If you can only consider replacing one appliance at a time, start with the one that runs continuously or racks up the most cycles in your home, rather than the oldest one. ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously, so take a close look at these appliances and compare their usable capacity and energy consumption with those of a potential replacement. For other appliances, how often you use them, the information on the energy label and whether a fault can be repaired may all change your priorities.
Your fridge, fridge-freezer or freezer runs day and night. ADEME highlights that these appliances operate continuously. Before replacing one, check its energy consumption and how much storage space you actually need.
You use your washing machine, dishwasher or tumble dryer often. The number of cycles, usable capacity and programmes you use matter more when making your decision than comparing energy labels without taking your habits into account.
You’re deciding whether to repair or replace an appliance. A diagnosis, the availability of spare parts and the ratings applicable to that appliance category can help you choose. If the appliance is eligible, check the conditions for the Repair Bonus too.
| What matters | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Fridges and freezers running continuously | Compare the kWh/year consumption of appliances with suitable usable capacity and features for the same needs. | My appliance is plugged in day and night, so I want to know whether its energy consumption means it should be considered before the others. Around 31% of the consumers concerned would prioritise refrigeration. |
| Washing and drying laundry | Note how often you wash and dry, your usual load size and the capacity you need. | If I wash and dry clothes often, I want to choose a capacity that suits my actual loads. Laundry would be the main concern for around 25% of the consumers concerned. |
| Dishwasher cycles | Compare your actual cycles with the kWh per 100 cycles and litres per reference cycle shown on the energy label, based on the programme you use. | I run the dishwasher frequently and want to know whether its energy consumption figures match how I use it. This would be the top priority for around 19% of the consumers concerned. |
| Frequent electric cooking | Note how often you use the oven or hob, and check the appliance’s condition before comparing it with your other appliances. | I often cook using an electric appliance and want to check whether it deserves to be considered before equipment I use less often. Around 13% of the consumers concerned would prioritise cooking appliances. |
| Broken appliance | Identify the fault, check the warranty and find out whether the appliance can be repaired before looking for a replacement. | If an appliance breaks down, I want to know whether it can still be used after a repair. Repairability would be the priority for around 12% of the consumers concerned. |
Age alone doesn’t tell you how much energy an appliance uses for the way you use it. A fridge runs continuously, while how much you use an oven or washing machine depends, among other things, on how often you use it.
Start by checking a few appliances at home. Note their energy consumption in the appropriate unit, how often you use them and their usable capacity.
kWh/year for a fridge or freezer and kWh per 100 cycles for a dishwasher don’t describe the same period of use.
To estimate a cycle-based appliance’s annual use, start with the number of cycles you run and the corresponding reference programme. If the conditions aren’t comparable, make a qualitative assessment instead.
Your decision may depend on the fault and whether the appliance can be repaired. The Repair Bonus is subject to conditions: not every fault or appliance is eligible.
Check the warranty, get a clear diagnosis and find out whether the appliance and repairer are eligible before deciding to replace it.
Having your old appliance taken away requires some practical planning, especially if it’s bulky. ecosystem offers a “1-for-1” take-back when you buy an equivalent new appliance.
When you place your order, confirm where and when your old appliance can be handed over.
Note the model number, usable capacity, how often you use each appliance you’re considering, which programmes you use and its condition. Then compare energy consumption on a like-for-like basis: kWh/year for fridges and freezers with similar capacity, or kWh per 100 cycles for dishwashers, taking your actual cycles into account.
No. Age alone isn’t enough to decide. Check its condition, how you actually use it and whether a fault can be repaired, then compare it with a new appliance that offers the capacity and performance you need.
France’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition states that the durability rating has applied to washing machines since 8 April 2025, while dishwashers are among the categories covered by the repairability rating. These ratings help you assess features relevant to the appliance category, but they won’t diagnose a fault with your appliance.
Yes, subject to conditions. ecosystem offers the scheme for out-of-warranty repairs to these appliances carried out by a QualiRépar-approved repairer. Some repairs are excluded, so check that the fault is eligible before factoring a repair into your decision.
Tell the retailer about your old appliance when ordering an equivalent new one, and ask how it can be handed over or collected. ecosystem describes a “1-for-1” take-back scheme. Confirm the location and time slot, especially if your new appliance is being delivered to your home.