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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.
Received a new range and needed someone to disconnect the old range and connect the new gas range. They did a thorough job and were kind enough to remove the old range from the house. Thank you!
Very satisfied with this company! Salesperson Dave was very good, very knowledgeable and gave me the impression that he wanted to sell me what I needed rather than what would put the most money in the company's pocket. He also called back after the installation to see if I was satisfied with the result. The installation crew of Greg, Grant and Peter did a great job. They arrived on time, completed the job quickly, answered all my questions and thoroughly cleaned up. They told me to call if I had any further questions. They left me with the impression that they really cared about their work and my satisfaction and that it wasn't " just a job". Prior to researching for a new furnace, I had never heard of this company but I'm glad that I did and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a new furnace or air conditioning unit. They may be small but they do a great job!!
I first met Greg and Grant (The Twin Brothers from Twin Tech - yup -it's not just a cool company name) back in 2014 when our furnace broke down and they installed our Carrier Furnace and AC that we purchased through Sears. I liked them instantly when I met them due to their friendly and professional service, and the fact that they didn't mind taking a little extra time to explain things in terms I could understand. Since that time they have reached out to me at least once a year to ensure that everything was running smoothly with my system and to keep me appraised of their evolving services. Due to this high level of proactive customer service I didn't hesitate to call and obtain their help for a Gas Stove removal and installation. When I scheduled the call Greg and Grant let me know that they would arrive the morning of the appliance delivery to disconnect the old gas stove, and then return in the afternoon to connect the new stove. Sure enough, they did just that as promised. Where they exceeded my expectations is with the extra level of support helping to assemble the burners and grills on the stove and in the oven. This may seem like a small thing to some but to my wife who was at home during this entire process it meant a stress free transition to the meal prep for the day. When I called home to ask about the install she commented that, "they left the place cleaner than it was when they arrived and they setup all the grills on top of the stove and in the oven... they didn't have to do all that -Wow!". You know what they say, Happy Wife, Happy Life. So in summary, I am recommending Twintech Heating & Cooling for all of your Furnace, Air Conditioning, and Gas Line needs. I've even called on these guys to help swap out a leaky water valve. They are just so easy to reach and communicate with by phone, and they don't mind a text message to confirm the details. You can rest easy when you have the Twins on your side as an extension of your household maintenance plan.
First thing, they actually showed up for a quote. Other big name companies in the area didn't even return my call , job was done as expected and new equipment is quiet and installed very clean and professional. Would highly recommend these guys.
They removed our old furnace and replaced it with a new furnace and AC system.
Work was performed in a clean and timely manner. The furnace and metal work was performed by the Twintech team (did not require separate contractor to do the metal work). Energy audit was arranged and promised rebates were received. The overall price was very competitive. We have recommended Twintech to several of our friends and family. Awesome job.
Grant and Greg installed a heating and AC system in our new Linwood post and beam home. Post and beam can be challenging structures for running ductwork and their high ceilings and open concept frequently frustrate efforts at balancing air flow and controlling temperatures. But these guys did it and did it right the first time. Even the building inspector was impressed with what he saw. More importantly, the boys brought a high degree of trust and integrity to the job. Something in short supply these days.
Very polite and professional. They removed my o
ld furnace and A/C and installed my new ones. They were efficient and thoroughly cleaned up when they were done! I would highly recommend them!
Pro from start to finish. They were able to fix my gas fireplace at very little cost as well.
Excellent installation very knowledgeable gentlemen! Would highly recommend them to all my friends for any hvac work !
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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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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