Smart Air‑Conditioner Use to Tame Turkey’s Rising Energy Demand

Turkey is edging toward a new red line in energy consumption as heatwaves intensify; conscious and efficient air‑conditioner use could ease the demand pressure.

Surge in AC Sales and Grid Load

Energy Efficiency Association President Ahmet Erdem noted that a large share of the record electricity consumption last summer stemmed from air‑conditioner usage. AC sales reached 3.5 million units annually, underscoring the market's scale.

Efficiency Criteria and Market Dynamics

Erdem emphasized that selecting units with high SEER and SCOP ratings directly contributes to energy savings. Proper capacity sizing, temperature settings, and regular maintenance can cut consumption by up to 6 % per 1 °C temperature change.

■3.5 million AC units sold in 2023 set a new record.

■Average 6 % energy saving observed with each 1 °C adjustment in thermostat settings.

■New‑generation inverter ACs lower annual consumption to 350 kWh, whereas legacy models exceed 600 kWh.

■Preference for high‑SEER/SCOP devices rose by 40 %.

Market Implications and Investment Gaps

The rising demand strains the electricity grid, while efficient AC technologies and energy‑management solutions open fresh investment avenues. Renewable integration and demand‑response (DR) programs are pivotal to balancing this pressure.

Market participants should monitor the proliferation of high‑efficiency inverter ACs and smart thermostats, while suppliers need to develop flexible pricing models to counter demand spikes. Incentivizing energy‑saving appliances, especially during peak summer months, will create a sustainable equilibrium for both consumers and the supply side. – Seda Çetin, Market Pricing and Data Terminal Manager