Don’t replace a fridge just because it’s old. Compare its measured or estimated annual energy use with the kWh/year figure for a model that offers similar storage capacity. If the difference doesn’t clearly justify buying a new one, consider maintenance or a repair too. If you do replace it, check the capacity, features and installation requirements alongside the energy label.
If your fridge runs continuously, compare its annual energy use with that of an appliance of the same type and similar capacity. ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run all the time; their age alone doesn’t tell you whether replacing one will be worthwhile.
To make sure you have enough room for fresh and frozen food, check the capacity of each compartment separately. The European Commission says the energy label shows these capacities, along with annual energy use and noise levels. Look at all this information together.
If the fault seems limited, ask for a diagnosis before deciding whether to replace the appliance. For an out-of-warranty repair, check with a QualiRépar repairer whether the work meets the conditions for the Repair Bonus described by ecosystem.
Consider this if: a model that meets the same storage needs has significantly lower annual energy use than your current appliance.
Bear in mind: weigh the cost of a new appliance against the expected difference in energy use, which depends on your current model.
Consider this if: you don’t regularly use some of your current capacity or certain features.
Bear in mind: you’ll have less room for fresh or frozen food, or fewer everyday conveniences.
Consider this if: the appliance still meets your needs and a fault can be diagnosed and quoted for.
Bear in mind: a repair won’t, by itself, change the energy use of your existing model.
| Factor | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Annual energy use | Compare the kWh/year figures for models of the same type and similar capacity with the measured or estimated energy use of your appliance. | If I want to reduce the electricity used by an appliance that runs continuously, I need to understand the annual difference before replacing it. Around 33% of consumers rank this reduction as their top priority. |
| Capacity and features | Check the fridge and freezer capacities in litres separately, then consider whether you’ll use any extra features. | To keep up my usual shopping and freezing habits, I don’t want to run out of space or choose features I won’t use. Getting the right capacity is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Repair or replace | Ask for a diagnosis and a quote. For an out-of-warranty repair, check the conditions for the Repair Bonus with a QualiRépar repairer. | If something goes wrong, I’d rather find out whether the appliance can still be used before deciding to buy another one. For around 27% of consumers, avoiding an unnecessary replacement comes before other considerations. |
| Installation and noise | Check the dimensions, the clearances specified in the manual and the noise emissions shown on the energy label. | If the fridge is near a living area, it needs to fit in its space without disrupting everyday life. Fitting the space and having an acceptable noise level are top priorities for around 13% of consumers. |
The European Commission says the energy label also shows kWh/year and the capacity of each compartment. So you can’t compare two appliances on their rating alone if they don’t meet the same storage needs.
First compare appliances of the same type with similar usable capacities, then compare their annual energy use.
A specific fault may be repairable. According to ecosystem, some out-of-warranty repairs carried out by a QualiRépar repairer may qualify for the Repair Bonus, subject to conditions.
Get a diagnosis and a quote before comparing this option with buying a new appliance and the expected difference in energy use.
Your new appliance needs to be installed with the clearances specified in its manual, without blocking the ventilation. You’ll also need to arrange for your old appliance to be taken away when you replace it.
Measure the space, check the manual for the model you’re considering and confirm the collection arrangements with the retailer before placing your order.
These models let you explore different fridge and freezer capacities if you’re considering a replacement. The energy rating and capacity alone aren’t enough to establish how much you could save at home. Check the kWh/year figure for the exact model and compare it with your current appliance, making sure the storage needs are similar.
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Worth considering if you genuinely need a large amount of storage space.
Class E; Total No Frost; Smart Inverter. Compare the exact model’s kWh/year figure with your current appliance and check that its dimensions will fit the space.
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Consider this model if 360 L meets your fridge and freezer storage needs.
Class E; Total No Frost; Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check whether you’ll use these features, along with the kWh/year figure and the space needed for installation.
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Worth considering if this capacity and the freezer layout suit your storage habits.
Class E. To assess whether it’s worth replacing your appliance, check the kWh/year figure and the capacity of each compartment. Also check the noise level if it’ll be near a living area.
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Consider this if you regularly use a large amount of storage space.
Class E; frost-free; stated noise level of 40 dB. Check the kWh/year figure, dimensions and installation clearances before comparing it with your current appliance.
First compare the kWh/year figures for models of the same type and similar capacity. The European Commission says the label also shows the energy rating, fridge and freezer capacities, and noise emissions. Its QR code links to information about the model in EPREL.
No. On its own, it doesn’t tell you how much less energy the appliance will use than your current model. Compare the kWh/year figures and the capacity you need. ADEME points out that a larger capacity or extra features can increase energy use.
Yes, if a diagnosis identifies a suitable repair. For an out-of-warranty appliance, ecosystem says the Repair Bonus depends, among other things, on whether the repair is eligible and whether you use a QualiRépar repairer. Ask for a quote before making a decision.
Confirm the collection arrangements with the retailer before your new appliance is delivered. When you buy a new appliance in France, information published by the government departments responsible for environmental matters explains the ‘one-for-one’ take-back of a used appliance of the same type. Tell the seller where the new appliance will be delivered.