If a repair is possible, consider it before replacing the appliance. The Repair Bonus may apply to certain faults outside the warranty when you use a QualiRépar-approved repairer. If you do need to replace it, compare appliances in the same category using the energy consumption shown for the same reference programme or mode, then check the capacity and practical requirements. The stated figure is not a prediction of your household’s energy use.
You’re replacing an appliance that’s used often or runs continuously. The units shown by the European Commission help you compare the stated energy use of similar appliances, but they don’t directly tell you how much energy your own appliance will use.
Your laundry routine, the amount of washing-up or the food you need to store determines the capacity you need. The labels described by the European Commission show, depending on the category, the load, number of place settings or volume. Consider these alongside energy consumption.
You want to know whether the fault can be repaired before choosing a new appliance. The DGCCRF and ecosystem explain the conditions for the Repair Bonus, including using an approved repairer and checking that the appliance and fault are eligible.
First, find out whether you can keep your existing appliance. Then compare replacement models that suit your needs and household capacity. Label figures let you compare appliances under set reference conditions; they can’t predict your energy use on their own.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Stated energy consumption | Compare appliances of the same type: kWh/100 cycles for a washing machine or dishwasher, kWh/year for refrigeration, and kWh/cycle for an oven, depending on the mode. Check the reference programme. | If I use an appliance often, I want to compare figures calculated on the same basis, without mistaking them for my future energy use. Around 36% of consumers say this comparison is their main priority. |
| Capacity to suit your needs | Check the washing machine’s capacity in kg, the dishwasher’s place settings, or the fridge and freezer compartment volumes in litres. | If my laundry loads or storage needs vary, I want a capacity that suits my routine rather than choosing on energy rating alone. Around 29% of consumers prioritise getting the capacity right. |
| Repair and durability | Before replacing an appliance, have the fault assessed and check the conditions for the Repair Bonus. For a new appliance, check the applicable repairability or durability indicator. | If my appliance can still be used, I’d rather look into repairing it before choosing another one. For around 21% of consumers, keeping or being able to repair the appliance is the main priority. |
| Comfort and installation | Check the noise level and programme duration where these are stated. For a tumble dryer, check how it vents or collects water. | If the appliance is near a living area, or installation is restricted, I need to be able to use it without too much disruption. Around 14% of consumers put these practical considerations first. |
The letter doesn’t tell you what capacity you’ll get or the conditions under which energy consumption was measured. The European Commission highlights, for example, volume for refrigeration appliances, place settings and the Eco programme for dishwashers, and cooking modes for ovens.
Compare energy consumption and capacity between appliances in the same category. You can check the exact model’s details in EPREL, including by scanning its QR code if one is available.
The kWh figure shown is based on reference conditions. How often you use the appliance, the programmes you choose and how you load it may differ from those conditions.
Use the label to compare similar models. To assess the impact of replacing an appliance in your home, also consider the old appliance and how you actually use it.
The Repair Bonus doesn’t apply to every fault or repair. According to the DGCCRF and ecosystem, eligibility depends in particular on the warranty, appliance and fault, and on using an approved repairer.
Ask for a diagnosis and check the conditions that apply to your appliance before deciding to replace it.
The European Commission says the former energy labelling rules for vacuum cleaners were annulled, so an old rating is no longer a valid basis for comparison.
When choosing a vacuum cleaner, instead consider whether it suits your floors, its accessories, how to maintain its filter or dust container, and any applicable repairability information.
These dishwashers, washing machines and fridge freezers are in categories where you can consider energy consumption alongside capacity. Before choosing a model, check the label for the exact model and make sure it suits your installation.
Image unavailable
If you’re replacing an integrated dishwasher, compare its 14-place-setting capacity with your usual loads and check that it fits your cabinet and hinges. The model name indicates a C rating; check its label to compare energy consumption for the reference programme.
Image unavailable
If a 9 kg capacity suits your laundry loads, also check that you have enough space and the right connections. The model name indicates a 1600 rpm spin speed; check its label and reference programme before comparing energy consumption.
Image unavailable
If your loads are suited to an 8 kg capacity, compare it with your laundry routine and check the available space and connections. The model name indicates a 1400 rpm spin speed; the exact model’s label gives you the figure to use when comparing energy consumption.
Image unavailable
If you’re considering this 360 L total capacity, check that the individual compartments offer enough space and that there’s room for the doors and ventilation. The model name indicates Total No Frost and an E rating; check the label for its stated annual energy consumption.
Image unavailable
If you need 282 L of total storage, check how the capacity is divided between the fridge and freezer, as well as the dimensions and ventilation clearances. The model name indicates a stainless steel finish and an E rating; check the label to compare its stated annual energy consumption.
No. Compare appliances in the same category and use the unit shown on their labels. The European Commission specifies kWh/100 cycles for washing machines and dishwashers, kWh/year for domestic refrigeration appliances, and kWh/cycle for ovens, depending on the mode.
Not necessarily. The figure is based on a reference programme or set of conditions designed to compare models. How often you use the appliance, how you load it and which programmes you choose at home can all lead to different energy use.
No. According to the European Commission, the former energy labelling rules for vacuum cleaners were annulled. Consider how you plan to use the appliance, its accessories and how to maintain it, rather than looking for a rating under the old label.
Consider it if an out-of-warranty appliance has a functional fault that might be repairable. The DGCCRF and ecosystem explain that eligibility depends in particular on the appliance, the fault and whether the repair is carried out by a QualiRépar-approved repairer. Ask them to check whether the conditions are met during the diagnosis.