Households keeping an eye on upfront costs
You want to compare the repair quote with the cost of a replacement without assuming you’ll get the Repair Bonus. Ask which costs are included in the quote and whether a deduction can actually be applied.
Who does this decision matter to?
Households that need their appliance back quickly
For laundry, keeping food fresh or cooking, compare the time needed for diagnosis and repair with the time it would take to have another appliance delivered and installed.
Households looking for a long-term replacement
If you’re buying a new appliance, check that it meets your needs and look at its energy label, as well as the repairability or durability index applicable to its category, as recommended by ADEME.
What should you compare?
Professional repair
Consider this when: a diagnosis gives you a clear repair estimate and the timescale suits your needs.
Bear in mind: you’ll need a diagnosis, and may have to wait for a part, before the appliance is back in use. According to ecosystem, eligibility for the Repair Bonus depends, among other things, on the appliance, the fault and the work being carried out by a QualiRépar repairer.
New appliance
Consider this when: the repair can’t be completed within an acceptable timeframe, or the quote doesn’t make sense for getting the appliance back to the standard of use you expect.
Bear in mind: buying a new appliance won’t solve the day-to-day problem until you’ve confirmed the new model is available and arranged delivery and installation.
Refurbished or reused appliance
Consider this when: you find a specific listing that matches the appliance type, dimensions and capacity you need. ADEME signposts resources for local reuse.
Check: the condition of the appliance, delivery or collection arrangements, and after-sales service before comparing it with your other options.
| Criterion | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of the decision | Ask for an itemised quote and get confirmation of any Repair Bonus deduction. Compare it with the services you’d need for a replacement. | If I can wait a little, I want to avoid buying another appliance if a repair meets my needs. Around 31% of consumers would put this upfront cost first. |
| Time until it’s back in use | Compare the possible repair date, including time to get any parts, with the delivery and installation date for another appliance. | When an appliance is used every day, a long interruption is difficult to manage. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise uninterrupted use. |
| Choosing a replacement | If you replace the appliance, check the dimensions and capacity you need, then its energy label and the relevant index for its category. | If I have to replace an appliance, I want it to suit the way I use it and be able to check how repairable or durable it is. Around 19% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Safety and diagnosis | Get a professional to examine a fault if you’re unsure what’s causing it. Before replacing the appliance, check the installation and safety instructions for the model you choose. | If I don’t know what’s causing a fault, I don’t want to put the appliance back into use without expert advice. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise this technical safety check. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming you’ll automatically get the Repair Bonus
An appliance being out of warranty doesn’t make it eligible on its own. According to ecosystem, the scheme has requirements relating to the appliance being owned by the household and bought in France, whether it’s covered by a warranty or insurance, as well as the fault and the work required.
Before accepting the quote, ask the QualiRépar repairer whether they can apply the bonus to this repair and show the deduction on the invoice.
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Comparing a repair with an incomplete replacement cost
A repair quote and the purchase of another appliance don’t necessarily cover the same steps. A specific fault may be repairable, while a replacement also needs to suit your household’s installation and needs.
Compare both options through to the point when you can use the appliance again: the repair work and timescale on one side, and the delivery and installation required on the other.
Also factor in waiting time and, depending on the option you choose, travel, compatible accessories or arrangements for taking away your old appliance.
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Treating an index as a promise that applies to every appliance
The durability index and repairability index don’t apply to all the same categories. ADEME highlights the durability index for eligible televisions and washing machines, among other products. Information from the Ministry for the Ecological Transition explains which categories still use the repairability index.
Check the index shown for the model you’re considering, without overlooking its capacity, installation requirements and energy consumption.
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Dismantling an electrical appliance in a hurry
The DGCCRF warns that electrical equipment can pose a risk of electric shock, fire or burns. If you’re unsure what caused a fault, don’t try to fix it by putting the appliance back into use without proper checks.
Ask a qualified, identifiable professional to diagnose the problem, and request an itemised quote before work begins where possible.
Brands to consider
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Frequently asked questions
Does an appliance that’s out of warranty automatically qualify for the Repair Bonus?
No. According to ecosystem, the appliance must, among other things, be owned by a household, have been bought in France, not be covered by a warranty or insurance, and be identifiable. The fault and the work must also be eligible. Ask the QualiRépar repairer to confirm the deduction before you accept the quote.
Can certain faults be excluded from the Repair Bonus?
Yes. The conditions published by ecosystem include exclusions for certain cosmetic damage, problems caused by external factors and maintenance work. Describe the fault clearly to the repairer so they can confirm whether the proposed work is covered by the scheme.
Which indicators should I check if I choose a new appliance?
Check the energy label where one applies to the category, then the durability or repairability index shown for the model in question. ADEME presents these indicators as aids to choosing a product. Also make sure the appliance’s dimensions, capacity and installation requirements suit your household.