A breakdown doesn’t automatically mean you need a replacement. First, find out whether the appliance can be repaired, taking parts availability and the time needed to get it working again into account. If you do replace it, compare models in the same category using the relevant French rating, then check the maintenance requirements, parts availability and whether the new appliance suits your needs.
You need to get your appliance working again, but don’t want to rule out a repair that may still be possible. ADEME reports that people in France choose both repair and replacement after a breakdown. Parts availability and access to a repairer can influence your decision.
You want to compare the durability of models that meet the same need. In France, ADEME and the Ministry for the Ecological Transition identify the durability index as the rating to check for these two categories. It doesn’t remove the need to check capacity, dimensions or installation requirements.
Whether you’re considering a dishwasher, vacuum cleaner or another household appliance, you want to be able to find the instructions, order the parts you need and contact the after-sales service. The DGCCRF explains that information and obligations around parts vary by category, so check the details for the model you’re considering.
After a breakdown, find out whether your appliance can be repaired before choosing a replacement. If you do replace it, start with the category and your needs, then compare durability ratings and maintenance options.
| What matters | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Whether it can be repaired | Ask someone to assess the fault, parts availability and how long the repair will take. If the appliance is out of warranty, also check whether you may be eligible for the Repair Bonus with a participating repairer. | If my appliance can be put back into use, I’d rather explore that option before getting rid of it; around 36% of consumers would put the possibility of repair at the top of their list. |
| Durability of a replacement | Compare the relevant index and its details across models in the same category, then check capacity and installation requirements. According to ADEME, in France the durability index has applied to televisions since January 2025 and washing machines since April 2025. | When replacing an appliance, I want to compare its durability without mistaking a rating for a promise of how long it will last; nearly 29% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Everyday use | Compare the energy labels of similar appliances, then check capacity, dimensions and the connections required. | An appliance that doesn’t suit my household or the space it needs to fit in would make everyday use more difficult; around 21% of consumers would prioritise this fit and the conditions of use. |
| Maintenance and after-sales service | Check the instructions, which parts are covered by the stated availability period, how to order them and the after-sales service terms for the exact model. | I want to know how to maintain the appliance and who to contact if I need a replacement part; around 14% of consumers would put this kind of support at the top of their list. |
A breakdown alone doesn’t tell you whether the appliance can be put back into service. The Repair Bonus described by ecosystem depends, among other things, on the appliance, the fault, any cover that still applies and the professional you contact.
First, check the warranty and find out whether a repair is possible. If you’re considering the Repair Bonus, confirm the terms with a participating repairer.
An index helps you compare models in a category it covers; it doesn’t predict how many years your appliance will work for.
Check the details of the relevant index, then consider the parts, capacity and installation requirements for the model.
In France, the relevant rating depends on the category. According to ADEME and the Ministry for the Ecological Transition, televisions and washing machines come under the durability index, while dishwashers and vacuum cleaners are among the categories covered by the repairability index.
Identify the exact category before comparing ratings, then check the model’s parts information separately.
The energy label helps you compare energy consumption, as ADEME points out, but it doesn’t tell you how much space an appliance takes up or whether it can be repaired.
Also check capacity, dimensions, connections, the relevant index and maintenance information.
These two CHiQ washing machines are options to consider if you’re replacing a washing machine after a breakdown. The right capacity depends on how you’ll use it. For either model, check the applicable durability index, parts availability and installation requirements before making your decision.
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Worth considering if a 10 kg capacity suits your needs and the space you have available.
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Worth considering if an 8 kg capacity suits your laundry needs and installation requirements.
No. Find out whether it can be repaired before you decide, particularly if parts and a repairer are available. Check whether any cover still applies and, for work not covered by a warranty, whether you may be eligible for the Repair Bonus described by ecosystem. The time it takes to get the appliance working again also matters for everyday use.
No. According to ADEME, in France the durability index has applied to televisions since January 2025 and washing machines since April 2025. Other specified categories, including dishwashers and vacuum cleaners, come under the repairability index. Check which rating applies to the type of appliance you’re considering.
Check the stated availability period, which parts are covered and how to order them for the exact model. The DGCCRF says that requirements vary by category and sometimes by part, so general information about a product range isn’t enough to help you plan how to maintain your appliance.
No. In France, the DGCCRF distinguishes the legal guarantee of conformity, which applies under certain conditions to goods sold by a business to an individual, from a separate commercial warranty. Before taking out the latter, read what it covers and any exclusions, and don’t confuse it with your statutory rights.