What does HS mean on a LG dryer?

HS means: Humidity sensor error. The most likely parts involved are moisture sensor bars, sensor wire harness.

How much does it cost to fix HS?

A typical heating element replacement costs about $150–$350 nationally, parts and labor included. This is a reference range, not a quote — local prices vary.

Can I still use my LG dryer with an HS code?

Some LG dryers may still run timed dry cycles, but sensor-dry cycles won't work right until the sensor is fixed. Check your owner's manual for your model, and don't leave the dryer running unattended while a fault is showing.

Why do dryer sheets cause sensor problems?

Dryer sheets and liquid fabric softener can leave a thin waxy coating on the sensor bars. This coating blocks the signal the dryer uses to sense moisture. Wiping the bars clean every so often can help prevent this.

Error codes › Dryer › LG

LG Dryer HS Error Code

Humidity sensor error

Applies to: All digital display dryers.

What's going on

An HS code on an LG dryer means the dryer has found a problem with its humidity (moisture) sensor. This usually points to dirty or faulty moisture sensor bars, or a loose or damaged wire to the sensor. Start by unplugging the dryer and cleaning the sensor bars, then call a qualified appliance technician if the code comes back.

Inside the drum, usually near the lint filter, are two metal strips called moisture sensor bars. As wet clothes tumble and touch them, a tiny signal passes between the bars. The control board reads this signal to tell how damp the load still is.

If the board sees a reading that makes no sense, such as a short (bars always connected) or an open (no signal at all), it shows HS. Without a working sensor, the dryer can't run its automatic sensor-dry cycles correctly. Clothes may come out damp or get over-dried.

LG uses this code on its digital display dryers. Codes can differ between model generations, so confirm the meaning with your model number and owner's manual.

Likely causes

moisture sensor bars — Residue from dryer sheets, fabric softener, or lint can coat the bars and throw off the signal. A bar that is cracked, loose, or worn out can also give a false reading.
sensor wire harness — The wires that connect the sensor bars to the control board can come loose, rub through, or break. A loose plug or damaged wire can cause a short or open circuit that triggers HS.

The same code can mean different things on different model generations. Check the model number on your dryer's rating plate before ordering parts.

Can you fix it yourself?

Doable for an experienced DIYer with the right part, but many people still call a technician.

Safe things to check first

Unplug the dryer or switch off its breaker, wait a few minutes, then restore power and see if the code clears.
With the dryer unplugged, open the door and find the two metal sensor bars inside the drum, usually near the lint filter. Look for a film or buildup on them.
Still unplugged, gently wipe the sensor bars with a soft cloth and a little rubbing alcohol to remove residue. Let them dry fully before plugging the dryer back in.
Look inside the drum for anything stuck to or wedged against the sensor bars, such as a coin, clip, or bit of fabric, and remove it.

When to call a technician

If the HS code keeps showing after you clean the sensor bars and reset the power, the bars or wiring likely need repair. A handy owner can replace the sensor bars with the correct part for their model, but call a qualified appliance technician if you are not comfortable with that or if the problem may be in the wiring.

What the repair usually costs

$150–$350

Heating element replacement, parts and labor — national reference range

Confidence: low (based on a single cost guide — treat as a rough guide). Plus a service call fee of about $50–$100, often credited toward the repair.

This is not a quote. Prices vary by region and by model.

Repair or replace?

Repair usually makes sense. Even the high end of this repair stays under $500, about half the price of a typical new dryer.

A typical new dryer costs about $800–$1,200.

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Common questions

What does HS mean on a LG dryer?: HS means: Humidity sensor error. The most likely parts involved are moisture sensor bars, sensor wire harness.
How much does it cost to fix HS?: A typical heating element replacement costs about $150–$350 nationally, parts and labor included. This is a reference range, not a quote — local prices vary.
Should I repair or replace my dryer?: Repair usually makes sense. Even the high end of this repair stays under $500, about half the price of a typical new dryer.
Can I fix HS myself?: Doable for an experienced DIYer with the right part, but many people still call a technician.
Can I still use my LG dryer with an HS code?: Some LG dryers may still run timed dry cycles, but sensor-dry cycles won't work right until the sensor is fixed. Check your owner's manual for your model, and don't leave the dryer running unattended while a fault is showing.
Why do dryer sheets cause sensor problems?: Dryer sheets and liquid fabric softener can leave a thin waxy coating on the sensor bars. This coating blocks the signal the dryer uses to sense moisture. Wiping the bars clean every so often can help prevent this.