Start with appliances that run constantly, such as fridges and freezers, then consider the ones you use most often. ADEME’s examples show particularly marked differences in annual energy use for some fridges and freezers. That doesn’t automatically mean you should buy a new appliance. Compare models with similar capacities, check whether your current appliance can be repaired, and consider the figures on the energy label in the context of how you actually use it.
If your fridge, fridge-freezer or freezer runs constantly, compare its energy use with a model of a similar size. An appliance that’s larger than you need can reduce the benefits of replacing it, as ADEME points out.
The number of cycles matters just as much as the figures on the energy label. Before choosing, check the capacity, energy use per 100 Eco cycles, water use per cycle, programme duration and noise level.
A breakdown doesn’t necessarily mean you need a new appliance. A diagnosis can help establish whether it can be repaired. For the Repair Bonus outlined by ecosystem, check the eligibility requirements, including those relating to the warranty, the fault and the repairer.
Start with how you use the appliance and the capacity you need, then compare energy use in the same units. ADEME’s reference figures don’t, on their own, tell you how much your current appliance uses.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge or fridge-freezer | Compare the kWh/year, compartment capacities and noise level on the EU energy label, as explained by the European Commission. Choose a similar capacity: ADEME warns that a larger or over-equipped appliance can use more energy. | My appliance runs day and night; I want to know whether a model suited to the way I store food would genuinely use less energy. |
| Freezer | Note the kWh/year and usable capacity, then check whether your current appliance can be repaired. In one ADEME scenario, an average freezer uses 300 kWh/year, compared with 120 kWh/year for a highly efficient new appliance. The difference depends on the models being compared. | I regularly store frozen food, but I don’t want to increase the appliance’s capacity unnecessarily. |
| Dishwasher | The energy label, as explained by ADEME and the European Commission, shows the kWh per 100 Eco cycles and water use per cycle. Also check capacity, programme duration and noise level, then relate the energy use to how many cycles you run. | I use my dishwasher frequently, so its capacity needs to suit my usual meals. I shouldn’t assume that every wash will match the reference cycle. |
| Oven or hob | For an oven, compare its capacity and kWh per cycle for the cooking mode shown on the label, as outlined by the European Commission. Hobs don’t have a compulsory energy label, so check the technology, installation requirements and cookware compatibility. | I cook often or my appliance is faulty. I want to assess whether to replace it based on the way I cook, not by comparing figures in different units. |
| Repair or keep using it | Get a repairable fault checked and ask a QualiRépar repairer about the Repair Bonus eligibility requirements. If the appliance is working, compare its energy use and capacity with your needs before considering a replacement. | I’m still happy with my appliance. Before buying new, I’d rather find out what a repair or changes to the way I use it could help me keep. |
Age alone doesn’t tell you how many kWh an appliance uses or whether replacing it makes sense. ADEME’s published comparisons are based on reference appliances and usage patterns.
Note your current appliance’s model, capacity and energy use, then compare them with a new appliance that meets the same needs.
Energy use can vary depending on cycles, settings and how you use an appliance. So a difference between two ADEME examples doesn’t guarantee you’ll see the same difference at home.
For a dishwasher or oven, relate the per-cycle figures to how often you use it. For a fridge or freezer, compare annual kWh for models with a similar capacity.
ADEME notes that a larger capacity or unnecessary features can increase energy use, even if a model has a favourable energy rating.
First work out what capacity you actually use, then consider the rating, kWh and features together.
According to ecosystem, a repair by a QualiRépar professional may qualify for the Repair Bonus if the appliance is out of warranty and the fault is eligible. The scheme doesn’t determine whether a repair is technically possible.
Get the fault diagnosed and check the relevant requirements before deciding to replace the appliance.
These models are relevant if you’re considering replacing a fridge-freezer. Their capacities vary, so first choose the size and installation type that suit your needs. Then compare the kWh/year on the label for the exact model with those of your current appliance.
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Check that its capacity suits the way you usually store food before replacing a fridge-freezer that runs constantly. The model name lists a capacity of 333 L and a class C rating. Check its kWh/year on the energy label and make sure you have enough space to install it.
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This 344 L fridge-freezer is worth considering if you’re looking for a capacity similar to your current appliance. Its class E rating is only one factor: also compare the kWh/year, dimensions and usable capacity.
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Its 467 L capacity may suit you if you need plenty of storage, but could be excessive if you won’t use all that space. This four-door model is listed as Total No Frost; compare its kWh/year with those of appliances with a similar capacity.
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Before choosing this 444 L model, check that it suits your storage needs and will fit in the space available. The model name lists a class E rating and frost-free operation; check the kWh/year on its energy label.
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This 249 L built-in model is worth considering if you’re looking for a more modest capacity. Check that it’s compatible with your cabinet space and door system, then check its kWh/year on the energy label before making any energy-use comparisons.
First compare appliances with similar capacities and energy figures in the same units. According to guidance from ADEME and the European Commission, the energy label shows kWh/year for fridges and freezers, kWh per 100 Eco cycles for dishwashers, and kWh per cycle for ovens. For the latter two categories, adjust your calculations to reflect how many cycles you run and which settings you use.
No. Also compare the kWh/year, compartment capacities and noise level shown on the EU energy label. ADEME points out that a larger appliance or one with unnecessary features can use more energy, even if it has a favourable rating.
Because the label shows the energy use for 100 reference cycles, often based on the Eco programme, according to ADEME and the European Commission. Also check the programme duration, water use per cycle, capacity and noise level, then consider which programmes you actually use.
No. The European Commission states that hobs don’t have energy-labelling requirements, whereas an oven’s label includes information such as energy use per cycle and capacity. For a hob, check the technology, installation dimensions, cookware compatibility and your cooking habits.
Check whether it applies if your appliance has a fault that may be repairable. According to ecosystem, the Repair Bonus covers out-of-warranty appliances with an eligible fault that are repaired by a QualiRépar professional. You’ll still need a diagnosis to find out whether a repair is possible.