Before replacing a household appliance, check whether repairing it could still meet your needs. The Repair Bonus may be available, subject to the conditions set out by ecosystem, when you use a QualiRépar-approved repairer. If you need to replace it, check the condition of the item and the seller’s status when considering a second-hand or refurbished appliance. For a new appliance, compare the relevant index for its category and check the information available about spare parts.
Your appliance no longer meets your day-to-day needs, but it’s worth considering a repair before replacing it. For the Repair Bonus offered by ecosystem, check whether the appliance is under warranty, what the fault is and whether you can use a QualiRépar-approved repairer.
You’d consider a second-hand or refurbished appliance if its condition and specifications are clearly described. Check who the seller is, too: France’s Ministry of the Economy distinguishes between the protections that apply when buying from a business and those for sales between private individuals.
You need a new appliance and want to assess how repairable or durable it is. According to ADEME, the index you should check depends on the category. You should also look at spare-parts information and the service conditions for the specific model.
Consider it: if the appliance would still meet your needs once the fault has been fixed.
Keep in mind: the repair and any eligibility for the Repair Bonus depend on the fault and the circumstances of the appliance.
Consider it: if a previously used appliance meets your needs and you can check its condition.
Keep in mind: the description of the new model won’t tell you the condition of the specific item on offer.
Consider it: if your needs have changed or a repair won’t allow you to keep using the appliance.
Keep in mind: there isn’t an official index for every category, and an index can’t replace checking the specific model.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Repair before replacing | Check the fault, warranty status and the conditions for using a QualiRépar-approved repairer. | If my appliance can still handle its everyday job, I’d rather find out whether it can be repaired before choosing another one. Around 42% of consumers could make repair their priority. |
| Find out the condition of a second-hand appliance | Ask for the reference and condition of the item on offer, then check whether the seller is a business or a private individual. | When buying an appliance that’s already been used, I want to know exactly what I’ll receive and who I’m buying it from. Second-hand could be the priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Consider how long a new appliance could be used | Check the index for the relevant category, then look at the spare-parts and service information for the exact model. | If I have to buy new, I look for practical information to help me assess whether I can keep and repair the appliance. Around 33% of consumers could make this a priority. |
An appliance that has stopped working doesn’t necessarily need replacing. However, ecosystem only offers the Repair Bonus for appliances and repairs that meet its eligibility conditions.
Before choosing another appliance, check the warranty, the type of fault and whether you can use a QualiRépar-approved repairer.
According to ADEME, the repairability index measures how easy an appliance is to repair. The durability index, which applies to certain categories, also takes reliability into account. Neither score guarantees how long an individual appliance will last.
Compare the index for the category in question, then check the spare parts, documentation and service available for the specific model.
France’s DGCCRF states that a refurbished product must have undergone functionality tests. The Ministry of the Economy also notes that the legal guarantee of conformity, which applies to sales by businesses, does not apply to sales between private individuals.
Ask for a description of the item on offer, details of any tests or refurbishment, the accessories included and the seller’s status.
A brand to consider if stated spare-parts availability is important when choosing a large household appliance or vacuum cleaner.
A brand to consider, bearing in mind that its stated spare-parts availability varies by appliance type.
A brand to consider if commercial warranty terms and access to after-sales service are important when choosing a new appliance.
According to ADEME, the durability index applies to televisions placed on the market since 8 January 2025 and washing machines since April 2025. It takes repairability and reliability into account. Don’t assume it applies to other household-appliance categories.
No. ecosystem only offers the Repair Bonus for electrical equipment that is no longer covered by a legal or commercial warranty, including any extended warranty. The appliance must also belong to a household, the fault must be eligible and the repair must be carried out by a QualiRépar-approved repairer.
No. ecosystem’s terms exclude cosmetic damage that doesn’t affect how the appliance works, as well as accessories, consumables and removable batteries. If damage is preventing the appliance from working, ask a QualiRépar-approved repairer whether the proposed repair meets the conditions.
France’s Ministry of the Economy states that the legal guarantee of conformity applies to a second-hand or refurbished appliance sold by a business to an individual. It doesn’t apply to sales between private individuals, so check the seller’s status before you buy.
No. According to France’s DGCCRF, a refurbished appliance is a second-hand item that has undergone functionality tests and, where necessary, repairs or restoration before being resold. Check that the description is for the specific item on offer, not just the new model.