A breakdown doesn’t always mean you need to replace an appliance: ADEME recommends considering a repair if its condition allows. If you do need a replacement, compare the relevant rating and the features that matter to your household when buying new. For a refurbished appliance, check its stated condition, the checks carried out and the terms of sale.
Your appliance has broken down or is getting old, and you want to find out whether it’s worth looking into getting it working again before replacing it. ADEME points out that a breakdown doesn’t necessarily mean you have to replace the appliance.
You want to compare the features your household needs with the durability rating shown for these categories. ADEME notes that the rating is out of 10.
You’re considering a refurbished appliance and want to check its condition, the tests carried out and the seller’s status. The DGCCRF points out that the legal guarantee of conformity applies when a professional sells this type of product to a consumer.
Start by deciding whether a repair is still a sensible option. If you need to replace the appliance, the checks will depend on whether you choose a new or refurbished model.
| What matters to you | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Repairing the appliance | Ask for the fault and the appliance’s overall condition to be assessed. Check whether spare parts are available and whether it may be covered by a guarantee or insurance. | If my appliance breaks down and it seems possible to get it working again, I want to explore that option before replacing it; around 33% of consumers make this assessment a priority. |
| Choosing a new appliance | Compare the relevant rating across models in the same category, then look at the information that matters for everyday use, such as capacity, energy consumption and noise levels. | If I need to buy a new appliance, I want to compare information about its durability or repairability with how I plan to use it; around 42% of consumers prioritise making an informed choice. |
| Buying refurbished | Check the stated condition, any tests and repairs listed, the accessories included and the seller’s status. | I’m interested in a refurbished appliance if I can clearly understand what I’ll receive and who I’m buying it from; around 25% of consumers prioritise these checks. |
The durability rating covers reliability and repairability criteria. It doesn’t guarantee that an individual appliance won’t break down or that it will suit your needs.
Compare the score and its breakdown for appliances in the same category, then check the features that matter to your household. The French ministries responsible for ecology describe this rating as a guide for specific product categories.
According to the French ministries responsible for ecology and ADEME, the durability rating applies to televisions and, since April 2025, new washing machines placed on the market. Other categories are still covered by the repairability rating.
Check the exact product category before comparing scores. ADEME lists vacuum cleaners and dishwashers among the appliances covered by the repairability rating.
The DGCCRF defines a refurbished product as a second-hand item whose functions have been fully tested and which has been restored if necessary. This description alone doesn’t tell you what it looks like or which accessories are included.
Read the description of its condition, any work carried out and the accessories included. Then check who’s selling the appliance and which guarantees apply to the sale.
According to ADEME, a breakdown doesn’t necessarily mean the whole appliance needs replacing. Whether it can be repaired depends in particular on the fault and its overall condition.
Ask a qualified repairer to assess the appliance before making a decision. If you’re considering the Repair Bonus, also check the eligibility conditions set out by ecosystem.
The durability rating applies to televisions and new washing machines placed on the market. It has applied to washing machines since April 2025, according to the French ministries responsible for ecology and ADEME. The score is out of 10 and should be compared between appliances in the same category; check the breakdown of the criteria too.
ADEME lists vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, lawnmowers and pressure washers among the products covered. Check the appliance’s exact category before comparing its repairability score out of 10 with another model’s.
Yes. In France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to a refurbished appliance sold by a professional to a consumer, as the DGCCRF explains. It doesn’t apply to sales between private individuals, so check the seller’s status and keep a copy of the product description.
No. According to ecosystem, both the appliance and the fault must be eligible, and the repair must be carried out by a QualiRépar-certified professional. The scheme covers, among other things, an appliance owned by a household and bought in France that is no longer covered by a guarantee or insurance.