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How to Get the Most Out of Your Heat Pump This Winter
Posted On: November 22, 2025
Winter in the Durham Region and Toronto can be long, cold, and unpredictable — which makes it the perfect time to ensure your heat pump is running at peak performance.
Whether you recently installed a new system or have been using one for years, a few smart habits can dramatically improve comfort, efficiency, and savings.
Here’s how to take full advantage of your heat pump during Ontario’s winter months.
1.
Set It and Forget It — Avoid Constant Thermostat Adjustments
Heat pumps work best when they maintain a steady temperature.
Why you shouldn’t keep adjusting the thermostat:
Frequent temperature changes make the system work harder
Maintaining a steady set point is more energy-efficient
Modern heat pumps regulate power levels automatically
For most homes in Durham Region and Toronto, a temperature between 20–22°C keeps things comfortable without overworking the system.
2.
Keep Your Outdoor Unit Clear of Snow and Ice
Ontario winters mean snow, wind, and icy buildup.
A blocked outdoor unit can reduce efficiency or cause short cycles.
Check your unit regularly for:
Snow accumulation
Ice buildup
Fallen branches or debris
Gently clear around the unit with a soft brush or broom — never chip at ice.
If you notice persistent icing, Twintech can inspect it to ensure everything is functioning properly.
3.
Clean or Replace Filters Monthly
Your heat pump depends on proper airflow.
During winter, indoor air is drier and dustier, so filters can clog faster.
Clean filters mean:
Better airflow
Lower energy bills
More consistent heating
Improved indoor air quality
A quick monthly check can make a huge difference.
4.
Use the Right Heat Pump Mode
Many homeowners accidentally use the wrong settings, which can reduce comfort or increase energy use.
For winter, use: ✔ HEAT mode for primary heating ✔ AUTO-FAN mode for balanced airflow ✘ Avoid using AUTO temperature mode, which can switch to cooling unexpectedly
If you’re unsure, Twintech technicians can help optimize your settings.
5.
Don’t Rely on Backup Heat Unless Needed
Most heat pumps include auxiliary or emergency heat, but these modes use much more energy.
Use Emergency Heat only during a malfunction or extreme cold (usually below –20°C for older systems).
Modern cold-climate heat pumps used in Toronto and Durham Region rarely need backup heat during typical winter days.
6.
Improve Home Efficiency to Boost Heat Pump Performance
Your heat pump is only part of the comfort equation.
Improving your home’s overall efficiency helps your system work at its best.
Simple steps include:
Sealing drafts around windows and doors
Using thick curtains at night
Keeping interior doors open for better airflow
Adding weatherstripping in older homes
These upgrades help maintain stable indoor temperatures and reduce strain on the system.
7.
Take Advantage of Zone Heating
If your heat pump includes multiple indoor units (common with ductless systems), you can heat different areas independently.
Optimize zone heating by:
Heating the rooms you use most
Lowering temperatures in guest rooms or unused spaces
Keeping doors open to share warm air when needed
This maximizes comfort and savings.
8.
Schedule Professional Maintenance Before Peak Cold
Heat pumps run almost year-round, so they benefit from regular professional care.
A Twintech technician will:
Check refrigerant levels
Clean coils
Inspect electrical components
Test sensors and controls
Ensure your system is winter-ready
Preventive maintenance improves performance, reduces energy use, and extends your system’s lifespan.
Why Trust Twintech Heating & Cooling?
Serving Durham Region and Toronto, Twintech is known for reliable service, expert installation, and honest advice.
Whether you need maintenance, repairs, or help optimizing your system, our certified technicians keep your home comfortable all winter long.
Keep Warm, Stay Efficient — We’re Here to Help
By following these simple steps, you’ll enjoy better comfort, cleaner air, and lower energy bills all winter.
If you’d like a system checkup or personalized recommendations for your home, Twintech Heating & Cooling is just a call away.
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See What Our Customers Are Saying:
May 16, 2021
Appreciated a quick response to my request. Dave and Greg were very professional and made the experience seamless.
Feb 1, 2021
Very professional through the entire process. Installation and removel was done on a sloppy winter day, they put down runners on the floors and stairs and when they left, there wasn;t any sign of someone being in our house. Furnace works great as promised.
Feb 1, 2021
Dave was very pleasant to deal with and Twintech responded quickly when our furnace needed to be replaced ASAP. Installation was done on time and the crew were neat and tidy. We now have a great furnace that suits the needs of our family.
Feb 1, 2021
When your furnace kicks in over the holidays and you're not sure where to turn.. I'm so thankful that this company returned my phone call. I appreciated their transparency and clarity which allowed me to make an informed decision. With various quotes thrown at you, it can be difficult to make the right decision and trust the solutions offered by different companies. TwinTech spoke the truth and delivered on their word. Neat, timely and clean service; the peace of mind I needed during a very cold holiday season. I highly recommend them!
Feb 1, 2021
Pulling a old unit out and installing a modern heating system! Required drilling holes in the wall for the newer pipes. We went from 70% (I am willing to bet it was far less due to lack of maintenance and just old) to 96% newer . It now feels warmer and more pressure and we use to run extra heaters and feel as though they are not necessary!
Feb 1, 2021
I received three quotes before deciding to choose Twintech. Dave's prices was much more reasonable than the competitors. I most appreciated their honest recommendations. Others tried to oversell their products and services. Thank you Dave!
Feb 1, 2021
They had the best price and did a great job on the installation. Recommend them to anyone.
Feb 1, 2021
It was a amazing and professional high quality job
Friendly and very helpful representatives
Thank you for understanding my concern
And explain very well
Overall we pleased with your service
Tanks
May 15, 2020
My 19 year old furnace stopped working when the cold weather hit in November, and I was left without heat. I interviewed several companies and found TWINTECH HEATING and COOLING to be very knowledgeable, quick to respond to my inquiries and very competitively priced.
Dave provided all of the information and pricing ahead of time and set up the appointment for the installation. Greg and Mitch arrived on time to do the installation and worked quickly and efficiently to complete the job.
After the completion of the installation, Dave followed up to ensure that everything was working well and that I didn't have any concerns.
Overall, this was a low-stress and flawless experience from start to finish. I would highly recommend TWINTECH HEATING and COOLING to anyone that requires a new furnace.
May 14, 2020
Our 20 year old furnace broke down during the first cold weekend this past November and our usual HVAC company never returned our phone call. Their loss, missing out on a sale since we didn't want to spend much fixing an old furnace and our 40 year old air conditioner was also long overdue for replacement. We proceeded in obtaining three different quotes for furnace and air conditioner replacement, and proceeded with the one we received from Twintech.
Dave was friendly, knowledgable and accommodating to our schedule and provided with us with a price that fell in the middle of the three quotes that we had. We felt that the Amana furnace and air conditioner he quoted us on were the best products and value offered to us and felt most comfortable with the professionalism and reputation of Twintech.
Greg, Grant and Mitch were at our house for installation the day after we decided to proceed. The guys were friendly and informative, the job was completed efficiently and workmanship appears excellent. Our house is certainly much more comfortable with the new two-stage variable speed Amana furnace compared to the old clunker! And, we're looking forward to enjoying the new air conditioner once summer rolls around again. Thanks Twintech!
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