LG Dryer Flow Sense: Everything You Need to Know. Did you know that around 2,900 house fires are caused by dryers each year, resulting in around five deaths? Many of these fires are caused by blockages in the dryer vent, so manufacturers like LG have developed features to help detect and prevent these blockages. One such feature is LG’s proprietary Flow Sense. This article will tell you everything you need to know about the LG Flow Sense feature, including how it works and what steps to take if it detects a blockage.
Get Discounted Washing Machine
What Is LG Flow Sense?
Flow Sense is a safety and performance feature found on many LG dryers. It consists of sensors that detect when there may be a significant blockage in your dryer vent and a warning system to alert you of the problem so you can fix it.
Blockages in a dryer vent restrict airflow, meaning moist air from the laundry cannot be expelled, causing the dryer to work longer and harder to dry the clothes. This reduces efficiency and increases energy bills. More critically, blockages can cause heat to build up, posing a significant fire risk. Lint accumulation, bird nests, and rodent nests are common causes of blockages and are highly flammable. Flow Sense helps detect these issues early to reduce energy consumption, speed up drying, and avoid fire hazards.
How Does Flow Sense Work?
When the Flow Sense sensors detect a significant blockage in your dryer vent, the Flow Sense warning icon with four bars lights up on the display to alert you, along with one of three error codes:
- D80 error code: Indicates an 80% restriction of airflow. The dryer will continue to run.
- D90 error code: Indicates a 90% restriction of airflow. The dryer goes into cool-down mode and then stops running.
- D95 error code: Indicates a 95% restriction of airflow. The dryer goes into cool-down mode and then stops running.
The D90 and D95 error codes cause the dryer to shut down to prevent overheating and fire risk. All three error codes require immediate attention. Using a dryer with a severely restricted exhaust is unsafe, so avoid using the dryer until the vent ducting has been cleaned or repaired.
Troubleshooting the LG Flow Sense Errors
If one of the LG Flow Sense error codes appears on your dryer’s display, here are the steps you should take to resolve it:
Clean the Lint Filter
A clogged lint filter can restrict airflow and trigger a Flow Sense error code. Always clean the lint filter before running the dryer. The lint filter is usually located at the bottom of the door. Pull it out, clean it with your hands or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, and place it back in the dryer.
Check the Dryer Vent Is Installed Correctly
Ensure the dryer vent is correctly installed and not damaged, as this can restrict airflow or make blockages more likely. Check for the following:
- Length of the dryer vent: A vent that is too long increases the risk of lint buildup and blockages.
- Bends in the dryer vent: Too many bends make cleaning difficult and blockages more likely.
- Proper ductwork: Use heavy metal ductwork rather than a flexible foil or plastic hose.
- Crushed vent ducting: Ensure the dryer is not pushed too close to the wall, which can crush or disconnect the hose.
Clean the Dryer Vent
Significant blockages in the dryer vent are the primary cause of a Flow Sense error code. Cleaning the dryer vent should be done at least once yearly and immediately if a Flow Sense error code is displayed.
Steps for Cleaning the Dryer Vent:
- Unplug the dryer and pull it away from the wall.
- Disconnect the vent from the dryer and inspect the connection points for visible blockages.
- Check the outside vent hood for damage or clogging.
- Remove the plastic louvers from the outside vent hood or clamp the vent hood flap open to access the vent with your cleaning kit.
- Attach your dryer vent cleaning kit to a cordless drill, using extension rods as needed for the vent length.
- Insert the brush end of the cleaning kit into the vent, and power your drill to spin the brush.
- The cleaning kit will self-feed into the vent. Keep spinning until you reach the end, then spin again while pulling it out.
- Repeat the process several times until all lint and debris are removed.
- Vacuum any mess on the floor and reconnect the vent to the dryer.
After unblocking the vent and reconnecting the dryer, run a dry cycle to check if the error code is resolved. If the problem persists, contact a professional for further troubleshooting.
By understanding and properly maintaining the Flow Sense feature on your LG dryer, you can ensure your dryer operates efficiently and safely, reducing the risk of fire hazards and extending the life of your appliance.
