An apparent fault isn’t enough on its own to justify replacing a household appliance. First, check what’s wrong and whether it can be repaired, or delay buying if you’re still unsure what you need. If you do need a replacement, compare features that suit your needs and the official ratings applicable to new models. For a second-hand appliance, check its condition and who’s selling it, as this affects your statutory rights, including your legal guarantee of conformity.
You want to find out whether your appliance really needs replacing. ADEME recommends investigating the cause of the problem before replacing equipment. A diagnosis can then help you assess whether it can be repaired and whether parts are available.
You need a replacement, but want to choose a model that suits your needs. In France, official durability or repairability information can help you compare models in the relevant categories, but you’ll still need to check their dimensions and features.
You can check the condition and functions of a pre-owned appliance, while also taking the seller into account. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to second-hand goods sold by a business to a consumer, but not to private sales.
After an apparent fault, first find out whether the appliance still works or can be repaired. If you still need a replacement, weigh up each option against how you plan to use it rather than choosing solely by a rating or listing.
| Your concern | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Whether it can be repaired | Ask for the cause of the fault to be identified and check whether the parts are available. If the appliance is eligible, check the conditions for the repair bonus. | If the fault hasn’t been confirmed, I’d rather find out whether my appliance can still be used before looking for another one; around 36% of consumers would prioritise this check. |
| Buying a new replacement | Check the rating that applies to the model and how it is calculated, then check the dimensions and features you need. | When a replacement is necessary, I want an appliance that suits my needs and whose durability or repairability information I can check; around 29% of consumers would have this as their priority. |
| Buying second-hand | Identify the seller and check the model, condition and essential functions before buying. | When choosing a pre-owned appliance, I need to know its condition and what protection comes with the sale; around 21% of consumers would put these checks first. |
| Putting off the purchase | Decide whether a temporary solution will work, then pin down the dimensions and features you really need. | If I can wait, I’d rather work out what I need before choosing a replacement that might not be right for me; around 14% of consumers would prioritise this approach. |
Replacing an appliance straight away could rule out a repair that might have been possible. ADEME recommends finding out what caused the problem before replacing an appliance.
Ask someone to confirm the fault and check whether the necessary parts are available. If your appliance is eligible, also check the conditions for the repair bonus and whether you need to use a certified repairer.
In France, durability and repairability ratings apply to specific product categories. Even if a model has a rating, it won’t tell you whether its capacity, size or features suit your needs.
Check the details of the relevant rating, then make sure the appliance will fit and check its energy label if one is available for that category.
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity covers second-hand goods sold by a business to a consumer, but doesn’t apply to private sales.
Identify the seller, keep a copy of the listing and proof of purchase, and check the model and essential functions where possible.
If collection hasn’t been arranged, keeping a large, unusable appliance could make it harder to install your new one.
Before ordering an equivalent new electrical appliance, find out how your old one can be taken away, particularly if your order is being delivered to your home.
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the durability index has applied to televisions since 8 January 2025 and to front-loading and top-loading washing machines since 8 April 2025. The ministry says the repairability index applies to products including vacuum cleaners and dishwashers. For other categories, check which rating applies to the model rather than assuming it has one.
No. Start by asking someone to confirm the fault and whether the appliance can be repaired. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the bonus applies to certain products repaired by a certified professional. It doesn’t cover repairs under warranty, or cases that don’t meet the other eligibility conditions.
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, second-hand appliances sold by a business to a consumer are covered by the legal guarantee of conformity. This guarantee doesn’t apply to private sales, so identify the seller and check the appliance’s condition and functions before you commit to buying it.
If you’re buying an equivalent new electrical appliance, ask the retailer how to arrange collection of your old one. Ecosystem describes a “one-for-one” take-back service offered with this type of purchase, including online orders. Check the practical arrangements before delivery.