Households unsure whether to replace an appliance
If your appliance has broken down, a repair quote, any remaining warranty cover and the terms of the Repair Bonus can help you decide whether to extend its life.
Who is this decision for?
People buying a new appliance to keep for years
To look beyond the initial purchase, check the index for the relevant category, information about spare parts, maintenance and energy use. The DGCCRF and ADEME present these as separate factors to consider when choosing.
Buyers choosing a second-hand or reused appliance
The exact model reference, the condition of the specific appliance, the availability of spare parts and the seller’s terms matter more than a general assessment of the model.
What should you check before deciding?
Repairing, buying new and choosing second-hand suit different situations. Start by assessing the condition of your current appliance, then check the information relevant to each option.
Repair
Consider this: if the appliance still meets your needs and a professional can provide a quote.
Bear in mind: the time needed for a repair and the terms of the Repair Bonus depend on the fault and the professional you choose. According to the ministry responsible for ecology, the bonus is deducted from the bill for eligible work carried out by an accredited repairer.
New appliance
Consider this: if, after assessment, repair is not worthwhile or the appliance no longer suits the way you need to use it.
Bear in mind: a repairability or durability index can help you compare similar models, but it cannot predict how long a specific appliance will last.
Second-hand or reused
Consider this: if you can inspect the appliance and identify its exact model before buying.
Bear in mind: information published for a new model does not tell you how much wear or damage there may be on the specific appliance being offered.
| Priority | What to check | Who this is for |
|---|---|---|
| Get it repaired | Note down the appliance reference, ask for a quote and check the warranty and whether the work qualifies for the Repair Bonus. | If my appliance still meets my needs, I want to know what it would take to get it working again before ruling it out; around 45% of consumers make this a priority. |
| Choose a new appliance | Compare the relevant index, information about spare parts and the energy label across models in the same category with similar uses. | When replacing my appliance, I’m looking for a model that suits my needs and lets me check its maintenance requirements and energy use; around 33% of consumers share this priority. |
| Choose second-hand | Ask for the full model reference, details of any known faults, available maintenance information and the seller’s terms. | When buying a second-hand appliance, I need to know its condition before deciding; around 22% of consumers prioritise this check. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Overlooking what happens after you buy
Your initial choice alone tells you nothing about energy use, maintenance or whether spare parts can be replaced.
For a new appliance, compare models designed for the same purpose using the energy label and relevant repairability or durability information, as recommended by ADEME.
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Assuming an index guarantees against breakdowns
An index is based on defined criteria; it does not cover everything that might happen to an appliance in use.
Also check the capacity, installation requirements and warranty terms for the model you are considering.
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Assuming every fault qualifies for the Repair Bonus
According to ecosystem, the scheme has exclusions, including some cosmetic work, maintenance and issues linked to the appliance’s operating environment.
Before any work begins, ask an accredited repairer to confirm the terms that apply to the product and fault. Also check whether the repair is already covered by a warranty.
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Buying second-hand without checking the exact model
Without identifying the model or having a description of its condition, it is difficult to find spare parts or know what you are buying.
Ask for the full reference, details of any known faults and the seller’s terms before making a decision.
Household appliance brands to consider
There are no brands to feature in this section.
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Frequently asked questions
Which index should you look at for a new washing machine in France?
For the front-loading and top-loading washing machines covered by the scheme, the durability index replaced the repairability index on 8 April 2025, according to the French Ministry of the Economy. It takes repairability and reliability into account. Compare like-for-like appliances that meet the same needs, but don’t treat the index as a guarantee against breakdowns.
What about a dishwasher or household vacuum cleaner?
In France, these categories must display a repairability index, according to the DGCCRF. The score provides information about repair-related criteria, but it cannot tell you for certain how long an appliance will last.
How can you check spare parts and the criteria behind an index?
Start with the exact model reference, then check the information displayed by the seller and the details of the criteria available for that product. ADEME highlights documentation, ease of dismantling and access to spare parts among the factors linked to repairability.
Does the Repair Bonus cover every breakdown?
No. The repair must meet the scheme’s conditions and be carried out by an accredited repairer. The ministry responsible for ecology explains how the discount is applied to the bill, while ecosystem sets out the exclusions. Ask for confirmation that your appliance and its fault are eligible before the repair goes ahead.
What should you check before buying a second-hand appliance?
Check the condition of the specific appliance, its full model reference, any known faults, available maintenance information and the seller’s terms. An index for the new model is not enough to establish the condition of that particular appliance.