmore Dryer Repair Near Forest Acres
We found 28 appliance repair companies within 30 miles of Forest Acres. The rest are spread across Columbia (16), Lexington (3), and West Columbia (2). The closest is Sears Appliance Repair, about 2.4 miles away. 1 lists Kenmore specifically. Across 24 rated companies, the average public rating is 4.3 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.
| Three nearest companies, miles away | 2.4, 2.6, 2.9 |
|---|---|
| Listing Saturday hours | 15 |
| Show laundry appliance work | 11 |
| Rated 4.5 stars or higher (10+ reviews) | 11 |
| Mention Kenmore | 1 |
| Companies within 30 miles | 28 |
At the top of the Forest Acres list: Sears Appliance Repair (21.8 miles away, based in Lugoff, 4.3 stars from 46 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Appliance Professional (11.5 miles away, based in Lexington, 4.8 stars from 1,369 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Expo Appliance Service (11.8 miles away, based in West Columbia, 4.9 stars from 309 reviews); Sloan Appliance Service Inc. (6.3 miles away, based in Cayce, 4.7 stars from 2,353 reviews).
Kenmore Dryer Lines and Features
What Makes Kenmore Dryer Repairs Different
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
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
What Kenmore Says to Check First
- 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)
- 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)
What Kenmore Dryer Codes Mean
| 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) |
| 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) |
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
- Burning or hot smell during a cycle
- Outside of the cabinet gets unusually hot
- Dryer will not start when you press Start
What a Dryer Repair Technician Checks
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.
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?
- Control board (part only): $90–$280 Source: Angi - How Much Does Dryer Repair Cost?
- Heating element replacement: $150–$350 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
- Drum belt replacement: $150–$250 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?
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.
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 Forest Acres, SC
Most dryer calls in Forest Acres 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.
South Carolina does not issue a license specific to appliance repair; mechanical work such as plumbing, heating, air conditioning and refrigeration is licensed by the Contractor's Licensing Board for commercial-scale jobs and by the Residential Builders Commission for residential HVAC and plumbing. Source: S.C. Code Title 40, Chapter 11 (Contractors), South Carolina Legislature
In South Carolina, you can check a license with the SC LLR License Lookup or report a problem to the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs.
Before You Book in Forest Acres
- Will you check the vent and lint path as part of the visit?
- Do you work on gas dryers, and who handles anything involving the gas line?
- Can you give a written estimate before ordering parts?
Kenmore Dryer Repair FAQs: Forest Acres, SC
Why do my clothes come out damp?
Is my Kenmore dryer worth repairing?
Which Forest Acres technicians work on Kenmore?
Other Dryer Repair in Forest Acres
Kenmore Dryer Repair in Nearby Cities
Clean the lint screen, check the vent hood outside and note the model number before calling. It rules out the simple causes and speeds up a Kenmore repair.