A breakdown doesn’t necessarily mean you need to replace your appliance. First, check whether it’s covered, find out exactly what’s causing the problem and see whether it can be repaired. If you do need a replacement, compare new and refurbished models based on how well they suit your home, their warranties and the information available about their repairability.
If you use an appliance every day, the time it takes to diagnose the problem, repair it or replace it matters just as much as the solution itself. ADEME recommends checking what’s wrong before deciding that you need to buy a replacement.
For a domestic electrical appliance bought in France, ecosystem explains that eligibility depends on whether the appliance is still covered, its category and the nature of the fault.
If a repair won’t meet your needs, choosing between a new and a refurbished appliance means checking its condition, warranty and suitability. For the categories covered, the durability index also provides information about the model’s repairability and reliability.
If a domestic electrical appliance has broken down, start by finding out what’s stopping you from using it. If it needs attention, check the repair terms before comparing replacement options.
| What matters to you | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Avoiding an unnecessary replacement | Check whether the appliance is currently covered, and ask for a description of the symptoms and what the diagnostic assessment will include. | When I rely on this appliance every day, I want to understand what’s wrong before giving up on it. Around 33% of consumers make diagnosis their priority. |
| Getting the appliance repaired | Confirm that the repair is possible. For the Repair Bonus, check that the appliance and fault are eligible and that the repairer is QualiRépar-certified. | If the appliance can be made usable again, I’d rather know the repair terms and timescale before choosing another model. Repair comes first for around 27% of consumers. |
| Choosing a new appliance | Check the dimensions and connections. For the categories covered, look at the durability index breakdown. | If I need to replace the appliance, I’m looking for a new model that fits my installation and whose repairability I can assess. This is the priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Choosing a refurbished appliance | Check the condition of the specific model, the accessories, whether it can be installed and the seller’s warranty terms. | If a replacement is necessary, I want to know the condition of the refurbished appliance and what support is available if something goes wrong. This option is the priority for around 20% of consumers. |
An appliance that has stopped working isn’t necessarily beyond repair. ADEME recommends finding out what’s causing the problem before deciding to replace it.
Note down the model reference, check whether it’s currently covered and find out exactly what the diagnostic assessment includes before deciding what to do next.
According to ecosystem, the scheme covers eligible appliances and faults, provided they aren’t covered by a warranty or insurance, and the repair is carried out by a QualiRépar-certified repairer.
Ask the professional to confirm that your appliance and fault meet the conditions before agreeing to the repair.
A refurbished appliance needs to meet the same usage and installation requirements as the model it replaces. Its condition, accessories and associated services depend on the offer you choose.
Check the model reference, dimensions, connections, capacity, delivery arrangements and after-sales service terms.
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the index combines repairability and reliability criteria for the products it covers. On its own, it won’t tell you whether the appliance is right for your home.
Check the essential specifications first, then use the score and its breakdown to compare compatible models.
These retailers can be useful for comparing options if you need to replace a household appliance. Check the terms for the specific model on offer rather than relying on the retailer’s name alone.
The network offers renovated or refurbished second-hand household appliances.
This range includes second-hand and refurbished small and large household appliances.
The retailer offers refurbished washing machines, dishwashers, fridges and cooking appliances, among other products.
No. According to ecosystem, an appliance covered by a statutory, manufacturer or commercial warranty, an extended warranty or insurance isn’t eligible for the Repair Bonus. First, check what options are available under your existing cover.
Yes, if you buy it from a professional seller. The French Ministry of the Economy states that the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods. It is separate from any additional commercial commitments made by the seller.
For a category covered by the index, compare the score out of 10 and the detailed repairability and reliability criteria, as set out by the French Ministry of the Economy. Separately, check that each model meets your installation and usage requirements: the index doesn’t guarantee the lifespan of any particular appliance.