What is the average life of a Kenmore dryer?
A Kenmore dryer typically lasts 10 to 13 years. With consistent care (especially lint and vent cleaning) and timely replacement of wear items, many dryers run 15 years or longer. For model 11078632700, follow the maintenance steps in the 11078632700 owner’s manual.
What affects dryer lifespan most
- Airflow and venting: restricted exhaust overheats components and shortens life.
- Load size: frequent overloading strains the drive motor, drum support, and belt.
- Heat system stress (gas models): ignition and cycling parts wear faster with poor airflow.
- Routine cleaning: lint buildup increases heat and run time.
- Wear parts replaced on time: small parts prevent bigger failures.
Maintenance checklist that adds years
- Clean the lint screen every load; replace it if torn or warped (see dryer lint screen W11778253).
- Inspect and clean the exhaust duct periodically; keep the run short and free of kinks.
- Keep the area behind the dryer clear; most installs need about 5 inches of clearance for venting (typical guidance from installation requirements).
- Listen for squealing or thumping; address it early with common wear parts.
- Avoid drying heavy, soaking-wet items repeatedly; spin them well first.
Common wear parts and what they usually mean
| Symptom | Likely wear area | Example part for 11078632700 |
|---|---|---|
| Drum not turning, motor runs | Belt or idler pulley | Dryer Drum Belt (341241) or Dryer Idler Pulley (WP691366) |
| Door won’t start cycle | Door switch or latch/strike | Dryer Door Switch (WP3406107) or Strike (279570) |
| Runs but no heat (gas) | Ignition or gas valve coils | Igniter (279311) or Dryer Gas Valve Coil Kit (279834) |
Why it matters
A dryer that takes longer to dry is not just inconvenient; longer run times increase heat exposure and wear on the thermostat, motor, and drum support system. Good airflow and timely part replacement are the fastest ways to extend service life.
Last updated: January 2026
Is there a way to reset a Kenmore dryer?
Yes. To reset your Kenmore dryer model 11078632700, disconnect power for about 5 minutes, then restore power and start a new cycle. This clears many temporary control glitches and is the first step we recommend before deeper troubleshooting.
Reset steps for Kenmore 11078632700
- Turn the Cycle Selector to an Off area.
- Unplug the dryer (or switch the breaker off).
- Wait 5 minutes.
- Restore power.
- Close the door firmly.
- Select a cycle (move the dial past Off if needed).
- Press PUSH TO START.
For model-specific operating details and control settings, use the 11078632700 owner's manual.
If it still will not start after a reset
These checks match common “won’t run” causes for this Kenmore dryer:
- Door not fully closed: the dryer will not run if the door switch is not engaged.
- Start not pressed firmly: press and hold briefly.
- No cycle selected: confirm the timer is set to a cycle, not sitting in an Off area.
- Power issue: many dryers use two fuses or two breakers; check both.
- Wrinkle Guard position: some timer positions will not start until you move the dial forward.
If the door feels loose or the dryer starts only when you push on the door, the dryer door switch WP3406107 is a common fix.
Quick “reset vs. restart” comparison
| Action | What it does | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Power reset (unplug 5 minutes) | Clears a temporary control or timer glitch | After a stall, odd behavior, or no-start with no obvious cause |
| Restart cycle | Stops and starts a new cycle selection | When you opened the door mid-cycle or want different settings |
Why it matters
A reset is fast and safe, and it helps you avoid replacing parts like a timer or control board when the issue is simply a temporary interruption or an incomplete start sequence.
Last updated: January 2026
How much does it cost to replace a heating element in a Kenmore dryer?
For a Kenmore dryer like model 11078632700, replacing a heating element typically costs $20 to $100 for the part, and $100 to $350+ total if you hire a technician (part plus labor). Exact pricing depends on whether your dryer is electric or gas and what else is worn.
Typical cost breakdown
- Heating element (electric dryers): usually $20 to $100
- Labor (service call + install): commonly $80 to $250+
- Extra parts (sometimes needed): thermal fuse, high-limit thermostat, wiring terminals
- DIY cost: usually just the part (plus basic tools)
- Pro repair cost: part + labor + diagnostic fee (varies by area)
Electric vs. gas: what you may actually be replacing
Kenmore 11078632700 is commonly a gas dryer, so “no heat” repairs often involve ignition and safety parts instead of an electric heating element.
| Dryer type | Heat source part | Common “no heat” parts to check |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | Heating element | Thermal cut-off, high-limit thermostat |
| Gas | Burner/ignition system | Gas valve coils, igniter, radiant sensor |
If your dryer runs but does not heat, gas models frequently need the dryer gas valve coil kit 279834 or the igniter 279311 rather than a heating element.
How to keep the repair cost down
- Confirm whether your dryer is gas or electric before ordering parts.
- Clean the lint screen and make sure airflow is strong; restricted venting can mimic a heat failure.
- If you are paying for labor, ask the technician to test the full heat circuit (thermostats, fuses, and heat source) before replacing parts.
- Use the troubleshooting steps in the 11078632700 owner’s manual to rule out simple power and operating issues.
Why it matters
Replacing the wrong heat-related part is the fastest way to waste money. Matching the repair to your dryer’s heat system (electric element vs. gas ignition) helps you fix “no heat” correctly the first time.
Last updated: January 2026





