After a breakdown, first check whether your appliance is covered by a warranty or insurance policy. Then arrange a diagnosis and quote if a safe repair looks possible. If you need to replace it, compare new and refurbished options based on installation requirements, the condition of the actual item for sale and the protections that apply. Without knowing the fault and the model, there’s no single option that’s right in every case.
Your appliance is out of warranty and you want to find out whether a diagnosis, a quote and, where applicable, the Repair Bonus could help you get it working again. ADEME and ecosystem set out the eligibility requirements for the scheme.
You’re considering a replacement, but the dimensions, installation type and connections need to suit your home, as do the delivery and installation arrangements.
You’re looking for an appliance that has been restored, with the professional seller describing the actual item, the tests carried out, the accessories included and the warranties that apply.
Consider this if: a diagnosis confirms the appliance can be used safely again and the repairer can check whether it qualifies for the Repair Bonus.
Bear in mind: the decision depends on the fault, the part needed and the timescale quoted. The bonus may not cover the full bill.
Consider this only if: the workshop decides the appliance and repair are suitable for guided support without technical risk.
Limit: this option is no substitute for professional advice if electrical or heat-related work might be needed.
Consider this if: a replacement meets your requirements for dimensions, installation and features.
Limit: being new alone doesn’t prove that a model will last longer or be easier to repair.
Consider this if: a professional seller describes the condition, features and tests of the actual item you’ll receive.
Limit: accessories, cosmetic condition and delivery arrangements vary by item and seller.
| What matters to you | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Whether it can be repaired | Check whether it’s covered by a warranty or insurance policy, then ask for a diagnosis and quote. For the Repair Bonus, confirm that the appliance is eligible and that the repairer is accredited. | I’d prefer to keep my appliance if the fault can be fixed without compromising safe use; around 36% of consumers would put this first. |
| Getting it back in use | Before replacing it, check the dimensions, installation type and connections, as well as the delivery and installation arrangements. | If I need to get a household task back on track quickly, I don’t want to choose an appliance that can’t be installed; this would be a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Maintaining its replacement | For categories where it applies, check the model’s repairability or durability rating and the breakdown of its score, including information about spare parts. | I want to be able to maintain my next appliance and check how easily it can be repaired before I choose; around 21% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Refurbished options and protections | Check the professional seller’s identity, the item’s condition and test results, the accessories and the warranties that apply. | I’m considering a refurbished appliance, but I want to know exactly what has been restored and what will be delivered; around 14% of consumers would put this need first. |
According to ADEME and ecosystem, the bonus is deducted from the bill by an accredited repairer for an eligible appliance. For the household appliances covered, it also matters whether the appliance was bought in France, whether it may be covered by a warranty or insurance policy, and what caused the fault. A minimum repair cost may also apply.
Ask the repairer to confirm the requirements for your appliance before accepting the quote.
A model’s general specifications don’t necessarily describe the condition, accessories or tests for the refurbished item being sold. The DGCCRF advises consumers to pay attention to information specific to that item.
Check the item listing, the professional seller, the accessories and the delivery arrangements, and keep a copy of the listing description.
French repairability and durability ratings apply to certain models and categories. You can’t infer how long an appliance will last simply because it’s new.
Compare the relevant rating and its breakdown when the models you’re considering fall within a covered category.
INRS warns that electrical accidents can be serious. General guidance can’t tell you whether a repair to your appliance is safe.
Don’t attempt electrical or heat-related work based on a tutorial alone. Have a professional assess the fault, or ask a supervised workshop whether it’s suitable for them to help with.
A network that collects, renovates and resells electrical equipment, including small and large household appliances.
A range of second-hand and refurbished appliances from Darty.
A second-life range that includes refurbished large household appliances.
Consider these cordless models as replacements only if the broken appliance is a vacuum cleaner. First check whether repairing it is the right option, then compare the dimensions and conditions of use of the model you choose.
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Worth considering as a replacement vacuum if you’re looking for a cordless model with an automatic emptying station.
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Worth considering as a replacement for a vacuum used on floors and carpets if an automatic collection station suits your needs.
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Worth considering as a replacement for a vacuum used on carpets and hard floors if you want an automatic suction station.
Ask an accredited repairer to confirm that it’s eligible before you accept the quote. According to ADEME and ecosystem, the household appliances covered must, among other things, have been bought in France, no longer be covered by a warranty or insurance policy, and have a fault resulting from normal use. The appliance category and any applicable minimum thresholds also matter.
Yes. In France, the legal guarantee of conformity also applies to second-hand and refurbished goods bought by a private individual from a professional seller. According to the Ministry of the Economy and the DGCCRF, you have two years from delivery to take action. For second-hand goods, the assumption that the defect already existed at the time of delivery applies for one year; after that, the rules for providing evidence change.
According to the Ministry of the Economy, a refurbished appliance is a second-hand item whose functions have been tested and which has been repaired or restored where necessary before being resold. Check that the advertised condition and specifications describe the actual item for sale, not just its original model.
Don’t treat work involving electrical, heat-related or technical risks as a DIY job unless the appliance has been properly assessed. INRS warns that electrical accidents can be serious. Ask a professional or a supervised workshop whether the repair you have in mind is suitable.
Check the rating that applies to the appliance category and look at the criteria behind it, rather than assuming the same rating applies to every appliance. According to the Ministry of the Economy, the repairability index gives information about repair options. For televisions and front- or top-loading washing machines, it has been replaced by the durability index, which includes additional criteria relating to reliability and maintenance.