Start by looking at the appliances that run continuously or that you use often, rather than automatically replacing the oldest one. Compare how you use them with the energy consumption and capacity of a suitable new model. If an appliance has broken down, also check whether repairing it makes sense before you decide.
If you’re concerned about your electricity bill, start by noting how often you use your appliances. ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously. That’s a reason to look at them, not to assume straight away that they need replacing.
Before choosing a model, check that its capacity suits the way you use it. For the relevant categories, ADEME recommends looking at the energy label’s consumption information alongside other useful features, including water use and noise levels where relevant.
A diagnosis and quote can help you decide between repair and replacement. Depending on the category, repairability or durability ratings and the Repair Bonus conditions are other things to check.
When to consider it: the appliance works and how you use it doesn’t yet justify replacing it.
The trade-off: maintenance won’t necessarily reduce high energy use caused by the appliance’s features.
When to consider it: the fault can be diagnosed and the appliance is still right for your household.
The trade-off: even a good-value repair won’t change the appliance’s usual energy consumption. The Repair Bonus is also subject to eligibility conditions set by ecosystem.
When to consider it: you use the appliance often or it runs continuously, and a comparable model suited to your needs has lower standardised energy consumption.
The trade-off: a better energy efficiency rating won’t be enough if the capacity or features you choose don’t suit the way you use it.
| What to consider | What to check | Consumers this applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Identify which appliance to prioritise | Note how long or how often you use it, then compare energy consumption using an appropriate measure: kWh per year or kWh per 100 cycles, depending on the appliance. | When my bill goes up, I want to know which appliance to check before buying another one. Around 42% of consumers would prioritise identifying it. |
| Choose a suitable replacement | Compare appliances of the same type: the capacity you need, energy efficiency rating and standardised energy consumption. Also check water use or noise levels if they matter for the way you use the appliance. | If I replace my appliance, I don’t want to choose one that’s too large for my household. For around 33% of consumers, choosing an appliance that fits their needs would be the main concern. |
| Assess whether to repair or keep the appliance | If it has broken down, ask for a diagnosis and quote. Check the rating that applies to its category and any Repair Bonus conditions. | My appliance still meets my needs, so I want to know whether I can keep using it. Around 25% of consumers would make this their first consideration. |
Its age alone won’t tell you how much of your household’s electricity it uses. ADEME recommends taking particular account of appliances that run continuously and those you use frequently.
Note how you use each appliance you’re considering replacing, then compare it with a replacement that has a suitable capacity and features.
The rating doesn’t replace the consumption figures or capacity information. The old A+, A++ and A+++ ratings can’t be compared directly with the A to G ratings on rescaled labels, as the European Commission explains.
Read the full label for models in the same category. You can also find model information in the European EPREL register.
A breakdown doesn’t necessarily mean the appliance needs replacing. According to ecosystem, the Repair Bonus only covers eligible appliances and faults, subject to the scheme’s conditions.
Check your warranty and insurance, then ask a QualiRépar-certified repairer for a diagnosis and quote before comparing your options.
In France, the categories covered by durability and repairability ratings differ. The Ministry responsible for ecological transition says the durability rating has applied to televisions since 8 January 2025 and to washing machines since 8 April 2025.
Check which rating applies to the category you’re looking at before comparing models or interpreting the absence of a rating.
No. Age alone doesn’t tell you which appliance to prioritise. According to ADEME, a fridge or freezer runs continuously; for other appliances, how often you run a cycle also matters. Look at how you use the appliance and its energy consumption before comparing it with a new model of equivalent capacity.
Check the energy consumption in the unit shown and the capacity, comparing appliances of the same type. For a dishwasher, ADEME highlights kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, the duration of the Eco programme and noise levels.
It takes you to information about the model in EPREL, the European register of products covered by energy labelling. The European Commission describes the register as a way to find useful information for comparing models.
Yes, if a rating applies to that appliance category. In France, according to the Ministry responsible for ecological transition, the durability rating has applied to televisions since 8 January 2025 and to washing machines since 8 April 2025. A repairability rating is still shown for dishwashers and vacuum cleaners, among other appliances.
It may cover certain repairs to appliances owned by a household and bought in France. According to ecosystem, the appliance must be outside its warranty and insurance cover, the fault must be eligible and the repair must be carried out by a QualiRépar-certified professional. Check the conditions for your appliance before relying on the scheme.