Before replacing a household appliance, check the maintenance tasks set out in its manual and see which warranties apply. If the problem persists, ask a professional to diagnose it. For an appliance bought in France that is no longer under warranty, the Repair Bonus may be an option, subject to certain conditions. If you do need to replace it, compare the relevant official rating for its category, while keeping your household’s needs in mind.
You want to find out whether a maintenance task recommended in the manual could get your appliance working again before you consider a repair. According to ADEME, in France, one in two appliances taken to an after-sales service centre is not broken. However, this finding cannot tell you what is wrong with your appliance.
You need to check whether any warranty still applies, then ask for details of the fault and the proposed repair. If you are considering the Repair Bonus, also check the scheme’s conditions and whether the professional has the QualiRépar label.
You’re looking for a model that suits the way you use it and want to compare the official information available. In France, the Ministry of the Economy distinguishes between the durability rating for certain washing machines and the repairability rating for certain dishwashers and vacuum cleaners.
Follow these steps in order: check the maintenance tasks in the manual, see whether any warranties apply, get a professional diagnosis if needed, then compare replacement appliances that suit the way you use them.
| What you’re concerned about | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Rule out a maintenance issue | Check the manual for your model and only carry out the checks it recommends that you can do safely, without taking the appliance apart. | If my vacuum cleaner isn’t working properly, I want to find out whether routine maintenance will do the trick before considering a replacement; around 31% of consumers would make this their first check. |
| Check warranties and support | Find your proof of purchase and check the terms of any warranties or insurance. For the Repair Bonus, also check that your appliance and its fault are eligible. | Before arranging a repair for my washing machine, I want to know what options are available under its warranty and through the Repair Bonus; around 25% of consumers would make this a priority. |
| Get a clear repair plan | Ask the professional to explain what caused the fault, what work they propose and which parts are involved. If you’re claiming the bonus, check that they have the QualiRépar label. | If the problem persists, I’d rather understand what the repairer is proposing before agreeing to the work; around 19% of consumers would put this information first. |
| Choose a suitable replacement | Check the official rating that applies to the type of appliance, then consider the model’s dimensions, capacity and installation requirements. | If I have to replace my appliance, I want to compare its repairability or durability without losing sight of whether it suits my household; around 25% of consumers would put this concern first. |
An apparent fault doesn’t always mean that a part is defective. ADEME lists blockages and limescale build-up among the possible causes.
Only carry out the maintenance checks recommended in the manual. If the problem persists or requires technical work, contact a professional.
The Repair Bonus depends on factors including whether the appliance is covered, the type of fault and repair, and whether you use a QualiRépar professional.
Check the conditions with the repairer before relying on the scheme. If a warranty or insurance policy still applies, start by following the relevant claims process.
In France, durability and repairability ratings do not apply to every household appliance, according to the Ministry of the Economy.
Find out which rating applies to the model you’re considering, then check its features and installation requirements too.
For a fixed-price repair, the DGCCRF states that the professional must provide written information, or information on another durable medium, explaining the cause of the fault, the proposed work and the parts to be replaced.
Ask for these details before agreeing to the repair, and keep any documents the professional gives you.
It may be available for certain types of household appliance, including washing machines, dishwashers and vacuum cleaners, if the scheme’s conditions are met. According to ecosystem, check that the appliance was bought in France, is no longer covered by a warranty or insurance, and that both the fault and the repair qualify. The repairer must have the QualiRépar label.
For a front- or top-loading washing machine sold in France, check the durability rating. According to the Ministry of the Economy, it has replaced the repairability rating for this category since 8 April 2025. For the relevant household dishwashers and vacuum cleaners, check the repairability rating. In every case, make sure the model also suits your needs.
Ask for a description of the cause of the fault, the proposed work and the parts to be replaced. The DGCCRF states that this information must be provided in writing or on another durable medium for a fixed-price repair. Keep it so you know what was proposed.
Yes. If you think the statutory legal guarantee of conformity may apply, contact the seller first and have your proof of purchase ready. According to the Ministry of the Economy, subject to the legal conditions, this guarantee covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual. Any commercial warranty is subject to its own terms.