Kenmore owners in Bristol usually want two things from a repair company: experience with the brand and quick access to parts. The Bristol 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 Bristol
16 repair companies serve Bristol from within 30 miles. 3 of them are based in Bristol itself, and the rest are spread across Johnson City (4), Kingsport (3), and Elizabethton (1). 1 of them mentions Kenmore in their listing or website. Nearest on the list: American Appliance Inc, around 1.9 miles out. Across 16 rated companies, the average public rating is 4.2 stars.
Companies are shown by relevance and distance from Bristol. A mention does not mean manufacturer certification, so ask each company about its experience with your dryer.
| Distance to the three closest (mi) | 1.9, 2.5, 2.8 |
|---|---|
| List dryer or washer & dryer work | 5 |
| Companies within 30 miles | 16 |
| Listing Saturday hours | 5 |
| Rated 4.5 stars or higher (10+ reviews) | 6 |
| Mention Kenmore | 1 |
At the top of the Bristol list: Sears Appliance Repair (16.6 miles away, based in Kingsport, 4.5 stars from 174 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Mr. Appliance of the Tri-Cities (17.0 miles away, based in Gray, 4.5 stars from 1,004 reviews); Sears Appliance Repair (17.5 miles away, based in Johnson City, 4.4 stars from 277 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Sears Appliance Repair (16.4 miles away, based in Abingdon, 4.4 stars from 147 reviews, lists Saturday hours).
Know Your Kenmore Dryer
How Kenmore Dryers Are Built
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)
Kenmore Dryer Symptoms and First Checks
- Dryer not heating. Kenmore says to check for a tripped breaker or blown fuse and, on gas models, confirm the gas supply is on, noting an electric dryer can tumble without heat on a partial circuit. 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 |
|---|---|
| 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) |
| 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) |
| CL (Elite steam dryers) | Control Lock is on. 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
- Clothes still damp after a full cycle
- Dryer will not start when you press Start
- Cycles take two or three runs to finish
What Gets Fixed on a Bristol Dryer Call
Care Kenmore Recommends for Its Dryers
- 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.
Kenmore Dryer Repair Cost Ranges
Most Kenmore dryer repairs involve common parts and an hour or so of labor. For reference, published cost guides report:
- Igniter replacement (gas dryer): $100–$250 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
- Drive motor replacement: $250–$450 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?
- Typical dryer repair (most homeowners): $100–$430 Source: Angi - How Much Does Dryer Repair Cost?
- 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?
Replacement makes more sense once a dryer is about 10 years old or past half its expected lifespan. Source: Fixr - 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
Local Notes for Bristol
Most dryer calls in Bristol 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).
Hiring a Dryer Repair Company in Bristol
- How often do you repair Kenmore dryers, and do you carry common parts on the truck?
- What guarantee do you give on parts and labor?
- Can you look at the washer on the same visit if it is acting up too?
Kenmore Dryer Repair FAQs: Bristol, TN
Which Bristol technicians work on Kenmore?
What should I do about a Kenmore error code?
Do you work for Kenmore?
Should I repair or replace my Kenmore dryer?
More Laundry Repair in Bristol, TN
More Kenmore Dryer Repair Pages Nearby
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.