The air conditioning industry in Türkiye is heating up—both literally and figuratively. Record-breaking summer temperatures in July have significantly boosted sales of split air conditioning units, leading to a surge in installation demand and wait times stretching up to two weeks in certain regions. As climate change drives increasingly extreme weather patterns, Türkiye’s air conditioning market is not only expanding domestically but also positioning itself as a central player in global HVAC exports.
Growing Domestic Demand Drives Market Momentum
According to Tunç Korun, President of the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Manufacturers’ Association (İSKİD), the domestic market for residential air conditioners—especially split-type systems—is experiencing consistent growth. Korun noted that the installation backlog and steady sales trends indicate that 2025 will closely follow the same trajectory as 2024.
Beyond the heatwaves, the growth of urban housing developments, ongoing urban transformation projects, and the increase in the number of local manufacturers have also contributed to the rapid expansion of Türkiye’s air conditioning sector. Korun emphasized the importance of authorized maintenance services for ensuring product performance and longevity, warning consumers against unqualified technicians.
Türkiye Becomes a Strategic Sales and Manufacturing Hub
In recent years, Türkiye has emerged as a pivotal location for both the manufacturing and export of air conditioning units. With advancements in production technology and a rise in the number of domestic manufacturers, Türkiye now serves as a sales and logistics hub for air conditioning systems throughout Europe and the Middle East.
According to 2024 data, global sales of residential and commercial air conditioners were projected to reach 161 million units, with Türkiye accounting for 3.3 million units. Of these, 2.5 million units were sold in the domestic market and 800,000 units were exported. Notably, 2.2 million units were produced domestically, while 1.1 million units were imported to meet demand.
Looking forward, Korun expects 2025 to mirror this distribution, with Türkiye’s split air conditioner market maintaining a 1 billion dollar value. He also highlighted the rapid growth of the VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) market, where Türkiye currently ranks as the largest in Europe. While imports remain a significant part of the VRF market, domestic production and export capacities have more than doubled thanks to the development of local manufacturing capabilities.
Impressive Export Performance in the First Half of 2025
In the first six months of 2025, the export value of air conditioning systems and components reached 473 million dollars, marking a 21 percent increase compared to the same period in the previous year. These gains reflect the continued global appetite for efficient climate control systems and Türkiye’s growing reputation as a reliable manufacturing source.
Korun attributes this growth to a combination of internal and external factors. On the domestic side, increased housing construction, higher urbanization rates, and extreme weather conditions have all driven demand for air conditioning systems. However, he also warned that currency fluctuations, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain disruptions are presenting significant challenges for export-focused businesses in the sector.
Energy Efficiency and Smart Technology Dominate Consumer Preferences
Energy-efficient and environmentally conscious technologies are shaping consumer behavior both in Türkiye and globally. Korun pointed out that A++ inverter systems are currently in high demand, thanks to their performance and energy savings. The use of R32 refrigerants, which have a lower global warming potential, is also becoming more common in newer models.
Modern air conditioning systems are increasingly integrated with smart home features, including WiFi connectivity, mobile controls, and energy monitoring tools. These features not only improve user experience but also align with the global shift toward sustainability and digitalization in household appliances.
Cooling Exports Continue to Rise Despite Global Pressures
Mehmet Hakkı Şanal, President of the HVAC-R Exporters Association, confirmed that sales figures in the sector remain strong, with a 5.5 percent year-on-year increase in total HVAC exports. He noted that demand surged particularly in response to the extreme heat experienced in the summer months.
“Due to this spike in demand, installation times have lengthened significantly,” Şanal explained. “Last year, we saw a sharp increase in split air conditioner imports to cope with demand. This year, while domestic sales have remained stable, we expect import levels for 2025 to remain on par with 2024 figures.”
He also pointed to high demand from earthquake-affected regions, where reconstruction and new housing needs have driven considerable interest in air conditioning systems as essential components of modern living.
Key Challenges in the HVAC Landscape
Despite its strong momentum, Türkiye’s HVAC sector faces a set of structural and external challenges. Rising global competition, raw material price volatility, and logistical disruptions could hinder further growth if not addressed with strategic planning and government support.
The sector is also dealing with rising production costs, especially for imported components and materials. Firms are under pressure to deliver more efficient and advanced systems while keeping prices competitive. This is driving investments into automation, R&D, and smart manufacturing technologies.
Türkiye’s Role in the Future of Air Conditioning
Türkiye’s position as a hub for HVAC systems is becoming more entrenched, not just because of its geographic location but also due to its expanding technical capabilities and skilled workforce. The combination of local demand, international outreach, and technological advancement makes Türkiye a unique case study in how emerging economies can become global exporters in niche industrial sectors.
The country’s transformation from a predominantly importing market to a significant exporter and producer of climate control systems represents a major shift in the regional supply chain. With favorable government policies, expanding manufacturing zones, and increasing trade partnerships, Türkiye is poised to continue shaping the future of air conditioning across borders.
Market Outlook for 2025 and Beyond
Looking ahead, industry leaders are optimistic that the current growth trend will persist. Expectations are high for new product launches focused on sustainability, automation, and advanced thermal management. The integration of artificial intelligence and predictive maintenance technologies is likely to become standard in next-generation HVAC systems.
In the face of climate change, efficient cooling is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity. Türkiye’s air conditioning market, backed by innovation and driven by urgent consumer needs, is set to expand even further in the coming years.
