Start by looking at the appliance that runs constantly or gets the most use, then compare its actual consumption with the energy label figures for a model with the right function and capacity. Replacement isn’t automatic: if an appliance breaks down, check whether maintenance or repairs are an option too. Standardised figures help you compare appliances, but they don’t guarantee a lower electricity bill.
If your fridge or freezer runs all year round, compare its consumption with that of an appliance offering the storage space you need. The European Commission says the energy label for refrigeration appliances includes information such as energy consumption and storage volumes.
For regular laundry or dishwashing cycles, the capacity should suit your usual loads. The consumption figure shown for reference programmes is a useful guide, but you should compare it with how often you use the appliance.
Before choosing a new appliance, identify exactly which one has broken down and check your warranty and repair options. A part must match the exact version of the appliance, and some repairs require specialist skills.
To decide whether replacing an appliance could meet your needs, start with how you actually use it and compare models with suitable capacities. If it has broken down, look into repairs before buying a replacement.
| What matters | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Always-on refrigeration | Compare the annual kWh figures and fridge and freezer volumes shown on the labels of models with the same function. | If my appliance runs all year, I want to check its energy consumption without losing the storage space I need; around 27% of consumers make this their top refrigeration-related priority. |
| Frequent washing and drying | For a washing machine or dishwasher, check the kWh per 100 reference cycles and choose a capacity suited to your loads. Check the specifications of any tumble dryer you’re considering separately. | With regular cycles, I’m looking for a capacity that suits my usual loads; around 33% of consumers prioritise washing or drying needs. |
| Oven cooking | Compare the oven’s capacity and the kWh per cycle for the cooking mode you use. Don’t apply an oven’s energy label figures to a hob. | If I use the oven often, I want to compare relevant cooking modes and batch sizes; around 13% of consumers make this use their priority. |
| Repair or replace | Note down the exact model number and keep your proof of purchase, then ask for a diagnosis. Check the terms of any applicable warranty or repair scheme. | If something breaks down, I’d rather find out whether it can be repaired before buying another one; around 27% of consumers make this their top priority. |
The letter alone isn’t enough to compare fridges with different capacities or washing machines that aren’t suited to your usual loads.
First compare appliances with the same function and a suitable capacity, then check their standardised energy consumption figures and any other useful information on the label.
According to ADEME, energy consumption figures for washing appliances are based on reference cycles. Your programmes, loads and frequency of use may be different.
To estimate how replacing an appliance could affect your bill, compare the figures for the specific models with your actual usage and electricity tariff. Any estimate will be conditional.
The stated capacity doesn’t tell you whether it’s right for the laundry you usually wash. An appliance that’s too small could mean you have to run more cycles.
Before comparing energy labels, match the capacity in kilograms to your loads and how often you do the washing.
The right replacement part depends on the exact version of the appliance. In France, the Ministry of the Economy says the legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a professional to a consumer, subject to its terms.
Keep your proof of purchase, note down the model and serial numbers, then ask for a diagnosis before deciding whether to repair or replace the appliance.
In France, Bosch offers freestanding, integrated and under-counter washing machines.
Whirlpool’s French catalogue includes washing, drying, refrigeration, dishwashing and cooking appliances.
To find spare parts, Electrolux France asks for the product number, known as the PNC, and the appliance’s serial number.
These models are relevant if you’re replacing a washing machine, dishwasher or refrigeration appliance. Before deciding to replace your current appliance, compare each model with one that has the same function, a suitable capacity and similar real-world use.
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Worth considering if your usual loads call for an 11 kg capacity. The model name indicates an A energy rating; compare its energy label with that of a washing machine suited to the same needs.
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Worth comparing if you regularly wash loads of up to 14 place settings. The model name indicates a 60 cm format and a C energy rating; check the exact built-in dimensions before buying.
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Worth considering if a 10 kg capacity suits your regular loads. Compare the figures on the exact model’s energy label with those for your current appliance rather than assuming its capacity alone means it will save energy.
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Check that the top-loading design and 6 kg capacity suit your space and usual loads. The model name indicates a B energy rating and a maximum spin speed of 1,400 tr/min; check the energy label for its consumption figures too.
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Worth considering if you need 444 L of storage space. The model name indicates an E energy rating; compare the annual consumption and detailed volumes on its energy label with those of an appliance with the same function.
Compare appliances with the same function and a suitable capacity. ADEME gives figures such as kWh per 100 reference cycles for washing appliances. For refrigeration, the European Commission provides annual kWh figures and storage volumes, while oven figures show kWh per cycle for the mode used. Compare these guides with how often you use the appliance: they can’t predict your bill on their own.
No. Start by arranging a diagnosis based on the appliance’s exact model. Keep your proof of purchase, check whether a warranty applies and ask what repairs are possible before comparing the cost with a replacement.
No. According to the ministry responsible for ecological transition, it’s a deduction from the bill when you use an accredited repairer and your case is eligible. Check the product, the fault and the terms with the repairer before factoring it into your decision.
Contact the seller and keep your proof of purchase. In France, the Ministry of the Economy says the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a consumer. Whether it applies depends on the nature of the fault and the legal conditions, and is separate from simply changing your mind.
No. The ministry responsible for ecological transition says these indices apply to specific categories, and that the durability index is gradually replacing the repairability index, including for washing machines from 8 April 2025. Check which index applies to the category and model you’re considering; it doesn’t guarantee that a particular fault can be repaired.