Start by looking at appliances that run continuously or get frequent use, rather than automatically replacing the largest one. To compare potential replacements, look at models with a suitable capacity in the same category, using the same energy-consumption unit. If your current appliance has broken down but still meets your needs, consider getting it assessed for repair too.
If an appliance runs continuously or goes through frequent cycles, compare its energy use and your actual usage with those of a replacement of similar capacity. Its size alone won’t tell you whether it should be replaced first.
To judge whether replacement is worthwhile, compare the energy use for the reference programme with how often you use the appliance. Also check that the new appliance’s capacity suits your usual loads.
Before replacing an appliance that still meets your needs, find out whether it can be repaired and, where relevant, check whether it qualifies for the Repair Bonus (Bonus Réparation). Then compare the proposed repair with a new model suited to how you use it.
Start by considering how long each appliance runs or how many cycles it completes in your home, then compare potential replacements using the same basis of measurement.
| Priority | What to check | What suits my needs |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge or freezer | Compare kWh/year for appliances of a similar size and capacity. Check the usable capacity and the features you actually need. | My appliance runs continuously: I want to know whether replacing it is worthwhile without choosing an excessively large capacity. ADEME points out that size and unnecessary extra features can increase energy use. |
| Washing machine | Compare kWh per 100 cycles and water use per cycle for the reference programme. Choose a capacity that suits your loads, and check the spin performance and durability index where applicable. | I do laundry often and want to avoid a capacity I’d rarely fill. The figures on the energy label don’t cover every washing programme. |
| Tumble dryer | On the current label, check kWh per 100 cycles, capacity and the duration of the ECO programme. Miele France notes that figures on the old and new labels cannot be compared directly. | I use my dryer often and want a capacity suited to the laundry I actually dry, rather than drawing conclusions from my appliance’s old energy rating. |
| Dishwasher | Compare kWh per 100 cycles, water use per cycle and place settings for models with a similar capacity. Also check the duration of the Eco programme. | If I use it regularly, I want the figures for the reference programme to match my washing habits as closely as possible. |
| Electric cooking appliance | Consider how often you cook and which features are useful to you. If you’re thinking about switching to a different type of hob, check that your cookware is compatible. | I cook often and want to explore this option, without assuming that changing hobs will deliver the same savings in every household. |
| Repair before replacement | Ask for an assessment or quote and check whether the appliance is still suitable for your needs. For the Repair Bonus, check that the appliance, fault and repairer all meet the eligibility requirements. | If my appliance breaks down, I want to know what repair options are available before replacing it. In a study of 10,020 adults in France carried out in August 2024, ADEME found that 80% of respondents ranked the cost of repair as their top consideration when choosing. |
An appliance you rarely use isn’t necessarily the one to look at before one that runs continuously or completes lots of cycles. ADEME also highlights how excess capacity or unnecessary features can affect the energy use of cooling appliances.
Make a list of your appliances and note their usual running hours or cycles. Then compare your current appliance with replacements of a suitable size.
An annual figure and a figure per 100 cycles don’t describe the same usage. For tumble dryers, Miele France explains that the change in energy labels and measurement methods means old and new figures can’t be compared directly.
Check the unit, programme and label generation, then look up the exact model in EPREL if its category is listed there.
A washing machine that’s rarely full or an oversized fridge can reduce the benefits of replacing an appliance to cut electricity use.
Think about your laundry loads, the number of place settings you need or how much chilled and frozen storage you require before choosing a capacity and features.
According to ADEME, a breakdown doesn’t necessarily mean the whole appliance needs replacing.
Ask for an assessment or quote. If you’re considering the Repair Bonus in France, check that the appliance, fault and professional meet the scheme’s requirements.
Brand information can help you understand a product listing, but always check that any feature applies to the specific model you’re considering.
Bosch offers cooling appliances and explains the information shown on their energy labels.
Miele France explains the change to tumble dryer energy labels that took place in July 2025.
Beko explains the repairability and durability indices that apply to certain categories of household appliances.
These five models cover three replacement categories: washing machines, fridge-freezers and compact dishwashers. The category to consider first depends on your current appliance and how often you use it.
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This top-loading washing machine is worth considering if a 6 kg capacity suits your usual loads. Its name indicates a 1400 tr/min spin speed, a B rating, an inverter motor, Wi-Fi and 17 programmes. Check the model’s energy label before comparing energy use.
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Check how this front-loading washing machine’s 10 kg capacity compares with your actual loads to avoid choosing an oversized appliance. Its name mentions an inverter motor and Steam Anti-Allergy and TimeSave features. Check the dimensions and energy label before making your choice.
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Only consider this 467 L fridge-freezer if its capacity suits your household and the space you have available. Its name indicates Total No Frost and an E rating. Compare its kWh/year figure with those of similarly sized appliances on their energy labels.
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If you’re considering this 444 L fridge-freezer, check that its dimensions and the way its capacity is divided between compartments suit your needs. Its name indicates an E rating and a noise level of 40 dB, but that figure alone doesn’t mean it will be quiet in your home.
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With a stated capacity of 3 place settings, this compact model is designed for smaller loads of washing-up; it isn’t a like-for-like replacement for a full-sized family dishwasher. Check the available space, reference programme and model’s energy label before comparing its energy use per cycle.
Start by noting which appliances run continuously or get frequent use, along with their measured or stated energy use if you know it. ADEME points out that size, features and usage habits all affect the result: its guidance can’t guarantee savings for your household.
No. Compare appliances in the same category and with a similar capacity, then check the unit shown: for example, kWh/year for cooling appliances or kWh per 100 cycles for some laundry appliances. The model’s EPREL listing can help you check the details covered by European energy labelling.
Not as if they were on the same scale. For tumble dryers, Miele France says the new A–G label has applied since July 2025 and that the measurement method has changed. Compare figures based on the same criteria for appliances with a suitable capacity.
No. As ADEME points out, a breakdown may be caused by a part that can be repaired. Ask for an assessment or quote, then consider replacing the appliance if the proposed repair or the appliance itself no longer meets your needs.
Yes, certain appliances and repairs may qualify if carried out by an approved repairer, subject to the scheme’s conditions as set out by ecosystem. Check the appliance, the type of fault and the repairer before the work begins; not all repairs are covered.