After a breakdown, first find out whether the appliance can be repaired and how soon the work can be done: replacement doesn’t have to be the first option. A refurbished appliance may be suitable if its condition and inspection checks are clearly described. Consider buying new if your needs have changed, or if the available information lets you compare models for repairability and energy consumption.
If your fridge, washing machine or cooking appliance is essential, compare the quoted repair time with delivery times or a temporary alternative. Only consider renting if a suitable option is available for your appliance and area.
First, check whether the repair could qualify for the Repair Bonus. If you’re considering a refurbished appliance, ask the professional seller to specify its condition, the checks carried out and the accessories supplied.
If you’re considering a replacement, compare the available information on repairability, spare parts and energy consumption. For washing machines, the durability index is another useful comparison point, as noted by the ministry responsible for ecological transition.
Repairing, buying refurbished and buying new each suit different needs. Also consider a temporary solution if the appliance needs to be back in use before you can make a final decision.
Consider this: when a professional can get the appliance working again within a timeframe that suits your needs.
Bear in mind: the repair may depend on spare parts being available. The Repair Bonus requires, among other things, an eligible fault and a certified repairer, according to ecosystem.
Consider this: if a suitable appliance is available from a professional seller who clearly describes its condition and the checks carried out.
Bear in mind: condition, accessories and delivery arrangements vary between offers. Check the details for the appliance you’re considering.
Consider this: if your requirements for size or capacity have changed, or if the other options won’t meet your need for an uninterrupted service.
Bear in mind: the indicators available depend on the product category; the durability index doesn’t apply to every appliance.
| Factor | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping things running | Confirm the repair or delivery date and, if needed, check the arrangements for a temporary solution in your area. | If my fridge or washing machine is out of action, I need to know when I can use it again. Around 42% of consumers put keeping things running first. |
| Avoiding an immediate new purchase | Check whether the repair qualifies for the Repair Bonus or, for a refurbished appliance, check its condition and the checks carried out. | I’d rather look into a repair or a refurbished appliance before buying new, while bearing in mind the conditions attached to each option. This is a priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Expected lifespan | Compare the available information on repairability, spare parts and energy consumption; for a washing machine, also check the durability index. | When I replace an appliance I use a lot, I want to be able to assess how well it will serve me in future. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this factor. |
A breakdown doesn’t always mean you need to replace the appliance. ADEME recommends considering repair before getting rid of it.
Ask a certified repairer whether a repair is possible, how long it will take and whether the fault meets the conditions for the Repair Bonus.
Two appliances of the same model may be described as having different conditions, accessories and inspection checks.
Check who the professional seller is and read the description of the appliance on offer before choosing, paying particular attention to the tests carried out and the accessories included.
According to the ministry responsible for ecological transition, the durability index replaced the repairability index for televisions and washing machines in 2025, but it doesn’t apply to every product category.
For a washing machine, consider this index alongside the other features that matter for your needs. For other categories, check what information on repairs and energy consumption is actually displayed.
Renting may suit a temporary need, but the appliances on offer, areas covered and services included depend on the provider.
Before choosing this option, check the minimum rental period, delivery, installation and what happens if the appliance breaks down.
Both the appliance and the fault must be eligible, and the work must be carried out by a certified repairer. According to ecosystem, the scheme covers the specified equipment once it is no longer under warranty. Before arranging a repair, also check that the appliance was bought in France and is owned by a household.
Yes. According to the DGCCRF, a refurbished appliance bought from a professional seller is covered by the legal guarantee of conformity for two years. Keep the receipt and the description of the appliance’s condition: you’ll need them if you have to report a fault to the seller.
Check the appliance’s condition, which functions have been tested and which accessories are included. The DGCCRF recommends paying close attention to the features advertised. If the description doesn’t give you enough information to assess the offer, ask the seller to explain what work has been carried out.
No. The index doesn’t cover every product category. According to the ministry responsible for ecological transition, it replaced the repairability index for televisions from 8 January 2025 and for washing machines from 8 April 2025. For other appliances, check what information is available on repairs and energy consumption.