If an appliance breaks down, don’t rush into buying a replacement. First check whether it still meets your needs, whether spare parts are available and whether a repairer can provide a quote. If you do need a replacement, compare the features that matter to your household and, for the relevant categories in France, the durability or repairability index. A refurbished appliance is also worth considering if its condition and specifications are clearly described.
If you need a working appliance again quickly, get a quote before ruling out a repair. Where the scheme applies, the Repair Bonus can be deducted from your bill when you use an approved repairer, according to the French ministry responsible for the ecological transition.
When comparing new models in France, look for the durability index for washing machines or the repairability index for dishwashers and vacuum cleaners. The ministries responsible for the ecological transition specify which categories are covered. Also check the dimensions and features you need for your home.
Check the condition and specifications of the appliance actually being offered, as well as the seller’s details. The DGCCRF states that a product described as refurbished must undergo thorough functional testing and, if necessary, be repaired before sale.
Start by checking whether a repair is possible, then compare replacement appliances based on how you’ll use them and the information available for their category.
| Priority | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Whether it can be repaired | Ask for a diagnosis or quote, and check that compatible parts are available. For the Repair Bonus, ask an approved repairer whether your appliance and fault are eligible. | I want to find out whether my appliance can be put back into service before choosing a replacement. |
| Future repairs | In France, compare the durability index for new washing machines, or the repairability index for eligible new dishwashers and vacuum cleaners. Also check the information available about parts for the model: ADEME points out that their availability, accessibility and compatibility can make repairs more difficult. | If I buy new, I want to assess how easy the model may be to repair, not just what it can do right now. |
| Use and installation | Check the dimensions, capacity, connections and features you need. Compare the energy label where one is available for that category, as ADEME recommends. | My new appliance needs to fit the available space and suit the way my household uses it. |
| Refurbished options | Check the description of the appliance’s technical and cosmetic condition, specifications and included accessories. Find out who the seller is and what support is offered. | I’m interested in a refurbished option if I can assess the specific appliance I’ll receive, rather than just the original model. |
A repair may still be possible. The French ministry responsible for the ecological transition says that, where the Repair Bonus applies, it is deducted from your bill when you use an approved repairer.
Ask for a diagnosis or quote, then check which parts are needed and whether you may be eligible for the scheme before deciding.
French indices provide information about models in the categories they cover; on their own, they don’t tell you whether an appliance is right for your home and needs.
Compare the relevant index across similar models, then check the dimensions, capacity, connections and applicable energy label.
The DGCCRF defines refurbishment as functional testing and repairs where needed. That alone doesn’t tell you about the cosmetic condition or accessories of the appliance on offer.
Read the description for the specific item being sold, and check the accessories, seller and support arrangements.
These cordless vacuum cleaners are worth considering if your vacuum is the appliance that needs replacing. The choice between repair, new and refurbished will depend on the appliance that has broken down and what you need.
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Worth considering if you’re replacing a vacuum and would like an automatic emptying station. The listing also mentions a multi-surface brush and seven accessories. Check which accessories are included, along with the model’s repairability index and parts information, before choosing.
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If you’re replacing a vacuum used for different household tasks, take a look at the six tools listed and the automatic collection station. The maximum stated run time is 70 minutes: check the conditions this applies to, then look at the model’s repairability index and parts information.
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If you’re replacing a vacuum for hard floors and carpets, this model comes with an anti-tangle brush and automatic emptying station. The listing gives a power rating of 170 AW and a run time of up to 80 minutes. Compare these figures with your own usage conditions, and check the model’s repairability index and parts information.
According to the ministries responsible for the ecological transition, the repairability index applies to products including dishwashers, vacuum cleaners, laptops, lawnmowers and pressure washers. The durability index has gradually replaced the repairability index for televisions since 8 January 2025 and washing machines since 8 April 2025. Compare the relevant index for the category of new appliance you’re considering.
It depends on the product and the work required. Before agreeing to a repair, check your eligibility with an approved repairer. The French ministry responsible for the ecological transition says that, where the bonus applies, it is deducted directly from your bill.
Check the condition and specifications of the appliance on offer, which accessories are included and who the seller is. The DGCCRF says that a product described as ‘refurbished’ must undergo thorough functional testing and, if necessary, repairs before sale. This doesn’t replace a description of the specific item you’re buying.