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. The Athens list starts with companies that name Kenmore, followed by other appliance repair companies that list dryer work.
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 Athens
40 repair companies serve Athens from within 60 miles. Other nearby bases include Chattanooga (7), Cleveland (6), and Knoxville (6). The farthest listed company is about 45 miles out. Kitchen Technician LLC is the nearest, roughly 17.5 miles from Athens. None of the repair companies near Athens name Kenmore in their listings, so we show the closest appliance repair companies. Ask each one about your model before booking. Across 40 rated companies, the average public rating is 4.3 stars. Athens is a smaller market, so expect a longer drive and ask whether a trip charge applies.
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.
| With 4.5+ stars and at least 10 reviews | 28 |
|---|---|
| Show laundry appliance work | 19 |
| Companies within 60 miles | 60 |
| Mention Kenmore | 0 |
| Listing Saturday hours | 30 |
| Distance to the three closest (mi) | 17.5, 18.9, 24.0 |
The leading options for Athens are Mr. Appliance of Chattanooga (43.0 miles away, based in Chattanooga, 4.7 stars from 1,103 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Expert Services Appliance Heating & Air LLC (35.3 miles away, based in Collegedale, 4.7 stars from 463 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Mr. Appliance of Knoxville (43.7 miles away, based in Knoxville, 4.6 stars from 1,973 reviews); Ultimate Appliance, Heat & Air (26.3 miles away, based in Georgetown, 5.0 stars from 6 reviews, lists Saturday hours).
Kenmore Dryer Features Technicians Work On
How Kenmore Dryers Are Built
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 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
Common Kenmore Dryer Problems
- 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)
- 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)
Reading a Kenmore Dryer Error Code
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| 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) |
| PS (Elite steam dryers) | The power cord on an electric model is wired incorrectly; check the neutral on the center terminal. 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
- Cycles take two or three runs to finish
- Squealing, thumping or grinding while it runs
- Burning or hot smell during a cycle
What Gets Fixed on a Athens Dryer Call
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)
- 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.
What Kenmore Dryer Repairs Cost
Most Kenmore dryer repairs involve common parts and an hour or so of labor. For reference, published cost guides report:
- Heating element replacement: $150–$350 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?
- Drum roller replacement: $100–$150 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?
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
- How long the vent run is and where it exits the house
- The brand, model and serial number from the label inside the door or on the back panel
- What happens when you press Start (no response, hum, runs with no heat, stops early)
Around Athens
Most dryer calls in Athens 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.
Tennessee's Board for Licensing Contractors does not list an appliance repair license among the licenses it issues (general contractor, home improvement, limited licensed electrician and limited licensed plumber). Source: TN Board for Licensing Contractors
In Tennessee, you can check a license with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance: Verify a License or report a problem to the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs (Office of the Attorney General).
Before You Book in Athens
- Do you work on gas dryers, and who handles anything involving the gas line?
- If a part has to be ordered, how soon can you come back to finish?
- Can you give a written estimate before ordering parts?
Kenmore Dryer Repair FAQs: Athens, TN
Is this Kenmore customer service?
How do I find a technician who knows Kenmore dryers?
Why does my Kenmore dryer show an error code?
Other Dryer Repair in Athens
Kenmore Dryer Repair Near Athens
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.