Who is this advice for?

Households with an older fridge or freezer

Your fridge or freezer runs all the time, and you want to know whether it should be checked before your other appliances. ADEME points out that these appliances stay switched on continuously.

Households doing frequent washing and drying

You use your washing machine, dishwasher or tumble dryer often and want to compare energy figures with the number of cycles you actually run. ADEME states that the energy figures shown for washing machines and dishwashers are based on 100 standard cycles.

Households deciding whether to repair or replace

Your appliance is ageing or has broken down, but you want to consider its condition, repair options and how often you use it before making a decision. In France, the repair bonus may be available if the product, fault and repairer meet the relevant conditions.

What should you check first?

Start with how often you use the appliance and what you need it to do. An appliance that runs continuously, one used for repeated cycles and one that could be kept going may not call for the same decision.

What to consider What to check Who this matters to
Always-on cooling Compare the annual energy use of fridges or freezers with a similar type, usable capacity and features. If my fridge or freezer runs day and night, I want to know whether replacing it should take priority over another appliance; around 31% of consumers would put refrigeration first.
Washing and drying Compare the kWh per 100 standard cycles with the number of cycles you run. Also check usable capacity and spin performance. When washing and drying are regular tasks, I want to understand what comes down to the appliance and what comes down to my habits; laundry would be the priority for around 25% of consumers.
Cooking and dishwashing For a dishwasher, check the kWh per 100 cycles and its capacity. For an oven, compare figures for the cooking mode you use. If I run the dishwasher often or use the oven regularly, I want to judge these appliances based on how I use them, rather than their energy rating alone; around 19% of consumers would prioritise this.
Repairs and usage Ask for a quote, check the appliance’s condition and look at the repair bonus criteria. If it still works, consider your usual programmes and loads too. Before replacing an appliance that still meets my needs, I want to know whether repairing it or changing how I use it would be enough; around 25% of consumers would put this decision first.

What should you avoid?

  • Comparing energy rating letters alone

    Energy ratings don’t tell the whole story when appliances differ in size, capacity or features. ADEME also points out that the old and new rating scales are not directly comparable.

    Compare the stated energy use, its unit and the test conditions for appliances that do the same job.

  • Assuming average energy use will match yours

    ADEME’s figures are based on assumed patterns of use. The size of the appliance and your habits can affect the results in your home.

    To decide what to prioritise, compare these figures with your own cycles and usage. If you’re working out running costs, factor in your price per kWh too.

  • Replacing an appliance without checking repair options

    A fault doesn’t necessarily mean that an appliance needs replacing. In France, eligibility for the repair bonus depends on factors including the product, the fault and using an approved repairer.

    Ask for a quote and check the scheme’s criteria before weighing up repair and replacement.

  • Choosing a larger capacity than you usually need

    According to ADEME, the size and features of a fridge or freezer can affect its energy use. A large-capacity washing machine won’t, on its own, solve the problem of running partly full loads.

    Choose a size or capacity that suits your household’s regular needs, rather than an occasional one-off.

Brands to consider

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Frequently asked questions

How do you compare the running costs of two appliances?

First, compare appliances that do the same job and have a similar volume or capacity and similar features. For a washing machine or dishwasher, adjust the kWh per 100 standard cycles shown on the label to match the number of cycles you run, then apply your price per kWh. For a fridge or freezer, start with comparable annual energy use. The programme you choose and your habits can affect the result.

Should you replace an old fridge before a washing machine?

Not necessarily. A fridge is worth checking because it runs continuously, but the priority also depends on its energy use and capacity, as well as how often you do your washing. ADEME notes that a larger fridge or freezer, or one with extra features, can use more energy. So compare models that offer a similar service before deciding.

When should you look into repairing an appliance before replacing it?

Consider a repair if the appliance still meets your needs and a quote, its general condition and the availability of parts suggest it could be put back into working order. In France, the repair bonus may be available subject to certain conditions. Check whether the product and fault are eligible, and whether the repairer is approved, before factoring it in.

What should you check on the label of a new appliance?

For an appliance covered by France’s energy labelling rules, check the energy use, its unit and the conditions it relates to, then look up the exact model’s product information sheet. The DGCCRF describes the label as a comparison tool: an annual figure and a figure per 100 cycles need to be read differently. Also check that the label and product information sheet for the model are available in French.