Replacing an older appliance is not always the best way to cut your electricity bill. First, check its condition, whether it can be repaired and how you use it. If buying a replacement makes sense, compare models in the same category and with a capacity that suits your needs, using their energy label figures as a guide alongside your actual usage. A lower standard consumption figure alone does not guarantee a lower bill.
If you’re deciding whether to repair or replace an appliance, start by getting a diagnosis and checking its exact model reference. Its overall condition, the parts it needs and any applicable repairability or durability information can help you decide what to do next.
If you run frequent cycles, the kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle figures can help you compare models. According to ADEME, capacity, the duration of the reference programme and noise levels matter too: an oversized appliance may not suit your usual loads.
Before replacing an appliance as a precaution, compare your storage or cooking needs with what your current appliance provides. The European Commission gives fridge energy consumption in annual kWh and oven consumption in kWh per cycle: these figures relate to different kinds of use.
When an older large appliance is involved, there are three options to consider first: carry on using it differently, repair it or replace it. Its condition determines which options are viable; only then should you look at the features of a new model.
Consider this if: the appliance works, but the loads or programmes you use don’t always suit your needs.
Limitation: changing your habits won’t fix an ongoing fault or make an unsuitable capacity right for your needs.
Consider this if: the fault can be diagnosed and the right parts for the exact model reference are available.
Limitation: a repair won’t necessarily resolve other faults; weigh up the quote against the appliance’s overall condition.
Consider this if: a diagnosis rules out a viable repair, or the appliance’s capacity and features no longer meet your household’s needs in the long term.
Limitation: the energy class alone doesn’t tell you how much energy the appliance will use in your home or whether it will suit your needs.
| What matters | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Repair or replace | Ask for a diagnosis and quote for the exact model reference; check which parts are needed and the relevant index for the model in question. | If my appliance breaks down, I want to know whether a repair will keep it meeting my needs before I replace it. Around 36% of consumers could put repairability first. |
| Washing and dishwasher cycles | When comparing similar appliances, look at kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and the reference programme, then consider how often you use yours. | When I run my machines frequently, I mainly want to keep the energy used by these repeated cycles under control. This could be a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Capacity and everyday needs | Compare your usual loads with the available capacity; also check the dimensions, programme duration and noise level for the intended location. | I need an appliance that can handle my usual loads without taking up too much space or offering unnecessary capacity. Around 21% of consumers would put suitability for their needs first. |
| A fridge or oven that still works | For a fridge, compare annual kWh figures and similar capacities; for an oven, compare its capacity and kWh per cycle using the same cooking mode. | My appliance still works: before replacing it, I want to understand what the figures for a comparable model would mean for my needs. Around 14% of consumers would make this their main consideration. |
A single fault doesn’t tell you about the appliance’s overall condition. French information on repairability and durability can help you assess whether you could extend its life, but it doesn’t replace a diagnosis.
Note down the model reference, ask for a quote and check which parts are needed before comparing new models.
According to ADEME and the European Commission, energy labels use different reference figures for different appliance categories. For washing appliances, the figures are based on defined cycles that may not reflect the programmes and loads you use.
Compare models in the same category, then take into account how often and how you use your appliance at home.
ADEME recommends matching washing machine capacity to your actual loads. A large drum that’s often underfilled may not be the right choice, while an appliance that’s too small could mean running more cycles.
Think about your usual loads and occasional needs before comparing capacity, energy use, programme duration and dimensions.
A general statement about spare parts doesn’t confirm that the part you need is available, that it’s compatible with your model variant or that it will fix the fault.
Give the manufacturer or repairer the full model reference, and ask them to specify the parts and work included in the quote.
This information covers the services and parts advertised by these brands. To confirm whether an appliance can be repaired, you’ll still need to check its model reference and fault.
Bosch France offers repair services for several large appliance categories, including laundry, dishwashing, cooking and refrigeration.
Miele France may be worth considering if the stated period of parts availability affects your decision to keep or choose an appliance from the brand.
The official Whirlpool France shop lets you search for original parts using an appliance’s model reference.
These two appliances are options to consider if you’re replacing an existing one: a washing machine for comparing capacity and wash cycles, and a fridge-freezer for checking storage space. Before choosing either, make sure replacement is the right option given the condition and use of your current appliance.
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Worth considering if you’re replacing a washing machine and its 6 kg capacity suits your usual loads.
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Worth considering if you need to replace a fridge and its 444 L capacity meets your storage needs.
No. It helps you compare the standard energy consumption of similar appliances, but it can’t predict your bill precisely. According to ADEME and the European Commission, energy use is shown in kWh per 100 cycles for washing machines and dishwashers, annual kWh for fridges and kWh per cycle for ovens. You’ll also need to take your programmes and how often you use the appliance into account.
You need to consider the class alongside the figures and features for appliances in the same category. The European Commission uses an A to G scale for washing machines, dishwashers and fridges, while oven labels use a scale from A+++ to D. Also compare capacity or volume and the conditions of the reference cycle.
For eligible new washing machines, look for the durability index, which covers reliability and repairability. ADEME says this label has applied since April 2025. For eligible dishwashers, the repairability index remains a score out of 10. In both cases, the index alone doesn’t confirm that the part your appliance needs is available.
Ask for a diagnosis and a quote that specifies the work and parts involved. Give the repairer the appliance’s full model reference so they can check compatibility, then confirm the estimated timescale and ask whether any other faults may remain unresolved.