Households dealing with a loss of cooling
Your fridge isn’t cooling properly or your freezer is icing up unusually. A professional assessment can help you choose between repair and replacement without making assumptions about the cause.
Who is this decision for?
Anyone unsure after receiving a quote
You want to know what the proposed work will fix, how long it will take and whether it will meet your food storage needs before deciding to keep the appliance.
Households that need to dispose of an old appliance
If you’re replacing your fridge, arrange for it to be taken away or dropped off at a collection point suitable for appliances containing refrigerants, as recommended by ADEME.
What should you check before choosing?
Start by finding out whether a repair is possible and how long it would take. Then consider a replacement or second-hand option based on the space available and your cooling needs.
| Priority | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Repair | Ask what work is proposed, whether the necessary parts are available and when the appliance could be back in service. For the Repair Bonus, check with a QualiRépar repairer whether the fault is eligible; ecosystem only covers eligible repairs to appliances that are out of warranty. | I want to restore cooling that’s suitable for my food without deciding to replace the appliance before the fault has been assessed. |
| New appliance | Check the appliance type, capacity and whether it will fit in the available space. To compare stated energy consumption, use the A–G energy labels for comparable models, as outlined by Your Europe. | The replacement needs to meet my fresh and frozen food storage needs, not just fit in the space left by the old appliance. |
| Second-hand | Check the specific appliance’s model reference, condition, operation and terms of sale. Ask for information to help you assess its capacity and energy consumption rather than making assumptions. | I’m open to an appliance that’s already been used if I can check that it’s right for my needs. |
| Old appliance | Confirm collection arrangements with the seller or delivery company, or find a suitable collection point. ADEME says appliances containing refrigerants must be taken to a specialist recycling scheme. | I want to know where my old fridge will go before the new one arrives. |
What pitfalls should you avoid?
-
Assuming you’ll qualify for the Repair Bonus
The scheme outlined by ecosystem covers eligible repairs to appliances that are out of warranty and are carried out by a QualiRépar repairer. The fact that your appliance has a particular fault doesn’t, by itself, mean the support will apply.
Before accepting the quote, ask the repairer to confirm that the specific work is eligible.
-
Comparing only the letter on two different labels
A single letter doesn’t tell you a fridge’s capacity or stated energy consumption. Your Europe explains that the current energy label scale runs from A to G.
If you’re buying a new appliance, compare models with a suitable type and capacity for your needs using their current energy labels.
-
Leaving collection arrangements until delivery day
Without a plan, you’ll still need to get rid of the old appliance after the replacement arrives. ADEME recommends sending appliances containing refrigerants to a suitable collection scheme.
Before placing your order, ask the seller how collection works at your address. Otherwise, find a collection point that accepts refrigeration appliances.
Brand overview
There’s no brand information to show in this section.
Fridges to consider if you’re replacing yours
These fridge-freezers are options to consider if a repair won’t meet your cooling needs. Before choosing, compare their capacity and format, and check the energy label for the exact model.
Image unavailable
Haier HTW5618ENMG, 360 L fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you’re replacing an appliance that combines a fridge and freezer. The product listing states that it has three doors, a 360 L capacity, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the label for the exact model and make sure you have enough room to install it.
Image unavailable
Sonlu CC-520WE, 444 L fridge-freezer
Its stated 444 L capacity may suit you if you need plenty of room for fresh and frozen food. The product listing mentions frost-free operation and an E energy rating. Check the installation dimensions and the label for the exact model.
Image unavailable
Sonlu CD‑400RW, 355 L fridge-freezer
If you’re replacing a fridge-freezer, compare its stated fridge capacity of 252 L and freezer capacity of 103 L with your needs. The product listing specifies a width of 60 cm, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Also check the clearance needed for installation and the label for the exact model.
Image unavailable
CHiQ JR525WSE, 525 L side-by-side fridge-freezer
This side-by-side format is worth considering if its stated 333 L fridge capacity and 192 L freezer capacity suit your needs. The product listing mentions No Frost and an E energy rating. Measure your available space and check the label for the exact model.
Image unavailable
CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L fridge-freezer
Its stated width of 54 cm is worth checking if space for your new appliance is limited. The product listing gives a total capacity of 227 L, split between a 153 L fridge and a 74 L freezer, and mentions Low Frost and an E energy rating. Low Frost does not mean frost-free.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Repair Bonus apply if my fridge isn’t cooling properly?
It may apply to an eligible repair of a fridge that’s out of warranty, carried out by a QualiRépar repairer, according to ecosystem. Before accepting the quote, ask the repairer to confirm that both the fault and the proposed work are covered by the scheme.
Should I replace a fridge just because it’s old?
No. Its age doesn’t tell you what’s causing the fault or what a repair could fix. Ask a professional to assess it, then consider the proposed work, parts availability, timescale and your food storage needs.
How should I compare two new fridges after a breakdown?
Start by comparing their type and capacity, then check the stated energy consumption on the energy label for each exact model. Your Europe explains that the current scale runs from A to G; the letter alone is no substitute for comparing the specifications of similar appliances.
What should I check before choosing a second-hand fridge?
Check the condition and operation of the specific appliance, along with its capacity, model reference and terms of sale. Don’t assume you know its energy consumption or how long it will keep working based on its appearance alone.
Where can I take my old fridge after replacing it?
Arrange collection by the seller or delivery company, or drop it off at a collection point that accepts refrigeration appliances. ADEME says equipment containing refrigerants must be sent to a suitable recycling scheme. Confirm the practical arrangements before delivery.