Samsung Dryer Error Code HC
The dryer has flagged a heating problem, most often because trapped heat from a clogged lint screen or vent makes it run too hot, though it can also appear when the heater is not getting hot enough, for example on low voltage. Clear the airflow first, then check the breakers, or the gas valve on a gas model, before assuming the heater has failed.
Also shown as: hE, HE, HC4, 1 HC
Common causes
- Clogged lint screen or restricted exhaust vent trapping heat
- Tripped house breaker leaving an electric dryer on half power
- Gas supply cut-off valve not fully open on gas models
- Heating element failed or damaged on electric models
- Thermistor giving a wrong temperature reading
What to check, in order
- Stop the cycle and clean the lint screen, then check the vent hose and outside hood for blockages and clean the vent run.
- On an electric dryer, check the house breaker panel and reset any tripped dryer breaker fully off and back on.
- On a gas dryer, make sure the gas cut-off valve for the dryer is fully open.
- Let the dryer cool down, then run a short cycle and check whether it heats normally.
- If the code returns with clear airflow and full power, book a repair for the heater circuit; on a gas model, leave the heating system to a technician.
Clear the code and test
- Fix what the checks above found first. Clearing the code without fixing the cause only brings it back.
- Plug the appliance back in and restore its water supply if it has one.
- Run the shortest programme and watch the point where the code appeared before.
- If the programme finishes with no code, the fault is cleared. If the code returns, write it down before calling a technician — it speeds up the diagnosis.
When to call a professional
Most cases are solved by the checks above. Book a technician if any of these apply:
- The code comes back after you have run the checks and a test cycle.
- You smell burning, see sparks or scorch marks, or the breaker trips.
- Water is leaking and you cannot stop it at the tap.
- The fix needs panels opened beyond what your manual describes, or a part tested with a meter, and you are not set up for that.
When you call, give the brand, the code HC, your model number (on a label inside the door or on the back) and the checks you already ran. It shortens the visit.
Parts that may be involved
Heating elementThermistorWire harness
Parts are model-specific. Find your model number first — usually on a label inside the door, on the door frame or on the back — and match the part to that number before ordering.
Questions people ask about HC
What does HC mean on a Samsung dryer?
HC means: Heating error: the dryer is overheating, or the heater temperature is invalid. The dryer has flagged a heating problem, most often because trapped heat from a clogged lint screen or vent makes it run too hot, though it can also appear when the heater is not getting hot enough, for example on low voltage. Clear the airflow first, then check the breakers, or the gas valve on a gas model, before assuming the heater has failed.
Can I fix Samsung HC myself?
Start yourself: the checks on this page cover the causes you can reach without opening the machine up. If they point to a faulty part, testing or replacing it is usually a technician job.
How do I clear Samsung HC?
Fix the cause first — clearing the code on its own brings it straight back. Then restore power and water, run the shortest programme, and watch the stage where the code appeared. If the programme finishes with no code, it is cleared.
Sources checked
- Samsung support: washing machine information codes
- Samsung support: dishwasher information codes
- Samsung support (US): dishwasher troubleshooting
The meaning and checks for this code were checked against the sources above in November 2026. Codes vary by model and region; if your manual lists a different meaning for your exact model, follow the manual.