Before replacing an appliance to reduce its energy or water use, compare models with the same function and a capacity suited to your needs. Then check the figures for that appliance category rather than relying on the energy rating alone. Appliances that run continuously or are used very often deserve particular attention, but the condition of your current appliance, whether it can be repaired and your own habits may all point towards keeping it.
A fridge or freezer runs continuously, as ADEME points out. If you’re thinking of replacing yours, compare annual energy consumption alongside the capacity of the compartments you need and the noise level of the new model.
If you use your washing machine or dishwasher frequently, compare models with a capacity that suits your loads. ADEME lists energy consumption for 100 reference cycles and water use per cycle, but these figures won’t cover every programme you use.
If your appliance still meets your needs, have the fault checked before choosing a new model. Whether it can be repaired and how much useful life it has left should also inform your decision. For washing machines covered by the rules in France, ADEME highlights the durability index as additional information.
Start with the function and capacity you need, then compare consumption using the figures provided for each category. Finally, consider whether the condition of your current appliance warrants replacing it.
| What matters | What to check | Who this is for |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous cooling | Compare kWh per year, compartment capacity and noise levels for fridges or freezers with a similar function. | For an appliance that stays on day and night, I want to avoid paying to cool unnecessary space without running out of room; around 27% of consumers prioritise this cooling-related need. |
| Frequent washing and dishwashing | For a suitable capacity, check kWh per 100 reference cycles and litres of water per cycle. Also check the programme duration. | If I run cycles frequently, I want to keep both water and electricity use in check without choosing an unnecessarily large capacity. Around 33% of consumers put this need first. |
| Drying or cooking | For a tumble dryer, check the installation requirements and the figures on its label. For an oven, compare its capacity and kWh per cycle for the relevant cooking mode. | Before replacing my tumble dryer or oven, I want an appliance that suits both the space available and the way I use it; around 20% of consumers prioritise this fit. |
| Repair or replace | Have the fault diagnosed, check whether the appliance can be repaired and compare the energy use of any new model with an equivalent capacity. | If my appliance still does the job, I want to know whether repairing it could avoid replacing it too soon. Around 20% of consumers put this decision first. |
The rating alone doesn’t tell you what service you can expect: a larger volume or capacity can change how much energy an appliance uses.
Compare appliances with the same function and a size suited to your needs, then check their consumption and noise figures alongside the rating. For fridges and freezers, the European Commission also lists compartment volumes on the label.
The reference figures for washing and dishwashing won’t necessarily reflect the programmes, loads and frequency you choose at home.
Use the kWh and litre figures to compare appliances in the same category, then consider how they stack up against your own cycle habits.
According to the European Commission, a vented tumble dryer needs an air outlet to the outside. This could rule out a model even if its capacity is right for you.
Check the space available, whether it needs venting or draining, and the model’s instructions before comparing its energy use.
An external vent may mean adapting your installation.
A new model isn’t automatically a better choice than continuing to use an appliance that still meets your needs.
Have the fault diagnosed and find out whether it can be repaired. For a new washing machine covered by the relevant French rules, also check its durability index, which is separate from the energy label.
These appliances are intended for replacing a washing machine, fridge-freezer, compact dishwasher or tumble dryer. Compare each model with appliances that have the same function and a suitable capacity. This selection alone can’t tell you whether repairing or replacing is the right choice.
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Worth a look if you wash large loads: check that the 11 kg capacity suits the amount of laundry you usually collect before putting on a wash.
To compare its energy use with another washing machine, check the figures on its label and the programme they refer to.
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If you’re replacing an appliance that runs continuously, check that the 333 L total capacity and the split between fridge and freezer space suit your needs.
Compare its annual energy consumption and noise level with those of appliances with a similar capacity and function.
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If you regularly wash loads suited to a 9 kg capacity, compare the energy use for the reference programme with that of other washing machines that meet your needs.
Before choosing this model to suit your laundry routine, check how long the programme you’re interested in takes.
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Worth considering if you have a small amount of washing up and limited space, provided its capacity and connections suit the way you’ll use it.
Before comparing its per-cycle figures with those of a standard dishwasher, check the reference programme and the label information that applies to this model.
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If you’re replacing a tumble dryer, check that its 8 kg capacity, where it will go and how it drains are all suitable for your home.
The Class C rating in the product name isn’t enough to compare energy use. Check the figure and reference conditions on the model’s label.
In France, ADEME lists fridges, washing machines, dishwashers, tumble dryers, ovens and cooker hoods among the appliances whose energy labels are available in shops and online. Compare models in the same category and with a suitable capacity: the figures aren’t all measured on the same basis.
No: also look at the figures for the appliance and how you’ll use it. ADEME lists kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle for washing machines and dishwashers. For fridges and freezers, the European Commission provides annual energy consumption, capacity and noise levels.
No: the European Commission states that there are no energy-labelling requirements for domestic hobs. So don’t try to compare their energy ratings with those of ovens: these are different categories with different labelling rules.
First, check whether your current appliance can be repaired and will continue to meet your needs. For a new washing machine covered by the relevant French rules, the durability index provides additional information about repairability and reliability. It doesn’t replace comparing the figures on the energy label.