What is the average life of a Kenmore dryer?
A Kenmore dryer like model 11078532700 typically lasts 10 to 13 years with normal household use. Regular airflow maintenance (lint screen and venting) and replacing common wear items on time can push real-world life closer to the high end.
Most dryers fail early because of heat and airflow stress, not because the cabinet or drum “wears out.” These factors have the biggest impact:
- Cleaning the lint screen every load and keeping the exhaust vent clear
- Avoiding chronic overloading (extra strain on the drum belt, idler pulley, and motor)
- Using the right cycle and heat setting for the fabric load
- Fixing squealing, thumping, or slow drying quickly (small wear issues become big ones)
- Keeping the dryer level and properly vented per the installation guide
On Kenmore dryers in this style, these parts commonly wear before the dryer itself is “done.” Replacing them can restore performance and extend service life:
- Dryer drum belt 341241 (drum stops turning or slips)
- Dryer idler pulley (squeal, belt wear)
- Drive motor (hums, won’t start, intermittent running)
- Operating thermostat and high-limit thermostat (overheating, cycling issues)
- Blower wheel (poor airflow, rumbling)
| Usage pattern | Typical life | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Light (few loads/week) | 13+ years | Belt noise, vent buildup |
| Average (most households) | 10 to 13 years | Longer dry times, heat cycling |
| Heavy (daily loads) | 7 to 10 years | Motor strain, pulley/belt wear |
A dryer that takes longer to dry usually runs hotter and longer, which accelerates wear on the motor, thermostats, and belt system. Keeping airflow strong is the simplest way to protect the heating system and extend the life of your Kenmore 11078532700.
For model-specific use and care steps, follow the 11078532700 owner’s manual.
Last updated: January 2026
Is there a way to reset a Kenmore dryer?
Yes. For the Kenmore dryer model 11078532700, the most reliable reset is a power reset: unplug the dryer (or switch the breaker off) for about 5 minutes, then restore power and start a cycle again. This clears many temporary control and cycle issues.
- Turn the Cycle Selector to OFF.
- Unplug the dryer (or turn both dryer breakers off if it is electric).
- Wait 5 minutes.
- Restore power.
- Select a cycle and temperature.
- Press PUSH TO START.
For model-specific start and stop steps, follow the 11078532700 owner's manual.
A reset helps only if the issue is temporary. If the dryer still will not run, these checks are the most common next steps:
- Confirm the door is fully closed; a failed door switch can prevent starting.
- Make sure a cycle is actually selected (some dial positions will not start).
- Check house power: many electric dryers use two fuses or breakers.
- Press the Start button firmly.
- If it is a gas dryer, confirm the gas shutoff valve is open.
| What you see | What to check first | Common related part |
|---|---|---|
| Nothing happens when you press Start | Door closed, cycle selected, power at outlet/breakers | Dryer door switch WP3406107 |
| Drum turns but no heat | Two breakers/fuses, gas valve open (gas models) | Dryer operating thermostat WP3387134 |
| Clicking on a gas dryer | Often normal gas valve operation | Dryer valve coil kit 279834 |
Resetting restores normal operation after a brief power glitch or control confusion, but it will not fix a failed component (like a door switch, thermostat, or gas valve coils). Using the correct checks helps you avoid repeat no-start problems.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the cubic foot of my Kenmore dryer model 11078532700?
The exact cubic-foot drum capacity for Kenmore dryer model 11078532700 is listed in the specifications section of the 11078532700 owner's manual. Most full-size Kenmore 110-series dryers are in the 6.0 to 7.0 cu. ft. range, but the manual gives the definitive number for your unit.
Use these quick checks to get the precise spec for your dryer.
- Open the 11078532700 owner's manual and look for “Specifications” or “Product dimensions/capacity”
- Check the model and serial label (top inside the dryer door well); it confirms you are matching the correct model
- If the manual lists multiple variants, match by fuel type (gas vs. electric) and door style
- Use the capacity spec when comparing replacement parts or planning laundry load sizes
These ranges help you estimate load size while you confirm the exact spec in the manual.
| Dryer type | Typical drum capacity | What it usually handles |
|---|---|---|
| Compact | 3.4 to 4.4 cu. ft. | Small loads, apartments |
| Full-size | 6.0 to 7.0 cu. ft. | Family loads, towels |
| Oversize | 7.2+ cu. ft. | Large bedding, bulky items |
Drum capacity affects how well air moves through the load. Overfilling reduces airflow, increases dry time, and can add strain to rotating parts.
- Clean the lint screen before every load and make sure it seats fully (see dryer lint screen W11778253 if yours is damaged)
- Keep the exhaust vent clear and not crushed behind the dryer
- Avoid packing the drum tight; leave room for tumbling
- If the drum slips or stops turning, inspect wear items like the dryer drum belt 341241
Last updated: January 2026
What is the OEM part number 279838?
OEM part number 279838 is commonly used to identify an electric dryer heating element, but Kenmore 11078532700 is a gas dryer (it uses an igniter, gas valve, and burner assembly instead of an electric heater). Use the model’s parts diagram in the 11078532700 owner's manual to match the correct heat-system parts.
Electric dryers create heat with a heating element; gas dryers create heat by igniting gas in a burner tube.
For Kenmore 11078532700, heat is produced by gas components such as:
- Igniter that lights the gas
- Gas valve that opens to feed gas
- Radiant sensor that confirms ignition
- Thermostats that regulate temperature
These parts are listed for Kenmore 11078532700 and are common causes of “runs but no heat” on gas dryers:
- Igniter 279311 (burner igniter kit)
- Dryer valve coil kit 279834 (gas valve coils)
- Dryer radiant sensor WP338906 (flame sensor)
- Dryer gas valve WP8318277 (valve body)
- Dryer high-limit thermostat W11050897 (thermal cut-off fuse kit)
| Symptom on 11078532700 | Most likely area to check | Example part listed for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Tumbles, no heat, no flame | Ignition system | Igniter 279311 |
| Heats briefly, then stops | Gas valve coils | Dryer valve coil kit 279834 |
| No ignition even with glowing igniter | Sensor or valve | Dryer radiant sensor WP338906 |
| Overheats or shuts down | Safety thermostat/fuse | Dryer high-limit thermostat W11050897 |
Ordering an electric heating element like 279838 for a gas dryer delays the repair. Matching parts to Kenmore 11078532700 keeps the burner system safe, restores normal drying, and prevents repeat no-heat problems.
Last updated: January 2026





