What does HC mean on a Samsung washer?

HC means: Water heater error. The most likely parts involved are wash heating element, water temperature thermistor, main control board.

How much does it cost to fix HC?

A typical control board replacement costs about $200–$500 nationally, parts and labor included. This is a reference range, not a quote — local prices vary.

Can I keep using my Samsung washer with an HC code?

Do not use hot or sanitize cycles while the code is active. If you smell burning or see scorch marks, unplug the washer and leave it off until it is checked.

Why does the HC code only show up on hot cycles?

The internal heater mostly runs during hot, heavy, or sanitize cycles. Cold cycles may not use the heater, so the problem may not show up on them.

Error codes › Washer › Samsung

Samsung Washer HC Error Code

Water heater error

Applies to: Front-Load models with internal water heater. May also appear as HE, HE1, Hr, 1 HC.

What's going on

The HC code on a Samsung front-load washer means the washer's built-in water heater has a problem. Either the wash water got too hot, or the heater could not warm the water as expected. Try a simple power reset, and if the code comes back, have a qualified appliance technician look at it.

Some Samsung front-load washers have a small heating element inside the tub. It warms the wash water for hot or sanitize cycles. A temperature sensor, called a thermistor, tells the control board how hot the water is.

The control board watches that reading while the heater runs. If the water heats up too fast or gets too hot, it shows HC. It also shows HC if the water does not warm up as it should. The washer stops heating to protect itself and your clothes.

This code applies to front-load models that have an internal water heater. Codes can mean different things on different model years, so check your model number against your owner's manual.

Likely causes

wash heating element — The heating element can burn out or short over time. A failed element may not heat at all, or it may heat in a way the washer does not expect.
water temperature thermistor — If the sensor gives a wrong reading, the control board may think the water is too hot or not heating. The board then shows HC even if the heater itself is fine.
main control board — The control board switches the heater on and off and reads the sensor. If the board fails, it can overheat the water or fail to power the heater.

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

Can you fix it yourself?

Not a DIY repair. This one needs a technician with the right tools and parts.

Safe things to check first

Unplug the washer or switch off its breaker, wait a few minutes, then restore power and run a cycle to see if the code returns. Always unplug or switch off the breaker before touching anything near the washer's electrical parts.
Make sure the hot and cold water hoses are connected to the right inlets and both supply valves are fully open.
Try a cold or normal cycle instead of a hot or sanitize cycle to see if the washer runs without the code.
Look at the power cord and outlet for damage or scorch marks. If you see any, leave the washer unplugged.

When to call a technician

If HC comes back after a power reset, call a qualified appliance technician. Fixing the heater, sensor, or control board means working inside the washer with electrical parts, so this is not a do-it-yourself repair.

What the repair usually costs

$200–$500

Control board 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 washer.

A typical new washer costs about $700–$1,300.

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Common questions

What does HC mean on a Samsung washer?: HC means: Water heater error. The most likely parts involved are wash heating element, water temperature thermistor, main control board.
How much does it cost to fix HC?: A typical control board replacement costs about $200–$500 nationally, parts and labor included. This is a reference range, not a quote — local prices vary.
Should I repair or replace my washer?: Repair usually makes sense. Even the high end of this repair stays under $500, about half the price of a typical new washer.
Can I fix HC myself?: Not a DIY repair. This one needs a technician with the right tools and parts.
Can I keep using my Samsung washer with an HC code?: Do not use hot or sanitize cycles while the code is active. If you smell burning or see scorch marks, unplug the washer and leave it off until it is checked.
Why does the HC code only show up on hot cycles?: The internal heater mostly runs during hot, heavy, or sanitize cycles. Cold cycles may not use the heater, so the problem may not show up on them.