Samsung Dryer Error HE – Heating Error – Dryer Not Heating Correctly
The Samsung dryer isn’t heating as expected – often no heat at all. Check power, gas supply and venting.
Unverified: this manufacturer-specific definition comes from a single source or varies by model. Confirm it with a brand-specific scan tool.
Safety first · Consult a professional
Electric dryers run on 240 volts: unplug the dryer or switch off its breaker before removing any panel. On a gas dryer, don't open or adjust any gas component – if you smell gas, leave the area, don't operate switches and call your gas utility from outside.
- Gas appliance: no DIY repairs. If you smell gas, leave the building, do not use switches and call your gas utility’s emergency line from outside.
- Unplug the appliance or switch off the breaker before opening any panel. Mains voltage can kill.
- Hot surfaces and hot water can cause burns. Let the appliance cool down first.
At a glance
Severity: Moderate
- Meaning
- Heating Error – Dryer Not Heating Correctly
- System
- Samsung · Dryer
- Typical repair cost
- $0–$550
- DIY difficulty
- Moderate
HE (shown as hE on some displays) tells you the Samsung dryer's control isn't seeing the temperature it expects from the heat source. On most units that means the drum isn't warming up – the dryer tumbles but clothes stay damp – although on some models the same code can also flag an overheating condition. On electric models (model numbers usually starting DVE) the usual suspects are a half-tripped 240-volt breaker, a blown thermal fuse or an open heating element. On gas models (usually DVG), the gas supply, igniter and gas valve are involved, and anything beyond checking the shutoff valve belongs to a qualified technician.
How it looks on the display
Model families & display variants
| Model family | Shows | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Electric dryers (model numbers usually DVE…) | HE | Points to the heating circuit: breaker, heating element, thermal fuse, thermostats or thermistor. |
| Gas dryers (model numbers usually DVG…) | HE | Includes the gas supply, igniter and valve; only the supply check is a user task. |
| Some display styles | hE | Lowercase h, same heating-error meaning. |
Symptoms
- HE or hE appears during or shortly after the start of a cycle
- Drum turns but the air coming out is cool
- Clothes still damp after a full cycle
- Dryer heats briefly and then cools down
- Gas dryer: no click or glow of the igniter at the start of a heated cycle
- Dryer exterior or laundry room unusually hot (overheat condition)
Possible causes
Ranked by how often each cause is behind this code (editorial estimate).
- Electric: one leg of the 240-volt double-pole breaker tripped, so the motor runs but the heater doesn't
- Blocked lint screen or exhaust vent that tripped the thermal fuse or high-limit thermostat
- Electric: heating element open (burned through)
- Gas: supply valve closed or gas service interrupted
- Thermal fuse or thermostat failed without an obvious venting problem
- Gas: failed igniter, flame sensor or gas valve coils
- Temperature sensor (thermistor), wiring or control board
Fix it step by step
Restart once and note when HE appears
Turn the dryer off, unplug it for a minute, then run a timed heated cycle. Note whether HE appears right away, after several minutes, or after the dryer got very hot – that timing helps the technician.
Electric: reset the breaker fully
At the panel, find the dryer's double-pole breaker. Switch it firmly to OFF and then back ON, even if it looks on – a half-tripped breaker can keep the drum turning with no heat.
Tools: Flashlight
Gas: confirm the supply only
Check that the shutoff valve on the dryer's gas line is open (handle in line with the pipe) and that other gas appliances work. Don't touch any other gas part – if the supply is on and HE persists, call a technician.
Tools: Flashlight
Clean the lint screen and vent
Clean the lint screen, then check the transition hose behind the dryer and the outdoor vent hood for lint and crushing. Restricted airflow is the most common reason a thermal fuse blows and often returns if not fixed.
Tools: Soft brush, Flashlight
Electric only: test the thermal fuse and element
For experienced DIYers: with the dryer unplugged, remove the back panel and check the thermal fuse and heating element for continuity with a multimeter, following your model's service information. A blown fuse means the airflow problem must be fixed before replacing it.
Tools: Multimeter, Screwdriver
Use the SmartThings or Smart Care diagnosis
Connected models can report the fault through the SmartThings app, and many others support Samsung's Smart Care diagnostic described in the manual. Have the result and model number ready when you book service.
How to reset HE
- Turn the dryer off with the Power button.
- Unplug it (or switch off the breaker) for about a minute, then restore power.
- Start a timed heated cycle and check whether warm air comes out within a few minutes.
- If HE returns, don't keep restarting – the heat source or its safety parts need checking.
Where the parts are
- 1Lint filter
- 2Exhaust vent
- 3Heating element
- 4Condenser
- 5Motor
- 6Temperature sensor
- 7Door switch
Repair options & costs
| Repair | DIY? | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| Reset breaker / open gas shutoff valve | Yes | $0 |
| Clean lint screen and exhaust vent | Yes | $0–$45 |
| Thermal fuse replacement (electric, DIY part) | Yes | $10–$30 |
| Heating element replaced by a technician | No | $180–$350 |
| Gas igniter, flame sensor or valve coils (technician) | No | $150–$350 |
| Control board or thermistor diagnosis and repair | No | $250–$550 |
Rough US estimates; technician call-out fees vary by region. Not a quote.
When to call a technician
Book Samsung service or an appliance technician if HE returns after resetting the breaker and cleaning the vent, if you're not comfortable testing parts on a 240-volt appliance, or for any gas dryer beyond checking the shutoff valve. Stop using the dryer if it gets abnormally hot or you notice a burning smell.
Frequently asked questions
My Samsung dryer tumbles but shows HE and there's no heat – what's first?
On an electric model, switch the dryer's double-pole breaker fully off and on again. If one half tripped, the motor still runs on 120 volts but the heater gets no power.
Can I replace the thermal fuse myself?
On electric models it's a common DIY repair for people comfortable with unplugged appliances and a multimeter. But a blown fuse is a symptom: if the vent is blocked, the new fuse will blow too.
What should I do if my gas Samsung dryer shows HE?
Confirm the gas shutoff valve is open and other gas appliances work, then clean the lint screen and vent. Anything beyond that – igniter, valve coils, burner – is technician work.
Why does HE sometimes appear only at the end of long cycles?
On some models the code also covers overheating. Long, heavy loads with a partly blocked vent can push temperatures up until the control steps in, so check the airflow first.
Sources
- Official Samsung user documentation and support pages (facts only; wording is our own)
- Methodology: How We Build Code Pages · Data Sources We Use · Editorial Policy