The home equipment market is evolving due to new regulations and labeling changes. The durability index is gradually replacing the reparability index on certain appliances, the deadlines for thermal regulation have been postponed, and the summer comfort indicator of the DPE has recognized limitations. In this context, choosing home equipment is not just about comparing prices: it is essential to understand what the labels actually measure and what they omit.
Durability index of appliances: what the new labeling changes
Starting from January 2025 for televisions and April 2025 for washing machines, the durability index will replace the reparability index. The change is not cosmetic: in addition to criteria for disassembly and availability of spare parts, criteria for reliability and robustness are added.
In practical terms, two appliances displaying the same energy class can now differ in their long-term durability. A washing machine rated favorably for durability includes mechanical strength tests that the old reparability index ignored.
To compare home equipment with Habiz, it becomes relevant to cross-reference three data points: the energy class, the durability index, and the estimated cost of spare parts over five years. An appliance that is slightly more expensive to purchase but better rated for durability often costs less over its total lifespan.
Checking the actual presence of the label in-store remains a reflex to maintain, even with the new index.
Thermal comfort in summer and winter: the limits of the DPE to know
The DPE assigns a summer comfort indicator, but it is described as “passive.” It evaluates solar protections, wall inertia, and cross ventilation without considering the local climate. A house classified as “comfortable in summer” in the DPE can turn out to be stifling if it faces south in an area prone to frequent heatwaves.
Before choosing a cooling system (ceiling fan, reversible heat pump, air circulator), it is better to observe the actual behavior of the home during a hot week. Exposure, glazed surface area, and the ability to open two opposing windows matter more than the DPE label for summer comfort.
Heating regulation and regulatory deadline
The obligation to install a programmable thermostat in existing homes has been postponed to January 1, 2030. The regulatory text requires automatic and programmable regulation, not necessarily an Internet connection. A wired programmable thermostat with time slots is sufficient to be compliant.
The priority criterion remains compatibility with the existing heating system. A high-end connected thermostat becomes useless if it only controls one zone while the home has three. It is better to have a compatible device that regulates each room than a sophisticated model limited to a single circuit.
Lighting and interior design: balancing living spaces
Lighting is often an underestimated comfort lever. The color temperature of an LED bulb changes the perception of a space: warm light (around 2,700 kelvins) is suitable for the living room and bedroom, while a more neutral light facilitates work in the kitchen or office.
Adapting the color temperature to the function of each room changes the ambiance without any renovation. Three points deserve attention when choosing:
- The actual luminous power in lumens, which varies from one manufacturer to another for the same wattage equivalence
- The color rendering index (CRI), which should be prioritized above 80 for living spaces where cooking or reading occurs
- Compatibility with a dimmer if the electrical installation has one, as not all LEDs are dimmable
For the bathroom, the standard requires a protection index suitable for areas with water projection. An aesthetic light fixture that does not comply with this index presents a real electrical risk.
Kitchen and bathroom: areas where water dictates the choice
Water flow and available pressure dictate the choice of faucets and appliances. A high-performance dishwasher connected to a low-flow water supply will take longer to complete its cycle, which increases actual electricity consumption.
Measuring the flow at the faucet before purchasing helps avoid this discrepancy. A simple bucket and a stopwatch are sufficient: filling a ten-liter container and noting the elapsed time provides a reliable indication.
Aerators and flow regulators remain among the cheapest and most effective equipment to reduce water consumption without perceived loss of comfort. They can be installed in minutes on most standard faucets.
Financial aids and renovation: what remains accessible
MaPrimeRénov’ has been refocused on extensive renovation and electrification of heating. Small isolated gestures (changing a single radiator, installing a standalone thermodynamic water heater) are gradually excluded from the most advantageous aids.
For a homeowner looking to improve the thermal comfort of their home, combining several items into a single extensive renovation file entitles them to significantly higher amounts. Insulation of attics, replacement of heating, and mechanical ventilation form a coherent set that current programs encourage.
- Check the eligibility of the home on the official website before signing a quote, as conditions evolve each year
- Have a prior energy audit conducted, now required for certain categories of subsidized work
- Compare quotes by including the remaining cost after aid, not just the gross cost of the work
The choice of equipment for the home benefits from being thought of as an articulated whole rather than a series of isolated purchases. Labels are evolving, aids are tightening on global projects, and official indicators do not cover all parameters of real comfort. Cross-referencing technical data, testing the home in its real conditions, and grouping interventions remain the most reliable method for sustainably improving daily comfort.
