Households with appliances that run continuously
Your fridge-freezer, freezer or both run day and night. ADEME’s guidance can help you decide whether it’s worth looking at their energy use before considering your other appliances.
Who is this for?
Frequent dishwasher users
You run cycles often and want to compare electricity use, water consumption and capacity before replacing your appliance. The European Commission lists these details on dishwasher energy labels.
Households weighing up repair or replacement
Your appliance has broken down, but it still suits your needs. A diagnosis and quote can help you decide. In France, eligibility for the Bonus Réparation depends on factors such as the appliance’s condition and the fault, according to ecosystem.
What should you look at first?
To decide which appliance to keep, repair or replace, start with its energy use and how you actually use it. Then compare a potential repair with a new appliance of a similar capacity.
| What matters | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Appliances that run continuously | Compare the kWh/an and usable capacity of appliances with a similar layout. A larger capacity or features that run constantly can increase energy use, as ADEME points out. | If my refrigeration appliance runs day and night, I want to know whether replacing it should take priority over other purchases; around 36% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Repairing an appliance that still meets your needs | Ask for a diagnosis and quote. Check your warranty cover and, where relevant, the conditions for the Bonus Réparation with a QualiRépar repairer. | My broken appliance still suits my household, so I’d rather find out what repairs are possible before buying another one. This would be the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Frequent dishwasher cycles | For appliances with a similar capacity, check the kWh/100 cycles and litres per cycle. The European Commission says these energy-label figures are based on the Eco programme. | If I use my dishwasher often, I want to consider both electricity and water; around 21% of consumers would make this their main concern. |
| Electric cooking | Consider how you use your hob and whether your cookware is compatible before switching to induction. The European Commission states that hobs do not carry an A to G energy label. | If I need to replace my hob, I want to check that another technology will work with my pans and the way I cook; around 14% of consumers would put this need first. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Replacing the appliance that looks oldest first
Age alone doesn’t tell you how much an appliance uses or whether it still suits your household’s needs. ADEME’s guidance gives you a reason to look at appliances that run continuously, but it doesn’t set a priority that applies to every home.
Before deciding what to replace first, note how often you use each appliance, its known or estimated energy use and its usable capacity.
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Comparing refrigeration appliances with different capacities
According to ADEME, a larger capacity and certain features that run continuously can increase the energy use of a newer appliance.
Compare the kWh/an of fridges or freezers with similar capacities and layouts, then choose only the features you really need.
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Assuming you’ll qualify for the Bonus Réparation
According to ecosystem, eligibility depends on factors including warranty or insurance cover, whether the fault is eligible and whether the repair is carried out by a QualiRépar repairer.
Check the conditions and ask for a quote before deciding whether to repair or replace your appliance.
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Looking for an A to G energy rating on a hob
The European Commission says that hobs are not required to carry an energy label, so an A to G rating can’t be used to compare them.
If you’re considering a replacement, check the technology, dimensions and compatibility with your cookware, then think about your cooking habits.
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Frequently asked questions
Which kitchen appliance should I look at first?
Start with the appliances that could have the biggest impact on your household’s energy use and that you use most, especially those that run continuously. ADEME gives an average figure of 315 kWh/an for a fridge-freezer, but your decision should take account of the appliance you own and whether it can be repaired.
How should I compare a new fridge or freezer?
Compare appliances designed for the same purpose and with similar capacities. According to the European Commission, their energy labels show details including kWh/an, storage capacity and noise levels. You can find more detailed specifications for each model in EPREL.
Which figures should I check for a dishwasher?
Look at the kWh/100 cycles, litres per cycle and capacity together. The European Commission says the label figures are based on the Eco programme, but how often you wash, how you load the dishwasher and which programmes you use also matter when choosing a model.
Can I get the Bonus Réparation for a kitchen appliance?
Some appliances and faults may qualify, subject to conditions. According to ecosystem, check that the appliance is no longer covered by a warranty or insurance policy, then ask a QualiRépar repairer to confirm that the fault is eligible before accepting a quote.
Does a second-hand appliance bought from a professional come with a warranty?
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private customer, according to the Ministry of the Economy. If an appliance has broken down, check the nature of the fault and your sales documents before deciding whether to pay for a repair or replacement.