Is your Samsung dryer flashing an hE or hC error code? Does it feel hot to touch?
Unplug it, let it cool down for a while, and read on as we walk you through what this error code means and how to resolve it.
What does the hE/ hC error code on a Samsung dryer mean?
An hE/ hC error is a heating issue that means the dryer is overheating, either because your drying cycle is taking longer than usual or there’s a problem with its heating element.
A clogged lint filter and vent system is the most common cause. To fix this, clean both.
Moreover, troubleshooting the heating element may depend on what type of dryer you use. To know more about this, keep reading below.
Causes of the hE/ hC Error Code on a Samsung Dryer and How to Fix Them
Your dryer is no stranger to high temperatures. It uses heating elements to remove the water from your laundry load.
But when your dryer detects longer drying times, it will send out a heating error code to warn you of overheating.
The cause of this heating problem sometimes depends on the type of dryer. We made it easy for you to figure out the issue by categorizing the possible reasons below.
| Type of Dryer | Causes | Troubleshooting |
| Electric, Gas | Long Drying Time | Unplug the dryer for two to three minutes before powering it back on. If the error persists, try other troubleshooting methods below. |
| Electric, Gas | Clogged Lint Filter and Vent System | Clean the dryer’s lint filter with cold water and no soap. Dry it thoroughly before reinstalling it. Disconnect the vent pipe from the dryer and clean the lint and debris buildup in the area. |
| Gas | Damaged Gas Valve | Unplug the dryer and ensure that the gas supply cut-off valve is fully open. Check for any loose or damaged wiring near the gas valve. Otherwise, call a technician to check on the gas valve. |
| Electric | Damaged Heating Element | Unplug the dryer and check for loose or damaged wiring around the heating element. Check for damage to the heating element itself. If this process is too complicated for you, call a technician. |
| Electric | Voltage Issue | Inspect your home’s circuit breakers for anything that might have tripped. If your dryer is plugged into an extension cord, move the plug into a separate power circuit. If the error persists but the dryer isn’t heating up at all, call an electrician. |
| Electric, Gas | Faulty Thermistors | Unplug the dryer and uninstall the thermistor. Call a professional if you need assistance. Run a resistance and continuity test on the thermistor using a multimeter. If the result is higher than 10,000 ohms, replace the thermistor. |
| Electric, Gas | Dryer Fan Defect | Unplug your dryer and dismantle the fan below the dryer’s belt. This will require disassembling most of your dryer’s parts, so you might need to call a professional for assistance. Check if the fan is rotating smoothly. Clean it thoroughly to remove dust buildup. If the fan continues to work properly but you get the same error, the problem lies in the dryer’s motor system. Take it to a service center for replacement. |
| Electric, Gas | Worn Out Gasket | This will require removing the drum from your dryer. If you’re not handy with tools, call a professional. Unplug the dryer and inspect the felt seal around the drum’s opening. Check for wear and tear, and replace if needed. |
A heating error can get overwhelming, but we’re here to help you understand it better for you to prevent it from appearing in the future.
Read on to find more details about why these issues occur and how you can address them.
Long Drying Time
Since your dryer regulates temperature, it sets an average drying time to ensure the machine overheats. When your dryer exceeds this limit, it sends a heating error as a warning.
Longer drying times can be a result of the succeeding causes listed in this article, but sometimes, this issue doesn’t need any fix beyond a good, ol’ restarting.
This is also the first thing you should do before trying any technical troubleshooting.
Solution: Unplug your dryer and let it cool down for 2 to 3 minutes.
If the error persists, move on to any of the troubleshooting methods below.
Clogged Lint Filter and Vent System
During each drying cycle, moisture leaves your clothes and passes through the dryer’s lint filter and exhaust vent. When either of these is blocked by dust buildup, it traps the moisture inside the drum.
When your dryer detects this trapped moisture, it will naturally work harder to air it out, leading to a longer drying cycle.
Moreover, the lint filter and vent system are susceptible to residue and debris buildup, so we recommend regularly cleaning them.
The vent system can be cleaned out once or twice a year, but the lint filter needs more attention. Check for trapped moisture on it before or after every cycle.
Solution: Take out the lint filter from inside the drum and clean it with cold water and no soap.
Dry it thoroughly before putting it back. The dryer might pick up water and soap residue as moisture and force itself to overdry.
Disconnect the vent pipe from the dryer and clean the area.
Damaged Gas Valve on Gas-powered Dryers
Gas-powered dryers use a gas valve to produce the necessary heating temperature for drying cycles.
Remember that the gas supply shut-off valve should be fully open for the valve to be able to provide heat for the dryer.
Damage to the valve itself or the wiring surrounding it can be extremely dangerous if left unresolved.
If you don’t know how to work your way around gas valves, call a professional for safety.
Solution: Unplug your dryer and inspect the gas supply shut-off valve for any damage. Check if it opens and shuts securely.
Check for any loose or damaged wires connected directly to the gas valve. If there aren’t any, call for gas service.
Damaged Gas Valve for Electric-powered Dryers
Electric dryers use an electric alternative as their heating element. This heating element is responsible for heating up the drum as the cycle starts.
When it gets damaged, it will continue to produce heat past the regular temperature your dryer requires, which leads to overheating.
Troubleshooting may not be as sensitive as inspecting a gas valve, but it still requires handy prowess. If you’re not inclined to use tools, call a professional as this will involve disassembling most of your dryer’s parts.
Solution: Unplug the dryer and check for any loose or damaged wiring connected to the heating element.
Check also for any damage to the heating element itself. Troubleshoot the heating element using a multimeter to check continuity in the heating element’s terminals.
If there’s no continuity, replace the heating element.
Voltage Issue on Electric Dryers
Sometimes your dryer reads a voltage issue as a heating error. This happens when your dryer fails to heat up because of a shortage in the required voltage level (240V).
This could also happen when you experience a power outage or if your home’s circuit breaker is tripped.
Solution: Check your circuit breakers for tripped wirings.
Inspect your dryer’s plug for damages or loose connections. If your dryer is plugged into an extension cord, move it to a power circuit.
If the error persists despite your dryer not heating up at all, call an electrician.
Faulty Thermistor
Your dryer’s thermistor is responsible for regulating the temperature inside the dryer and sending a signal if the drum is getting just enough heat.
The thermistor is generally sensitive to high temperatures. When it gets faulty, it can report abnormal temperature fluctuations — or worse, it wouldn’t be able to pick up if your dryer is heating past average drying temperatures.
Troubleshooting requires you to remove the dryer’s drum and inspect wirings near the heating element, so call for professional help if you’re not handy with tools.
Solution: Unplug your dryer and uninstall the thermistor.
Run a resistance and continuity test on it using a multimeter. If the result is over 10,000 ohms, replace the thermistor.
Additionally, avoid overloading your laundry in one cycle. Only fill up the drum ¾ of the way.
More laundry to dry in a single cycle will force your dryer to produce higher temperatures for longer durations, which can also wear down its thermistor.
Dryer Fan Defect
If you power on your dryer and prepare for a cycle but only get a buzzing noise as a result along with the hE/ hC error code, that might mean that your dryer’s cooler fan is struggling to rotate.
A heating error appears because your dryer isn’t getting enough warm air.
To fix this issue, you’ll need to dismantle your dryer in order to get to the cooler fan. It’s usually located below the drum and belt.
Solution: Unplug your dryer and dismantle the cooler fan below the drum.
Clean the fan of any lint or dust buildup. We suggest using only water and soap to avoid any flammable material near your dryer.
If the fan continues to work properly but you get the same error, the issue is in your dryer’s motor. Take it to a service center for replacement.
Worn Out Gasket
The gasket or felt seal around your drum’s entrance keeps all the heat inside the drum during a drying cycle. Your drum has a gasket in front and on the backside of it.
When either of these gets damaged or dislocated, the hot air intended only for the drum will escape and send your dryer into overheating.
Gasket replacement isn’t a complicated process. However, it requires you to remove the dryer’s drum, so calling a professional for assistance is ideal.
Solution: Unplug your dryer and remove the drum.
Check for wear and tear on the felt seal. Additionally, make sure that it hasn’t come loose.
When you remove the old felt seal for replacement, clean the area out thoroughly and make sure no material or residue from the old felt seal is left.
Before you install the new felt seal, make sure your dryer’s other internal components are functioning properly.
Your Samsung dryer is a heating appliance, so it’s naturally susceptible to heating up. Remember to be careful not to overwork it.
Sometimes the best way to prevent it from overheating is to let it rest a couple of minutes before starting another cycle.
In any case, the next time you get a heating error, you’ll know what to do. Don’t panic, and keep this guide close!
