Start by looking at the appliances that run continuously or that you use very often. Then compare their consumption with that of your current appliance, using models with a similar capacity and for similar purposes. A new model with lower consumption on its energy label won’t necessarily reduce your bill: its size, features and how you use it all matter, as does whether you can keep or repair your current appliance.
Your fridge or freezer runs non-stop, and you want to know whether another model with a similar capacity would use less energy. ADEME points out that these appliances run continuously. That’s a reason to look at their consumption, not to assume they need replacing.
You run cycles regularly and want a capacity that suits your usual loads. The energy label lets you consider electricity, water, programme duration and noise together, rather than focusing on the energy class alone.
Your appliance still meets your needs, and you want to compare its consumption and how you actually use it with those of a new model. The option of continuing to use it or having it repaired is also part of the decision.
Start with the appliance you own and how often you use it. The energy label can then help you compare appliances that perform the same function and have a suitable capacity; on its own, it can’t predict your energy use at home.
| What matters | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous refrigeration | Compare the kWh/year, usable capacity and features of two appliances with a similar configuration. A larger capacity or certain features, such as an ice maker, can affect the result. | If my fridge runs day and night, I want to know what difference a model suited to the same storage needs would make. Around 33 % of consumers would put this question first. |
| Frequent washing | Look at the capacity you’ll actually use and the kWh/100 cycles for the reference programme. Also check water use per cycle and the duration of the Eco programme. | With regular laundry, I don’t want to underfill a large drum or judge an appliance by its energy rating alone. Washing-related consumption would be the top priority for around 27 % of consumers. |
| Frequent cooking | Compare appliances that perform the same function and consider how often you use them. If you’re looking at an induction hob, also check that your cookware is compatible. | I cook often and want to know whether changing my hob or oven would make a noticeable difference to how I use it. Around 20 % of consumers would put this need first. |
| Keep or replace | Check the current appliance’s consumption and estimate how much longer it could be used. Consider whether it can be repaired before deciding. | My appliance still works, so I’d rather check what replacing it would actually gain me before getting rid of it. Around 20 % of consumers would put this decision first. |
ADEME provides consumption benchmarks for refrigeration, washing and cooking, but notes that size and features also affect consumption. For a washing machine, kWh/100 cycles refers to a reference programme, so your usual cycles may give a different result.
A larger appliance or one with more features may use more energy, even if its class looks better. ADEME particularly highlights the impact of size and features such as continuous ice production.
Compare the kWh/year as well as the capacity and features you actually need.
If your loads are often small, a large capacity won’t necessarily help you use less energy. ADEME says that a 7 kg capacity is enough in most cases.
Start with the size of your usual laundry loads, then check the figures for the reference programme.
Standardised consumption figures make it easier to compare appliances, but they don’t exactly reflect the cycles, temperatures or loads you use at home.
Compare the old and new models using the same unit, then consider the difference in relation to how often you actually use the appliance.
If you’re replacing an appliance to save electricity, it’s also worth considering whether you can keep using it. Ratings shown on some appliances don’t tell you the condition of the one you already own.
For a new washing machine, check its durability index; for a new dishwasher, look at its repairability index and the model details. Separately, consider whether your current appliance can be kept or repaired.
A useful starting point for understanding the specifications of washing and refrigeration appliances before comparing specific models.
A brand to include when comparing refrigeration or washing models with a European energy label.
A brand to consider if being able to keep a washing machine in use is an important factor in your decision.
These fridge-freezers and washing machines offer two options for targeted replacement. For each one, start with the capacity you need and compare it with the appliance you already use; this selection won’t make the decision between buying, keeping or repairing for you.
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Worth considering if you’re looking to replace a refrigeration appliance with a model that offers the capacity you need.
Advertised capacity of 333 L and energy class A. Compare its capacity and the annual consumption shown on the energy label with those of your current appliance.
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Consider this if your usual loads call for an 11 kg capacity; a drum that’s often only partly full may not suit your goal.
Energy class A. Check the model’s energy label to compare consumption per cycle, and look at its durability index.
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Worth comparing if an 8 kg capacity suits the size of your regular laundry loads.
Advertised spin speed of 1 400 rpm. Before comparing its consumption figures with another washing machine, check which programme they relate to on the energy label.
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Worth considering if you regularly wash large loads, rather than usually running cycles with only a small amount of laundry.
Advertised capacity of 10 kg. To assess its consumption, compare the energy-label figures for the same reference programme and check the model’s durability index.
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Only consider this if the large capacity suits your storage needs and you have enough space for it.
Advertised capacity of 495 L and energy class E. Check the annual consumption on the energy label and compare it with that of an appliance with a similar capacity and configuration.
Use the same unit and compare similar usage for both appliances: kWh/year for refrigeration, or kWh/100 cycles for a washing machine, taking into account how many loads you wash. The size and features should also be similar; otherwise, the difference between two energy labels won’t show what would change in your home.
No. The class helps you assess a model, but you also need to check its consumption and capacity. For refrigeration, ADEME points out that a larger capacity or extra features can increase consumption; for washing, the number of cycles and the loads you actually wash matter too.
Not based on average consumption alone. Whether it’s worth changing depends on how often you cook and the technology you’d be replacing. If you’re considering induction, also check that your pots and pans are compatible.
They provide extra information to help you compare certain new appliances, but don’t tell you whether the appliance you own needs replacing. In France, the durability index applies in particular to washing machines and combines reliability with repairability; the repairability index applies in particular to dishwashers. Check the details of the index that applies to the model you’re considering.