Who is this advice for?

You’re weighing up your options after a breakdown

You want to compare the cost of a repair with replacing the appliance, while checking whether it may qualify for the Repair Bonus offered by ecosystem.

You’re replacing a washing machine or television

For a new model covered by the scheme in France, you can check its durability index and the detailed criteria behind it. ADEME explains that the index applies to these two categories.

You want to be able to maintain your next appliance

If you’re choosing a vacuum cleaner or dishwasher, for example, the repairability index can help you assess the documentation, disassembly and parts for the exact model, according to the French Ministry of the Economy.

What should you check before choosing?

After a breakdown or when an appliance is showing signs of wear, first consider whether you can keep it. If you need to replace it, choose a model that suits your needs and compare only the indices that apply to its category.

What matters What to check Who this applies to
Repair before replacing Ask for a quote covering parts and labour. For the Repair Bonus, check the conditions that apply to your appliance and fault with ecosystem. After a breakdown, I’d rather find out whether my appliance can still be used before buying another one. Around 25% of consumers would make this their priority.
Choose a model designed to last Check the durability index for a covered television or washing machine, or the repairability index for a category covered by the scheme, along with the model’s detailed criteria. ADEME and the French Ministry of the Economy distinguish between the categories covered by each. If I have to replace the appliance, I want to compare information about how long it is designed to last, rather than relying on a single score. Around 31% of consumers would prioritise this.
Choose an appliance that suits your needs Compare the capacity you need and, where an energy label applies, the energy consumption and other information specific to the category. A new appliance should suit my everyday habits, without unnecessary capacity or features for my household. Around 19% of consumers would put this first.
Plan for maintenance and parts For the exact model number, check the maintenance instructions, documentation and information about parts availability. I want to be able to maintain the appliance and consider having it repaired if a part causes a problem in future. Around 25% of consumers would make this a priority.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Applying the same index to every appliance

    In France, the durability index applies to new televisions and washing machines covered by the requirement, while the repairability index applies to categories including vacuum cleaners and dishwashers, according to ADEME and the French Ministry of the Economy.

    Identify the exact category, then compare models using the index that applies to them and its detailed criteria.

  • Replacing an appliance without having the fault assessed

    The quote, the parts needed and the condition of the appliance can all affect whether a repair is worthwhile. ecosystem’s Repair Bonus does not automatically apply in every situation.

    Ask for a diagnosis and a quote, then check the Repair Bonus conditions separately if you’re thinking of applying.

  • Choosing based on the index score alone

    A score won’t tell you whether the capacity suits your household or how to maintain the model. Nor does it guarantee that a future fault can be repaired.

    Read the index criteria, the features that matter for your needs and the parts information for the exact model number.

  • Skimming the listing for an appliance sold online

    For categories covered by the repairability index, the DGCCRF says that the information must also be provided for online sales. A score shown on its own is no substitute for checking the detailed information.

    Open the information for the exact model being sold and also check the energy label where one applies to the category.

Brands to consider for this choice

There are no brands to feature in this section.

Joybuy products related to this topic

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Frequently asked questions

Which appliances have a durability index in France?

According to ADEME, the durability index applies to new televisions covered by the scheme from 8 January 2025 and to covered washing machines from April 2025. Check the category and exact model number before comparing two models.

Which appliances are covered by the repairability index?

The French Ministry of the Economy lists vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, pressure washers, laptops and electric lawnmowers. So you shouldn’t expect to find this index on every household appliance.

Can you check the repairability index when shopping online?

Yes, for the categories covered: the DGCCRF says this information also applies to products sold on websites and online marketplaces. Check the index details for the model on offer, rather than relying on the score shown.

When should you consider the Repair Bonus?

Consider it if your household appliance was bought in France, is no longer covered by a warranty or insurance, and has a fault that qualifies. According to ecosystem, the scheme is available through a QualiRépar repairer; check the conditions for your appliance before factoring it into your decision.

Does a good repairability score guarantee a future repair?

No. The index helps you compare criteria such as documentation, disassembly and parts, but whether an appliance can be repaired will depend on factors including the fault, the exact model number and the parts available when the repair is carried out.