An appliance nearing the end of its life doesn’t necessarily need replacing: consider whether it can be repaired before comparing new and refurbished models. If you decide to buy, check the details for the specific model, its dimensions and installation requirements. Where applicable, an energy label won’t tell you on its own whether an appliance can be repaired. For refurbished products, check which functions have been tested and who the seller is.
Your appliance isn’t working properly or has stopped altogether. Before buying another one, you want to know whether a professional can repair it and whether you meet the requirements for the Repair Bonus. ADEME and ecosystem set out separate steps and conditions for checking these two things.
You want to compare specific models using their energy information and, for the relevant categories, durability details. Spare-part availability and whether the appliance will suit your home also matter when making your choice.
You’re considering a refurbished appliance if its tested functions, condition and dimensions meet your needs. You also want to know whether the seller is a business, as this affects the protections available in France, according to the Ministry of the Economy.
Consider this if: a diagnosis can identify a suitable repair and the parts you need are available.
Bear in mind: the Repair Bonus doesn’t guarantee that a fault can be fixed or that the repair will still meet your needs.
Consider this if: a repair won’t meet your needs and you can compare the details of a model that suits your home.
Bear in mind: energy ratings and durability information answer different questions, and what’s displayed depends on the product category.
Consider this if: the stated condition, tested functions and exact model reference suit the way you’ll use it.
Bear in mind: check who’s selling the appliance. Buying from a business and buying from a private seller don’t come with the same protections.
If a household appliance is nearing the end of its life, decide what matters most to you, then check the details and conditions for the option you’re considering.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Whether it can be repaired | Ask for a diagnosis or quote; check which part is needed and, with ecosystem, whether you meet the conditions for the Repair Bonus. | If my appliance breaks down, I want to know whether I can keep using it before choosing a replacement. Around 33% of consumers put this first. |
| Information about a new model | Compare the energy label if the category is covered, and check the durability index if it applies to the model. | If I need to buy new, I want to check the energy use and durability information for the specific model. Around 27% of consumers start their choice with these details. |
| Condition of a refurbished appliance | Check the model reference, tested functions, stated condition and seller’s identity. | I’m interested in an alternative to buying new if I can find out what’s been checked and who I’m buying from. For around 20% of consumers, refurbished is the main option to consider. |
| Whether it suits your home | Confirm the dimensions, capacity, installation type and connections for the exact model. | Before replacing an appliance, I need to be sure the new one can be installed and used in my home. This compatibility is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
A fault is a reason to check whether a repair is possible, but don’t assume it can be fixed. ADEME says a repairer can help you assess the work needed.
Ask for a diagnosis or quote and find out which part is needed. For the Repair Bonus, ecosystem specifies, among other conditions, that the appliance must no longer be covered by a warranty and the fault must be eligible.
The energy label helps you compare products in covered categories, but it doesn’t replace information about repairability. In France, the durability index applies to certain televisions and washing machines as part of its rollout, according to the ministry responsible for the environment.
Compare the information that applies to the exact model, then check spare-part details and installation requirements separately.
The French Ministry of the Economy defines a refurbished product as a second-hand item whose functions have been fully tested and which has been restored if necessary. In France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to a private individual; it doesn’t cover second-hand sales between private individuals.
Before choosing, check the product’s stated status, which functions have been tested, any faults described and who the seller is.
A brand’s stated parts availability period doesn’t confirm that a specific part will fit your appliance or that a repair can be carried out within your preferred timeframe.
Note down the full model reference, identify the part in question and ask the repairer to confirm its availability and the repair timeframe.
Brand information can help you look for parts, but the appliance reference and the part you need are what matter most.
Worth considering if stated availability of genuine parts is important when choosing a kitchen or laundry appliance.
Worth considering if you want to search for parts using the reference for a large or small appliance.
Worth considering if you want to find documents and parts using an appliance reference.
No. In France, the ministry responsible for the environment says the index has been introduced for televisions from 8 January 2025 and for eligible washing machines from 8 April 2025. Check whether the category and model you’re considering are covered rather than assuming every new appliance comes with a rating.
For a category covered by EU energy labelling, start with the energy label and product information sheet for the exact model. The European Commission says the EPREL database brings together information about covered models; it may also include repair information supplied by the manufacturer. Check dimensions and installation requirements separately.
No. According to the conditions published by ecosystem, the appliance must no longer be covered by a warranty, the fault must be eligible and the repair must be carried out by a QualiRépar-certified professional. Have the fault assessed before relying on this scheme.
Yes, in France, if you buy it from a professional seller as a private individual. The Ministry of the Economy confirms that this guarantee also covers second-hand and refurbished goods. It doesn’t apply to second-hand sales between private individuals, so it’s important to check who the seller is.
Keep the full reference shown on the appliance, along with the details on its rating plate. Bosch Home Appliances uses the E-Nr, among other details, to search for parts, while Whirlpool asks for the appliance reference. The format you need therefore depends on the brand.