Reduced suction alone isn’t a good enough reason to replace your vacuum cleaner. Start with the maintenance recommended for your appliance, then get a quote if a functional fault persists. If you need a replacement, distinguish between a used and a refurbished appliance by checking what has been tested and who the seller is. For a new model covered by the French scheme, also check its repairability index.
Your vacuum cleaner isn’t picking up as well as it used to, but you’d like to check the maintenance recommended for your model first. If the fault persists or affects a functional component, a quote can help you compare repair with replacement. ADEME lists the cord rewind, motor and suction system among the components that may be repairable.
You want to distinguish a used appliance from a refurbished one, and check its condition, accessories and seller. In France, the DGCCRF states that a refurbished product has undergone full functionality tests and, where necessary, been restored to working order.
If you choose a new vacuum cleaner covered by the French scheme, the repairability index can help you assess factors such as how easy it is to dismantle, the documentation available and the availability of parts. According to the ministry responsible for the ecological transition, this rating alone doesn’t tell you about the condition of a particular second-hand appliance.
First, check whether maintenance is enough to get your vacuum cleaner working properly again. If it needs repairing, compare this with the three replacement options, taking into account the condition of the appliance on offer and the terms of sale.
Consider this: if a functional fault persists and a professional can provide a quote.
Check: routine maintenance and removable accessories aren’t covered by the same terms as repairing a fault eligible for the Repair Bonus.
Consider this: if you can inspect the appliance and confirm it comes with the accessories you need.
Check: a used listing alone doesn’t confirm that all the functions have been tested.
Consider this: if you’re looking for a second-hand appliance whose functions have been tested before resale.
Check: the exact model, stated condition and accessories will vary from one appliance to another.
Consider this: if you’re replacing your appliance and want to compare the repairability of new models covered by the French index.
Check: the repairability rating doesn’t tell you whether a model is right for your home or guarantee that it won’t develop a fault in future.
| Criterion | What to check | What matters to consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance or fault | Carry out the maintenance recommended for the model; if the fault persists, ask for a diagnosis or a quote for the component concerned. | When my vacuum cleaner isn’t picking up as well, I want to know whether it can still do its job before buying another one; around 33% of consumers prioritise this check. |
| Used or refurbished | Confirm the condition, accessories and stated status. According to the DGCCRF, refurbishment involves full functionality tests and restoration if necessary. | I’m looking for an alternative to buying new and want to understand what’s been checked on the appliance on offer; around 27% of consumers put this choice at the top of their concerns. |
| Seller and options if something goes wrong | Identify the seller you’re buying from and keep a copy of the appliance description and proof of purchase. | If I buy an appliance that’s already been used, I want to know who to contact if something goes wrong; for around 20% of consumers, this protection comes before other criteria. |
| Repairability of new models | For new models covered in France, compare the rating out of 10 and the available details, including dismantling, documentation and parts. | Once I’ve decided to replace my vacuum, I want to be able to maintain or repair the next one; around 20% of consumers prioritise this criterion. |
A clogged filter can restrict airflow. On the other hand, ADEME lists faults with the cord rewind, motor or suction system among the issues that may be repairable.
Follow the maintenance instructions for your model. If the problem persists, ask a professional for advice rather than trying to identify the cause based on reduced suction alone.
In France, ADEME and ecosystem set conditions for the scheme, including whether the appliance was bought in France, whether it’s covered by a warranty or insurance, the nature of the fault and whether you use a QualiRépar repairer. Replacing removable accessories isn’t eligible.
Before accepting a quote, ask the repairer to confirm that both the fault and the appliance are eligible.
According to the DGCCRF, a refurbished product is a second-hand item whose functions have been fully tested and which has been repaired or restored if necessary. The term “used” on its own doesn’t tell you what checks have been carried out.
Ask for a description of the condition, a list of the accessories and the seller’s details. For a refurbished appliance, also check the information about testing and restoration.
According to the ministry responsible for the ecological transition, the French requirement to display this index doesn’t apply to used or refurbished appliances. A new model’s rating doesn’t tell you how worn a particular appliance is.
Use the index to compare new models covered by the scheme. For a second-hand appliance, check its stated condition and accessories separately.
These cordless vacuum cleaners are options to consider if you decide to replace your appliance for cleaning around the home. Before choosing one, check its sale condition, the seller you’re buying from, the accessories and the repairability information that applies to the exact model.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re replacing your appliance to clean hard floors and carpets, and would like an automatic dust collection station.
The listing states a runtime of 80 minutes and an anti-tangle brush. Check the conditions attached to the advertised runtime, along with the sale condition and repairability information for the exact model.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re looking for an appliance to clean different floor types, with automatic dust collection.
The listing states a runtime of 70 minutes, a station that also recharges the vacuum and a 180° flat-lying position. Check the conditions attached to the runtime, the accessories included and the repairability information for the exact model.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to get back to cleaning hard floors and carpets with an automatic emptying station.
The listing mentions a station that also recharges the vacuum, as well as an anti-tangle design. Check the accessories, sale condition and repairability information for this specific model.
In France, ADEME states that the vacuum cleaner must have been bought in France, no longer be covered by a legal or commercial warranty or insurance, and have an eligible fault resulting from normal use. The repair must be carried out by a QualiRépar professional and meet the scheme’s other conditions. Confirm eligibility before the repair goes ahead.
No. ecosystem excludes the replacement of removable vacuum cleaner accessories from the Repair Bonus, including the brush, filter, hose and bag. However, it’s still worth checking these components before deciding that your appliance needs replacing.
In France, yes, when a consumer buys the vacuum cleaner from a professional seller, according to the DGCCRF. This legal guarantee doesn’t apply to private sales, so identify the seller you’re buying from before you purchase, and don’t confuse this right with an optional commercial warranty.
No. According to the ministry responsible for the ecological transition, the French requirement to calculate and display this index doesn’t apply to used or refurbished appliances. To assess a refurbished appliance, check its condition and the information about the tests carried out, rather than inferring its condition from the rating for a new model.