A high electricity bill or an old appliance isn’t reason enough to replace it: first, check its maintenance, installation and whether it can be repaired. If you’re considering a purchase, compare the annual energy consumption in kWh of appliances suited to the same capacity and installation requirements. For a second-hand appliance, also check the model number and the seller’s status.
As ADEME points out, a fridge or freezer runs continuously. If you’re thinking of replacing yours to reduce your bills, compare its energy use with that of appliances whose capacity and format genuinely suit your needs.
Before ordering a new appliance, you can check for ice build-up, inspect the seals and ventilation, then find out whether a repair is possible. ADEME recommends investigating the cause of a fault before deciding to replace the appliance.
The exact model number helps you find information about energy use and compatible parts. In France, the Ministry of the Economy explains that the legal guarantee of conformity applies to second-hand goods sold by a business to a consumer, but not to private sales.
When to consider it: you haven’t yet compared energy use, and the appliance can be properly maintained and ventilated.
Limitation: maintenance won’t change a model’s inherent energy use once it’s in good working order.
When to consider it: a fault has been identified and the parts needed are available for the exact model.
Limitation: repairing a fault doesn’t guarantee that the appliance’s usual energy use will decrease.
When to consider it: a model that fits the space and capacity you need has lower annual energy consumption than your current appliance, when used in a comparable way.
Limitation: a good energy rating alone isn’t enough to compare appliances with different formats or capacities.
When to consider it: you can identify the model and check its energy use, condition and capacity.
Limitation: the seller’s status affects the protections that apply. In France, the Ministry of the Economy distinguishes between business and private sales.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Energy use | Note the known or measured energy use of your current appliance, then check the kWh/an figure shown for the models you’re considering. Compare appliances with a format and capacity suited to the same use. | I want to know whether changing appliances would genuinely reduce my energy use, rather than relying on its age as a guide. |
| Maintenance and repairs | Check for ice build-up, inspect the seals and make sure there’s enough space for ventilation. If a fault persists, find the model number and ask which parts and repair work are available. | Maintenance or a repair could solve my problem before I decide to replace the appliance. |
| Capacity and installation | Check the usable capacity, dimensions, required clearance and the features you’ll actually use. UFC-Que Choisir points out that the right capacity depends, among other things, on the size of your household. | I’m looking for enough space for my food, without choosing a capacity or features I won’t use. |
| Seller and take-back | For a second-hand appliance, identify the seller and model. If you’re replacing an appliance, check with the retailer how take-back of your old one works; Service Public describes a free take-back obligation subject to certain conditions in France. | I want to understand the terms of sale and find out how to have my old appliance taken away before delivery. |
Ice build-up or poor ventilation can affect how it works. ADEME recommends looking into the cause of a fault before deciding to replace the appliance.
Check for ice build-up, inspect the seals and make sure there’s enough space for ventilation. If the problem persists, find out whether a repair is possible.
A letter rating is no substitute for comparing annual energy use between appliances that meet the same capacity and format requirements.
First rule out any capacities, dimensions and features that don’t suit your needs, then compare the kWh/an figures for the remaining models.
Without an exact model number, it’s difficult to find information about energy use and compatible parts. In France, the Ministry of the Economy states that the legal guarantee of conformity for business sales doesn’t apply to private sales.
Before deciding, ask for the model number shown on the rating plate, energy-use information and the seller’s details.
An old refrigeration appliance needs to be collected or transported appropriately. Service Public states that retailers in France must offer free take-back under certain conditions.
Before delivery, check with the seller which type of appliance they’ll take back, where it will be collected from and how it needs to be prepared.
When comparing appliances that can be repaired, look up parts using the exact model number rather than assuming a brand has the same parts available for all its models.
A brand to consider if documented access to parts is important to you.
A brand whose French online shop lets you search for parts for refrigeration appliances.
A brand to consider if you’d like to search for parts using the serial number.
These three large-capacity fridge freezers are worth considering if their capacity suits your household. Their stated energy use only indicates a saving if you compare it with your current appliance under similar conditions of use.
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Worth considering if you need a 467 L appliance: its stated annual energy consumption is 290 kWh/an. This four-door, E-rated model features a Total No Frost system. Check its dimensions, ventilation clearance and take-back arrangements before replacing your current appliance.
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This 495 L model could be included in a comparison of large appliances; its stated annual energy consumption is 301 kWh/an. It has an E energy rating and No Frost technology. Check the dimensions and required clearance, along with the water connection requirements if you plan to use the dispenser.
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This 444 L model has a stated annual energy consumption of 289 kWh/an and an E energy rating. Total No Frost is listed for both compartments. Before choosing it, check its dimensions and how the capacity is split between the fridge and freezer, then compare its energy use with your current appliance.
Not just because of its age. First, check for ice build-up, inspect the seals and make sure there’s enough ventilation. Then compare its energy use with models suited to the same capacity and use. ADEME recommends investigating the cause of a fault before deciding to replace the appliance.
Note the exact model number and search for the parts you need through the manufacturer or a repairer. For domestic refrigeration appliances, the DGCCRF sets out availability requirements for certain parts and seals separately. So a general statement doesn’t replace checking whether the part you need is available for your model.
In France, according to the Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity applies when a business sells a second-hand or reconditioned item to a consumer; it doesn’t apply to a private sale. Identify the seller and ask for the model number and details of the appliance’s condition before buying.
If you’re buying a replacement appliance in France, ask the retailer about taking back your old one. Service Public states that free take-back is available subject to certain conditions. Check which types of appliance are accepted and how collection works, especially if the new appliance is being delivered.
Not as a shared criterion for new and second-hand fridges. The Ministry for Ecological Transition doesn’t include fridges among the categories covered by the mandatory display of this index. Instead, check the model number and the availability of the parts that matter to you.