After a breakdown, first establish whether the issue is due to maintenance or requires a repair. Then compare a diagnosis and quote with the total cost of a suitable replacement. If you need to replace the appliance, check the parts, service and index that apply to the specific model. None of these factors alone can guarantee the cost or repairability of a future fault.
You want to find out whether the issue is something you can fix with basic maintenance or a fault that needs attention before considering a replacement. ADEME recommends distinguishing between these situations and looking for a suitable repair solution.
You need to weigh up a repair quote, any assistance you may be eligible for and the full cost of a replacement appliance, including the cost of running it.
You’re looking for an appliance that suits your daily routine, whether new or second-hand, and want to check its energy use, parts and repair options.
Consider this: if the diagnosis or work needed goes beyond routine maintenance, ask for a detailed quote.
Bear in mind: the call-out, labour, parts and waiting time can all affect your decision. Eligibility for the Repair Bonus depends on specific conditions.
Consider this: for checks recommended in the manual, or a repair that matches your skills and the facilities available at the workshop.
Bear in mind: the wrong checks may not identify the cause. Don’t attempt any work that could put you at risk from electricity, refrigerant or gas.
Consider this: if a diagnosis and cost comparison don’t show that a practical repair is the right option.
Bear in mind: the purchase price alone doesn’t tell you what an appliance will cost to run. Indices and labelling requirements vary by category.
Consider this: if you’re weighing up a second-hand option against a suitable new appliance.
Bear in mind: the condition and specifications of the item being sold matter. Energy labels required for some appliances don’t apply to second-hand products.
If a household appliance breaks down, start with the symptoms and appliance model number. Then compare the quote and waiting time with the specifications of any replacement you’re considering.
| What you’re concerned about | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Establishing whether the appliance needs a repair | Note the model number and symptoms. Check the manual for basic maintenance checks, and ask for a diagnosis if the problem persists. | If I want to avoid replacing an appliance when the issue is down to maintenance, I’ll start by understanding the symptoms. Around 36% of consumers prioritise a diagnosis. |
| Comparing the total cost | Compare a detailed quote and any assistance you may be eligible for with the full cost of a suitable replacement, including energy use over a realistic period. | When I need to keep costs under control, I compare the actual costs of repair and replacement rather than applying a one-size-fits-all threshold. Around 29% of consumers put this comparison first. |
| Getting back to safe use quickly | Ask how long an engineer visit or replacement part will take. If you suspect a gas leak, follow GRDF’s emergency instructions and don’t work on the appliance yourself. | If the appliance is essential to daily life, I want to know how long it will take and choose a safe solution. This is a priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Assessing how repairable a replacement will be | Check which index applies to its category and what it measures, along with the parts reference and service. For a second-hand appliance, check the information provided about the specific item for sale. | If I want to choose an appliance I can maintain and whose repair options I can assess, I’ll look at the information for the exact model. Around 14% of consumers prioritise repairability. |
An appliance may need maintenance rather than a replacement part. Replacing it too soon could rule out a repair that might be possible, although this doesn’t mean the fault can be diagnosed remotely.
Start with the basic checks recommended in the manual. If the problem persists, get a diagnosis. Don’t attempt any dangerous repairs.
Eligibility for the Repair Bonus depends on specific criteria, and every quote is based on the appliance and work involved. Any assistance you may receive isn’t enough on its own to tell you whether a repair is right for you.
Compare the quote that actually applies to your situation with the full cost of a suitable replacement. Don’t rely on a universal percentage.
An index summarises criteria for a particular model or category. It isn’t a diagnosis or a quote for a specific fault.
Check which index applies and what it measures, then look separately at the parts and service available for the exact model number.
The description and condition of the item for sale matter. Energy labels required for certain categories don’t apply to second-hand products.
Ask about the tests carried out, the item’s condition and its model number, then compare how it would suit your needs with a suitable new appliance.
Worth considering for large household appliances and repair services advertised in France. Check the details for the specific model.
Worth considering for appliances covered by the manufacturer’s stated parts policy, particularly the specific washing machine model you’re looking at.
Worth considering if you’re looking for parts for an appliance from the brand and can find its exact model number.
Worth considering for small kitchen appliances. Check the repairability information for the specific model you’re looking for.
Worth considering for some household cleaning appliances. Check the commitments that apply to the specific product.
This selection includes new appliances to replace a kitchen appliance, fridge freezer or washing machine. Before choosing, check the dimensions, capacity, features and energy-use information to make sure they suit your household.
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Worth considering if you’re replacing a fridge freezer and want a freestanding model.
Stated total capacity: 344 L, comprising 230 L for the fridge and 114 L for the freezer.
Stated annual energy use: 254 kWh. The door is reversible and an alarm alerts you if it’s left open.
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Worth considering if you need to replace a kitchen kettle or toaster. The product is sold as a set.
1.7 L kettle with temperature settings from 40 to 100 °C and a 3-hour keep-warm function.
Two-slot toaster with six browning settings, defrost and reheat functions.
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Worth considering as a replacement fridge freezer. Check that its dimensions suit the space you have available.
Stated total capacity: 336 L, comprising 238 L for the fridge and 98 L for the freezer.
Stated annual energy use: 135 kWh. The model is described as having Total No Frost and a reversible door.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a large fridge freezer with an adjustable-temperature storage zone.
Stated total capacity: 483 L. The My Fresh Choice zone can be set from +5 °C to −18 °C.
Stated annual energy use: 293 kWh. The door isn’t reversible, so check that it opens in the right direction for your kitchen.
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Worth considering if you’re replacing a washing machine. Check the stated dimensions against the space available.
Front-loading, with stated dimensions of 85 × 59,5 × 68,1 cm. Maximum spin speed: 1 400 rpm.
Stated energy use: 31 kWh per 100 Eco 40-60 cycles. The product description lists 16 programmes and a steam function.
No, it doesn’t cover every category. As at 23 October 2026, the French Ministry of the Economy says it applies in particular to front- and top-loading washing machines and televisions. ADEME lists dishwashers and vacuum cleaners, among others, as categories covered by the repairability index. Check the category and the criteria that apply to the model.
Check that the appliance and fault are eligible, that the repair isn’t covered by a warranty or insurance, and that the repairer meets the scheme’s requirements. ADEME and ecosystem explain that the assistance is deducted subject to conditions. You’ll still need to compare the quote with the cost of a suitable replacement appliance.
Only consider a check or repair if it’s suitable for your skills and the equipment available. Work on a refrigerant circuit, which is subject to specific requirements, or a gas appliance calls for you to check the relevant qualifications and safety precautions. GRDF distinguishes its emergency advice from repairs carried out on the appliance by a gas professional. If you smell gas, follow GRDF’s emergency instructions first.
Check the condition, model number, tests and description of the specific item for sale, and find out whether the seller is a professional. The DGCCRF sets out the requirements for refurbished products. When you buy from a professional, the legal guarantee of conformity and the rules on presumed pre-existing faults differ for new and second-hand goods.
Compare a diagnosis and detailed quote with the full cost of a suitable replacement, without applying a one-size-fits-all threshold. Consider the waiting time, parts and any assistance you may be eligible for. For a new appliance, also look at its energy use and the repairability information for its category and exact model.