High upfront cost, technical complexity, disruption to operations and lack of awareness, Mehmet Şanal says, are the key challenges associated with retrofitting HVACR systems in Türkiye. However, Şanal, Chairman, Turkish HVAC-R Exporters’ Association, says, the Turkish government’s provision of incentives to businesses and homeowners for HVACR system retrofitting improved financing options for HVACR system retrofitting, as banks and other financial institutions are likely to lend money for these projects if government incentives back them. Furthermore, he adds that rising awareness about the benefits of retrofitting HVACR systems collectively contributes to the growth of retrofitting in Türkiye. 

In addition to the incentives mentioned above, Şanal says, the Turkish government is also taking steps to promote the retrofitting of HVACR systems, such as developing and implementing standards for energy-efficient HVACR systems, providing technical assistance to businesses and homeowners who are interested in retrofitting their HVACR systems, and raising awareness about the benefits of retrofitting HVACR systems through public awareness campaigns. These steps, he says, are helping to create a more favourable environment for the retrofitting of HVACR systems in Türkiye. He says, “As a result, it is expected that the Turkish HVACR sector will continue to grow, and the adoption of retrofitting practices will continue to increase in the years to come.” 

Meanwhile, Mert Kalafatoglu, who serves as the Senior Sales Director of Climate Solutions at Danfoss Türkiye, Middle East and Africa, says rising energy prices and subsidy programmes launched by government entities such as the Ministry of Energy have made a significant impact towards retrofitting opportunities in Türkiye. Furthermore, he says, they also expect subsidy programs for the private sector in 2024, which will further enhance the retrofitting opportunities in both commercial and residential verticals.