Before replacing a broken home appliance, ask for an assessment of whether it can be repaired, taking its model and condition into account. If replacement is still necessary, compare new appliances based on how you’ll use them and the information relevant to their category. Consider second-hand options when the condition of the specific item and the terms of sale are clear enough. In France, the durability index applies to televisions and household washing machines, while other categories still have a repairability index, according to the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Service-Public.fr.
If an appliance isn’t working properly, an assessment tailored to the fault can help you decide between repair and replacement. ADEME notes that a breakdown can sometimes be caused by a single repairable component; the appliance’s overall condition also matters.
If your old appliance no longer meets your household’s needs, start by comparing useful capacity and how you’ll use it, then look at energy consumption information and the index that applies to its category. An energy rating alone doesn’t tell you how easy an appliance is to repair.
A refurbished or second-hand appliance should be assessed based on the specific item being sold: its condition, features, accessories and the seller’s identity. The DGCCRF points out that a refurbished product’s description must relate to that item, not just the original new model.
First, work out whether your current appliance could still do the job after a repair. If you need to replace it, compare new and second-hand options based on the specific appliance you could use, rather than a single feature.
| What matters to you | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Whether it can be repaired | Ask for an assessment based on the model and fault, followed by a quote detailing the work. Check whether the requirements for any Repair Bonus are met. | After a breakdown, I want to know whether a targeted repair could get my appliance working again and how long I could reasonably expect it to last; around 33% of consumers prioritise the possibility of repair. |
| Choosing a new appliance | Compare useful capacity and, between comparable appliances, the figures on the energy label. Look for the durability or repairability index that applies to the category. | When my appliance no longer meets my needs, I’m looking for a new model that suits my household and lets me check its energy consumption and maintenance requirements; around 42% of consumers prioritise replacing it with a new appliance assessed in this way. |
| Well-documented second-hand options | Check whether the item is refurbished or simply second-hand, as well as its actual condition, essential accessories and the seller’s identity. | If I’m considering a used appliance, I want to know the features and any faults of the specific item on offer before committing; around 25% of consumers prioritise a second-hand option with this information. |
In France, the durability index replaced the repairability index for televisions in January 2025 and for the household washing machines concerned in April 2025, according to the Ministry for Ecological Transition. For other categories, including vacuum cleaners, the repairability index remains the one to look for.
Check the appliance’s exact category before comparing scores, then look at the criteria behind the relevant index rather than relying on its overall score alone.
A breakdown doesn’t necessarily mean the whole appliance is beyond use: ADEME says that a single component can sometimes be repaired. Whether a repair makes sense will depend on the fault and the condition of the appliance in question.
Have the appliance assessed and ask for a quote before deciding. If you’re relying on the Repair Bonus, check that the fault, appliance and repair professional are eligible before the work is carried out.
According to the Ministry for the Economy, a product sold as refurbished has undergone complete functionality tests and, where necessary, has been restored before resale. You can’t assume these checks or repairs have been carried out just because an appliance is second-hand.
Ask whether the item is refurbished or second-hand, how its condition is described, and what tests or work have been carried out. Check that the advertised features match the specific item on offer.
The rating doesn’t tell you whether the capacity suits your needs or how easy the appliance is to repair. ADEME explains that the energy consumption figures on the label vary by category and reference conditions. For relevant appliances, energy may be shown in kWh per 100 cycles and water in litres per cycle.
Compare appliances designed for the same purpose, taking their capacity, label figures and the index that applies to their category into account.
These cordless vacuum cleaners are options to consider if you’re replacing a vacuum cleaner that no longer meets your needs. Their suction and maintenance features alone aren’t enough to judge their durability, so also check the repairability information and maintenance requirements for the model you’re considering.
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Worth considering if you’re replacing a vacuum cleaner and want a station that empties its dust container automatically. The product listing specifies this station and a maximum runtime of 100 minutes; check the conditions under which this runtime is achieved.
Before choosing this model, check the repairability information and the technical specifications of the version being sold, including the stated power figures.
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Consider this as a replacement for a household vacuum cleaner if an automatic emptying station suits your cleaning routine. The product listing specifies up to 70 minutes of runtime and a 180° flat-reach position; these features don’t tell you how long the appliance will last.
Check the relevant repairability index and information about parts and maintenance before making your decision.
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Worth considering if you’re replacing a vacuum cleaner used on hard floors and carpets, and want an automatic emptying station. The product listing specifies up to 80 minutes of runtime and an anti-tangle brush; runtime depends on the conditions of use.
To assess how long you might be able to use it, also check the repairability, parts and maintenance information for this model.
According to the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Service-Public.fr, the durability index applies to televisions and household washing machines, both front-loading and top-loading. It takes repairability and reliability criteria into account. For other categories, look for the index that actually applies to them.
No. ADEME says that a breakdown can sometimes affect just one repairable component. Have the fault assessed for the specific model and consider its overall condition, as well as the performance you expect after the repair, before deciding whether to replace it.
No. According to ecosystem, eligibility depends on factors including the appliance, whether the fault is covered and whether the appliance is no longer under warranty. The repair must be carried out by an accredited professional. Ask them to confirm the relevant conditions when you request a quote.
Check the condition and features of the specific item being sold, the accessories included, the tests carried out and the seller’s identity. The Ministry for the Economy distinguishes refurbished from simply second-hand goods by requiring complete functionality tests and, where necessary, restoration. The DGCCRF specifies that the information provided must describe the actual item on offer.