HE (also shown as HE1) stands for “Heating Error” — the control board has detected that the heating system is not working properly, or that the temperature is not rising as expected. Poor ventilation is the most common cause by far, ahead of an actual heater or sensor failure.
What HE means
The control board monitors drum temperature through a thermistor as the heater runs. If the temperature does not rise the way a normal cycle expects — too slowly, not at all, or erratically — it reports HE rather than keep running a cycle that will not dry the load.
Common causes
| Cause | How likely | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Lint buildup in the filter and exhaust vent | Very common | Restricted airflow raises internal temperature unpredictably; single leading cause |
| Faulty thermistor | Common | HE appears even with a clean filter and clear vent |
| Broken heating coil (electric dryers) | Common | No heat at all, even after clearing the vent |
| Low voltage to the heater (electric dryers) | Occasional | Heater not hot enough despite running |
| Dirty moisture sensor bars | Occasional | Cycle ends early or runs unpredictably alongside HE |
How to fix it
- Clean the lint filter and exhaust vent first
This single step resolves the fault in most cases. Wash the filter to remove residue film, then clear lint from the vent hose and exhaust to restore proper airflow.
- Clean the moisture sensor bars
Inside the drum, wipe the metal sensor bars with a cloth and a little vinegar or rubbing alcohol to remove residue that can cause inaccurate readings.
- Check for a fully cleared vent run
Confirm the outside vent flap and the full hose run are clear, not just the section nearest the machine.
- Test the thermistor
With the machine unplugged and the back panel off, test the thermistor for continuity with a multimeter if you are comfortable doing so — an open circuit means it needs replacing.
When to call a professional
If the error continues after cleaning the lint screen and exhaust vent, have a technician test the heating coil, thermistor and voltage supply — request service rather than keep running cycles against an unresolved heating fault.
Stop and call a qualified appliance technician or electrician if you find scorched or melted wiring, smell burning, see water that has reached electrical components, or if the fault returns immediately after a repair. Never bypass a safety device — thermal fuses, door interlocks and flood switches fail for a reason, and defeating one converts a broken appliance into a fire or flood risk.
