Before replacing a household appliance to reduce your electricity use, consider how often you use it and whether maintenance or a repair could solve the problem. If replacement makes sense, compare appliances of the same type and a capacity suited to your household. The kWh figures on the energy label only become meaningful when you consider how you use the appliance and your electricity tariff.
The appliance to look at depends on what you use at home, how often you run it and whether your existing appliance can be put back in good working order.
A fridge or freezer runs continuously, according to ADEME. Before choosing a replacement, consider how much storage space you really need, then compare the annual energy use and noise levels of appliances of the same type.
The energy use shown per 100 cycles is more useful when you compare it with the number of cycles you run at home. Also check the capacity, water consumption and, for dishwashers, the length of the eco programme.
A diagnosis can help you tell whether the appliance needs maintenance or a repair. ADEME recommends finding out what is causing the problem before deciding that you need to replace it.
Start by checking the condition of your current appliance. Then compare only models of the same type and with a capacity that meets the same needs. To estimate the cost of electricity, apply your VAT-inclusive rate per kWh to the energy use based on how you use the appliance.
| Priority | What to check | Based on my needs |
|---|---|---|
| Condition of the appliance | Identify the symptoms and check the manual for maintenance advice. If the problem persists, ask for a diagnosis and explore the repair options. | A one-off fault or a drop in performance doesn’t necessarily mean I need to buy a new appliance. |
| Electricity use | For a washing machine or dishwasher, note the kWh per 100 cycles and estimate how many cycles you run each year. For refrigeration appliances, use the annual kWh figures for comparable models. | I want to know what the energy use would mean for my household, rather than estimate savings using a national average. |
| Capacity and volume | Compare the laundry capacity in kilograms, place settings or usable volume, depending on the appliance. Consider which features you would actually use. | If I often run small loads or a large fridge would be mostly empty, a bigger capacity won’t meet my needs. |
| Water use and cycle duration | For relevant appliances, check the water consumption and eco programme duration for the exact model, as well as its electricity use. | A long eco cycle may suit me if I can set the dishwasher running in advance; I should check whether it fits my routine. |
| Noise and appliance lifespan | Check the noise level for the appliance’s planned location. For a washing machine in France, also check the durability index where it applies to the model. | In an open-plan kitchen, noise matters just as much as energy figures when I’m choosing. If I’m replacing a washing machine, I also want to be able to assess its durability. |
A clogged filter, limescale or the need to defrost the appliance could be contributing to reduced performance. Replacing it without finding out what is causing the problem won’t tell you whether a new purchase is necessary.
Follow the maintenance steps in the manual, then ask for a diagnosis or a quote if the problem persists. If your washing machine is out of warranty, check with a QualiRépar repairer whether the fault qualifies for the Repair Bonus.
The letter alone doesn’t tell you about capacity, water consumption, eco programme duration or noise. These differences can affect how suitable a model is for your household.
Compare appliances of the same type and a suitable capacity, then check the figures on the label for the exact model.
The French National Energy Ombudsman points out that the impact on your bill depends on your household’s circumstances. A calculation based on a rate that doesn’t apply to you won’t reflect your running costs.
Use the VAT-inclusive rate per kWh that applies to your tariff, and compare it with the kWh figures on the energy label and how often you use the appliance.
In an open-plan living space, noise levels can affect your comfort. A long eco programme also needs to fit around the times you use the appliance.
Check the decibel level and programme duration listed for the model you’re considering before you choose.
These options include compact dishwashers and fridge-freezers. Before considering one of these replacements, check the condition of your current appliance, the capacity you need and the energy label for the model you choose.
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Its countertop design is worth considering if you’re looking for an appliance for smaller loads. The product name lists 6 place settings, a D energy rating and 47 dB. Check these details, along with energy use and eco programme duration, on the label for the exact model.
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Consider this four-door model if its capacity suits your storage needs and the space you have available. The product name lists a capacity of 467 L and an E energy rating. Compare its annual energy use on the label with that of appliances of a similar type and capacity.
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The 495 L capacity listed in the product name is suited to substantial storage needs, but make sure it’s right for your household. Check the door configuration before you buy, then confirm the annual energy use and E energy rating on the label for the exact model.
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Check that the stated 444 L capacity suits your needs and the space available. The product name lists an E energy rating and 40 dB. Check these details and the annual energy use on the label before comparing it with other models.
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This compact model may be worth considering if 3 place settings suit your dishwashing routine. Before comparing it with another dishwasher, check the standardised energy use, programme durations and installation requirements for the exact model.
For a washing machine or dishwasher, divide the kWh figure shown per 100 cycles by 100, then multiply the result by the number of cycles you run each year and the VAT-inclusive rate per kWh on your tariff. For a fridge or freezer, multiply the annual kWh figure on the energy label by that rate. The result depends on how you use the appliance and your tariff, not on an advertised average saving.
First, find out what is causing the problem: ADEME recommends getting a diagnosis before deciding that an appliance needs replacing. Carry out the maintenance set out in the manual and, if the fault persists, ask for a repair quote to help you make your decision.
Check whether the programme duration fits your schedule rather than judging the dishwasher on its kWh figures alone. Consider the eco programme duration, water consumption, kWh per 100 cycles and noise level together for the model you’re considering.
No. In France, the durability index is gradually replacing the repairability index and provides an additional indication of how long an appliance may last. Consider it alongside the capacity you need and the energy use shown on the energy label.
First compare appliances of the same type and with a suitable capacity, then look at their annual energy use in kWh and noise levels. As these appliances run continuously, according to ADEME, compare their stated energy use with your VAT-inclusive rate per kWh ; this calculation alone can’t predict the savings from replacing your current appliance.