$49 / month O.A.C Including Install
$49 / month O.A.C Including Install

How to Get the Most Out of Your Heat Pump This Winter

24 / 7 Emergency Service Available. Call Us Now: 1.844.894.6832


[BACK]
How to Get the Most Out of Your Heat Pump This Winter

Posted On: November 22, 2025

How to Get the Most Out of Your Heat Pump This Winter

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.



[BACK]

See What Our Customers Are Saying:

by DG Sellers on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Professionally done and took care to cover all entry floors to the house for the installers to remove the old furnace and install a new furnace.
I also made recommendations of the tankless water heater that we had installed and items to address. We did not know they also installed tankless water heaters.

by Bill, Pickering on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Price was not the cheapest nor the most expensive of my quotes. It's the quality of the installation that makes for a good AC system. The twins' knowledge & professionalism was evident in the small details:
Very clean work. Greg made sure that the refrigerant level & temperature were correct. They reinstall the insulation & vapor barrier around the wall. The outside electrical cords were secured to the wall. Proud to support this local company. Thank you.

by Taz on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Great team of guys came to do the work. Very professional. Arrived on time worked very efficiently and were very clean. They answered any questions we had without hesitation. The air conditioner works great and is so quiet. I highly recommend them and they don't try to up-sell anything right from the start.

by Jordan on Twintech Heating and Cooling

The service was prompt, professional and very courteous. Competitive price. Would highly recommend this company.

by David on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Excellent workmanship, and quick response. Would recommend Twintech to anyone.

by Todd Whyte on Twintech Heating and Cooling

My existing 15-yr old A/C went down on me during the first major heatwave of the season. Researched my options, as well as a few different installers, and decided on Twintech.

They gave me confidence right from the beginning. Extremely knowledgeable. Their communication was excellent - always responded to questions quickly. Given we were in a heatwave, they were fully booked. However, within days they were able to fit me in due to a cancellation. Upon learning that the Amana unit I was getting installed was on backorder, TwinTech went to bat for me with the manufacturer and was able to get me the next model up within a day, for the same price - Amazing!

As far as the installation was concerned, I couldn’t be more impressed. These guys were clearly very experienced and did a fantastic job. Very clean, polite, timely & informative. They even thoroughly sealed all the exposed gaps in my ductwork. I’ve had plenty of heating and cooling work done in the past and have never used the same contractor twice because I’ve never been very impressed. However, from now on, I’ll always be contacting Twintech first!

by Jordan Arnott, Courtice on Twintech Heating and Cooling

They were very friendly and took care of everything. The install looks great (and works great), they were very knowledgeable. Installed our a/c efficiently despite the difficult install location both inside and outside and they made it work.

by Lori Ellis on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Phenomenal service, so glad I found these guys a few years back after being "hosed" badly by 3 other companies. I've recommended them to so many, and they all are so thankful.

by Jonathan Rogoza on Twintech Heating and Cooling

This company is fantastic. Dave came out and gave me a very honest and reasonable quote, unlike a quote received from another company. I had a bunch of questions that were easily answered and when I had questions regarding heating/cooling a previously unheated room above the Garage, Dave arranged for Greg to come out for an assessment of this new space and gave me his recommendation along with his professional thoughts on all of my options.

These guys have been nothing but Professional, honest and helpful along the way. I can't recall the two other guys doing the install, but they were great as well. Good workmanship, everything was cleaned up and everything functions as promised. I could go on and on about my experience, but it's all positive so what more could you want?

Give them a call, see for yourself. If I had to buy another furnace/AC or heat pump, they'd be my first call.

by Private User on Twintech Heating and Cooling

I hired twin tech to convert my townhouse heating from electric to gas and install a furnace and a/c unit. I had talked with many other vendors, and received several quotes, but chose them, and very happy I did. Here are some of the reasons why:
1. They were realistic about the timeline for the work, when they could start and how long it would take. (They said upfront, it was their busy season and would need to get back to me in 3 weeks, which they did):
2. They had a quote with options for me. They were clear about the entertainment of what they would and would not do (they’d build duct work, id need another contractor to box in ductwork). This allowed me to plan as I was my own general contractor for my renovations).
3. They spoke to me in a language I understood, neither too technical nor too simple. They answered all my questions as I had them. Everyone is so lovely to work with, the sales team and the contractors who are worked in my home.
4. It’s been 4 m since the work was complete. They still answer my emails and my furnace is working very well!

I unabashedly recommend! Price, customer care and quality workmanship were all amazing!

Related Links:
heat pump system cost, oshawa heating technician, 5 ton heat pump, whitby air and heating, whitby heating and air, ajax heating technician, heating technician, heating technician, heating and cooling, indoor heat pumps, heating repair company, heat pump technology, emergency heating service, residential heat pump system, oshawa heating and cooling, heat pump hvac system, heating system installation, heating contractors near me whitby, heating contractors near me, heat pump, heating services near me, heating and cooling services, commercial heating and cooling,


See What Our Customers Are Saying:

by Aaron on Twintech Heating and Cooling

We are very happy to recommend this company to everyone. Our furnace broke down on Sunday morning. We phoned them and before noon Grant the owner showed up. He worked on the furnace for about a hour not wanting to give up to fix the problem. The furnace was 17 years old. I was the one talking about replacing it. End result was the next day it was all done. On the Sunday Bob came over with heaters to warm up the house. We decided to replace the water heater at the same time. Thanks Grant for the excellent work. Thumbs up.

by Linda on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Right on time. Explained how to work the HRV in a different way so the house would not be so dry. Changed my whole house water filter for me as well. Friendly, helpful, caring service!

by Robert Rogers on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Very pleased with the professional service that TwinTech Heating and Cooling provided in replacing my furnace. I got several quotes from different service providers. Their price was excellent and they explained the features very well. We are very glad we went with TwinTech and highly recommend their services.

by Robert Mizuno on Twintech Heating and Cooling

We were new homeowners in need of a second opinion. TwinTech Heating & Cooling were Amazing and professional. Very knowledgeable and great service all around. Recommend to anyone looking for honest and reliable services. Treated with respect and care. Thank you Greg, Mitch and Bob!

by Ruth on Twintech Heating and Cooling

TwinTech is an excellent and honest company! I called them for a second opinion after being told by another company that I needed to replace my furnace. Turns out this was not the case at all! I did not need a new furnace. TwinTech did not push to make an unnecessary sale and saved me from a huge expense. Bob and Mitch were extremely professional and above all honest! I definitely recommend TwinTech!

Does a Heat Pump Work Well With my Furnace?

  • SUBMITTED BY:
  • TWINTECH HEATING & COOLING
  • - February 16, 2024

Yes, a heat pump can work well with a furnace, especially in regions with moderate climates where both heating and cooling are needed throughout the year. This setup is often referred to as a dual-fuel or hybrid heating system. Here's how it t

Read More

Am I Overusing my Air Conditioner?

  • SUBMITTED BY:
  • TWINTECH HEATING & COOLING
  • - August 22, 2024

There are a few signs that you might be overusing your air conditioner. Here are some things to consider: 1. Constant Running If your air conditioner seems to be running non-stop, especially when it’s not particularly hot outside, you

Read More

Why We Recommend Amana Heat Pumps

  • SUBMITTED BY:
  • TWINTECH HEATING & COOLING
  • - September 16, 2025

At Twintech Heating & Cooling, we’re committed to helping homeowners in the Durham Region find the perfect comfort solution. When customers ask us which heat pump brand we trust most, we often recommend Amana heat pumps – and for g

Read More

How a Heat Pump Functions as Both a Heating and Cooling System

  • SUBMITTED BY:
  • TWINTECH HEATING & COOLING
  • - November 7, 2025

A heat pump is one of the most versatile and energy-efficient home comfort systems available today. Instead of relying on separate heating and cooling equipment, a heat pump delivers year-round comfort in a single, smart package. Many homeowner

Read More