Climate change drives air conditioner boom in Turkiye

Turkiye anticipates a doubling of household air conditioners and electricity consumption over the next decade, according to projections released by the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry. As of the end of 2025, there were approximately 11 million air conditioners in households, with experts predicting a 100% increase in this stock by 2035. The ministry attributes this surge in air conditioner ownership to the intensifying heatwaves and rising temperatures driven by climate change.

Current electricity usage from residential air conditioners, which serve both heating and cooling purposes, is forecasted to rise from about 6,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in 2025 to over 12,000 GWh by 2035. This surge in cooling demand has become a significant driver of electricity consumption during summer months, particularly during extreme heat periods. Officials expect this trend to worsen as climate change persists and air conditioner ownership spreads among households.

To mitigate the impact of rising air conditioner usage on electricity consumption, the ministry advises maintaining indoor temperatures at no lower than 24 degrees Celsius during summer. Raising an air conditioner's temperature by just 2 degrees Celsius can cut electricity consumption and energy bills by up to 15%. The ministry cautions that setting air conditioners too low can dramatically increase electricity use, emphasizing the need for efficient operation as cooling demand continues to grow.