Heating in Turkey

Winters in Turkey can be very varied and heating methods vary greatly from region to region. Depending on whether a home is located on the coast or in central areas, the choice of heating system can be completely different. Although Turkey does not often experience severe frosts, warmth in homes is an important part of comfort and each home has its own heating system.

Gas heating

In major cities in Turkey, such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, gas heating is the most common heating method. Gas boilers provide convenient and relatively economical heating of houses and apartments. Connection to the central gas system is available in most major cities, which makes this method of heating popular and convenient for property owners.

Gas boilers can run on natural gas, which is piped in, or LPG, which is also convenient for more remote areas. Radiators and underfloor heating systems connected to a gas boiler distribute heat evenly throughout the rooms, which helps to create a comfortable temperature in homes.

Air conditioners with heating

Heating air conditioners are another popular heating option in Turkey, especially in coastal areas with milder climates. Many Turks use air conditioners to keep their homes at a comfortable temperature during the winter months.

These units are economical and heat indoor air quickly, but they may not be powerful enough to heat large homes or in very cold winters.

Electric heaters

This heating method is also popular, especially in homes without centralized heating. Electric heaters can heat up a room quickly, making them a great solution for short-term heating.

However, this method can be expensive for permanent use as electricity in Turkey has a fairly high cost.

Underfloor heating (water and electric)

Recently, the use of underfloor heating systems, both water and electric, has become popular in Turkey. Water systems are connected to gas boilers and heat floors by circulating hot water, while electric systems are based on heating cables.

Underfloor heating is a comfortable heating method that distributes heat evenly throughout the room, while leaving the space free of radiators and other heating devices.

Solid fuel stoves and fireplaces

In more rural areas or in private homes without a central gas supply, solid fuel stoves or sauna stoves that run on wood, coal or pellets are often used.

These stoves are a good way of heating, especially in mountainous and remote areas of Turkey. They allow you to not depend on external energy sources, but require regular maintenance and fuel storage.

Central heating in apartment buildings

Central heating is common in some old and new apartment buildings, especially in large cities. These buildings have a single boiler room that heats all the apartments in the building through a system of pipes and radiators.

This is a more economical heating method for apartment buildings, but it can be less flexible because the heat is distributed to all apartments, regardless of the needs of the occupants.

Fireplaces

Traditional fireplaces can be found in some private homes and cottages in Turkey and are mainly used to create coziness and partially heat the room.

Wood or pellet fireplaces can also help to heat small rooms, but more often they play a decorative role and are used in combination with other heating systems.

Building insulation

An important aspect of heating is the insulation of the building. In Turkey, every year more and more attention is paid to good thermal insulation. This is especially true for new residential complexes and houses.

The use of modern insulation materials such as expanded polystyrene, mineral wool or extruded polystyrene foam helps to keep heat inside the premises, reducing the need for heating and lowering heating costs.

As you can see, there are many ways of heating in Turkey and the choice of system depends on the region, type of housing and financial capacity. While gas heating and underfloor heating systems dominate in the larger cities, in more rural areas solid fuel stoves and fireplaces are favored. Given the variety of climates, every Turkish home has its own way of keeping cosy during the winter months.

From the ancient streets of Istanbul to the picturesque coasts of Antalya, we have everything to help you find your perfect home in Turkey.