Start by looking at appliances that run continuously or are used very often, particularly an older fridge or freezer that is larger than you need. ADEME figures show that energy use can vary between some refrigeration appliances and efficient new models, but that alone doesn’t justify every replacement. Compare appliances with a similar capacity, then consider how you actually use yours and whether it can be repaired.
What to prioritise depends as much on the appliance you already have as on your household’s size and how often you use it.
If your fridge or freezer runs continuously, compare its annual energy use with that of appliances of the same type and a suitable capacity. It’s also worth checking whether a specific fault can be repaired before deciding to replace it.
For a washing machine or dishwasher, start with the number of cycles you run and the capacity you actually use. The energy use of the reference programme, water consumption, noise levels and repair options can then help you choose.
An appliance that still meets your needs may be maintained or repaired. Before choosing a new one, check what the fault is, look for parts that match its exact model number and find out what a repair would involve.
Start with appliances that run continuously or are used frequently. Then compare models within the same category: energy labels for refrigeration and washing appliances use different units.
| Priority | What to check | Consider your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge or freezer | Compare kWh/year for appliances of the same type, with a similar capacity and number of compartments. Check the usable capacity and which features remain on permanently. | My appliance runs day and night: does its capacity still match what I store? As a guide, ADEME gives 315 kWh/year for a fridge-freezer, compared with 100 kWh/year for a new class A model in its comparison. This isn’t the energy use of every older appliance, nor does it predict the savings I’d make by replacing mine. |
| Dishwasher | For a similar capacity, check the kWh/100 cycles and litres/cycle for the Eco programme. Also consider its duration, noise level and number of place settings, as shown on the label described by the European Commission. | I run cycles often and can usually fill the appliance: a capacity that suits my meals matters more than a larger model that’s only ever half full. |
| Washing machine | Compare kWh/100 cycles, water use per cycle, capacity, noise level and the Eco 40-60 programme. ADEME’s durability index provides additional information to help you assess repairability and reliability. | If I do lots of washing, I’ll check whether the current capacity suits my usual laundry, rather than automatically choosing a larger drum. |
| Electric cooking appliances | Consider the type of appliance you already use and how often you cook. ADEME’s annual figures are based on specific usage assumptions, so don’t compare them directly with the washing appliances’ kWh/100 cycles. | My hob is used often and needs replacing anyway: I can compare cooking options without assuming that switching will make the same difference to energy use in every household. |
| Maintenance and repair | Identify the fault, look for parts that match the exact model number and ask about a suitable repair. For France’s Repair Bonus, ADEME says the appliance must be eligible and repaired by an accredited professional. | My appliance still meets my needs: a practical repair could save me from replacing it. In a study conducted in France in August 2024 by Gifam Insights for ADEME, involving 10,020 people, 69% said they had had something repaired in the previous two years. This figure describes people’s behaviour; it doesn’t tell you what to do about every fault. |
A fault may affect one repairable part, while the appliance itself may still suit your household. Age alone doesn’t tell you whether replacement should be a priority.
Ask for the fault to be identified and check whether a compatible part is available before deciding. Also check the Repair Bonus requirements if the appliance and repair are eligible.
The energy class alone doesn’t tell you how much an appliance suited to your needs will use. For refrigeration appliances, capacity and certain always-on features also affect your choice, as ADEME points out.
First decide what capacity and features you need. Then compare kWh/year for similar fridges and freezers, or kWh/100 cycles for comparable washing appliances.
Fridges and freezers show annual energy use, while washing machines and dishwashers show energy use per 100 reference cycles. Comparing these figures directly won’t give you a reliable basis for deciding what to replace first.
Compare models in the same category first, then estimate how often you actually run your washing appliances.
A parts catalogue doesn’t guarantee that a part will fit your exact model or that the repair can be carried out.
Find the appliance’s model number, identify the part you need and confirm the repair requirements before making a decision.
Information about support and spare parts can help you choose between two appliances that meet your needs, provided you check the details for the exact model.
Worth considering if access to parts for your appliance’s specific model is important to you.
Worth considering if access to manuals and support services is one of your priorities.
Worth considering if you want to search for parts and documentation using the appliance’s model number.
These fridge-freezers and freezers give you some options to consider if you’re thinking of replacing a refrigeration appliance. First choose the type and capacity that suit your household, then check the annual energy use on the label for the model you’re interested in. This selection doesn’t rank other household appliance categories.
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Worth considering if a 344 L fridge-freezer is the right size for you. The product name gives its energy class as E. Check the kWh/year on the label and compare it with fridge-freezers of a similar capacity.
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This 333 L fridge-freezer is an option if that capacity suits your storage needs. The product name gives its energy class as C. Check the kWh/year on the label and make sure you have enough space to install it.
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Its 31 L capacity is suited to modest freezing needs rather than storing large quantities. The product name gives its energy use as 147 kWh/year and its energy class as E, and says it has a reversible door. Check these details on the label and compare them with freezers of a similar capacity.
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Before choosing a large appliance, consider whether its stated 444 L capacity suits your storage habits. The product name gives its energy class as E and says it is frost-free. Check the kWh/year on the label, as well as the space needed for installation.
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According to its name, this 161 L freezer has drawers, a reversible-hinge door and a frost-free function. Its class C rating isn’t enough to compare its energy use: check the kWh/year on the label before comparing it with freezers of a similar capacity.
Not to decide on its own which appliance to replace. The European Commission shows energy use for refrigeration appliances in kWh/year, alongside their capacity, and dishwasher energy use in kWh/100 reference cycles. Start by comparing models in the same category and with a similar capacity.
Yes, when comparing their energy label figures for a similar capacity. The European Commission says the label includes energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle and the Eco programme duration. These figures don’t necessarily reflect the performance of other programmes.
Consider a repair if the appliance still meets your needs and the fault seems to be limited to one part. Ask someone to identify the problem and check whether a part that matches the model number is available. A fault doesn’t automatically mean you need to replace the whole appliance.
Check that both the appliance and the repair are eligible, then contact an accredited professional. ADEME says the discount is taken off the repair bill; it doesn’t guarantee that every fault can be repaired.
It adds to your comparison of energy use and capacity, but doesn’t replace either. According to ADEME, the index shown for washing machines gives equal weight to repairability and reliability criteria. Consider it alongside the energy label and your laundry needs.