Climate change and more frequent heat waves are increasing air conditioner usage in Türkiye each year, according to the Turkish Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources.
There were approximately 11 million air conditioners in Turkish households in 2025, the ministry said in a study. It projects the number will increase by 100% over a 10-year period, doubling to about 22 million by 2035.
Projected number of household air conditioners in Türkiye by 2035, doubling from 2025 levels.
Total electricity consumption for heating and cooling by household air conditioners in Türkiye was at the level of 5-6 thousand GWh in 2025, according to the ministry. This is projected to exceed 12 thousand GWh by 2035.
Projected annual electricity consumption by household air conditioners in Türkiye by 2035.
Cooling-related electricity demand has become a significant component of total electricity demand in Türkiye, particularly during summer months.
During periods of extreme heat, increased air conditioner usage is a factor in daily electricity consumption reaching record levels.
The ministry recommends setting air conditioners to a minimum of 24 degrees Celsius indoors during summer. Raising the air conditioner temperature setting by every 2 degrees can save up to 15% on energy bills, according to calculations cited by the ministry. Setting air conditioners to excessively low temperatures can significantly increase energy consumption, according to the Turkish Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources.
There has been a notable increase in air conditioner sales in Türkiye in recent years.
The impact of rising air conditioner usage on electricity consumption is expected to become more pronounced in coming years due to climate change and increasing household air conditioner ownership in Türkiye, according to the Turkish Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources.
