This study evaluates the energy utilization efficiency of the Turkish residential-commercial sector (TRCS) in 2001 by using energy and exergy analyses. Total energy and exergy input are calculated to be 3194-90 and 3130.77 pJ in 2001. Annual fuel consumption in space heating, water heating and cooking activities as well as electrical energy uses by appliances are determined for 2001. The energy-efficiency values for the TRCS are found to be 55.75% while the exergy-efficiency values for that are obtained to be 8.98 in the same years. The present study clearly indicates the necessity of the planned studies towards increasing exergy efficiencies in the sector studied and especially the critical role of policymakers in establishing effective energy-efficiency delivery mechanisms throughout the country. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.