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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.
Once again Twin Tech came through and fixed my furnace. A young man by the name of Mitch came by tonight and he was so nice explained everything he was quick he was clean he turned off the lights even when he left the furnace room its just above and beyond Twin Tech always delivers and I just found out about them last year and I will use no one else but thanks again Mitch you are fantastic
I had a problem with the Furnace (Armstrong ultra V) and Greg diagnosed it on the phone. Even told me what the issue was and I was able to fix it. This level of service from a Business that is almost unknown today.
If you require service, reach out to Greg. I will definitely use them in the future!
We have been shopping for a heat pump for our home. We had 3 reps come in and make recommendations and provide a quote. Of the 3, Bob was so clearly so much more qualified, thorough and informed than the other two that the decision was a no brainer. As soon as we get our audit results Twintech will be installing our heat pump.
knowledgeable sales person, did not try to up-sell unneeded features,
and was easily contacted to ensure customer satisfaction.
Installation was expertly done by friendly guys, everything explained for use of the products. Old products were removed and returned to rental company as part of the service. Follow up call was received to check all was well. This is my second time using this company as I was fully satisfied with my previous air conditioning unit installation
Twintech recently installed a new furnace for me. Bob did a great job assessing what I had and needed. All details well explained including the importance of proper sizing of furnace and the value of multi stage heating and the variable speed blower. As a nurse, indoor air quality is a high priority so the variable speed motor running continuous is so good. 24/7 air cleaning. Greg did a great job on install, attention to detail so appreciated. Already notice such an improved comfort and heat. Thank you Twintech! You come as advertised. I will recommend to anyone in need of heating or cooling!
We received various quotes from 4 different companies and right away, the prompt and thorough communication from Bob from TwinTech stood out. He introduced himself, sent sample sites and information, and always confirmed any agreed to dates and times.
Bob was friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the topic of HVAC and it was clear he was passionate about his profession. He approached the job as if he was installing in his own home.
Prior to the new furnace & A/C installation, our old units were loud and inefficient - having several rooms feeling too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer. After installing the recommended units, all rooms stay at a consistent temperature- even the finished basement.
I highly recommend the TwinTech team - just an outstanding job at a reasonable price point.
The experience with Twintech was great from the start. Bob the sales manager was friendly and professional and did not use any pressure tactics. He was very knowledgeable.
The installation was completed by the twin owners in about 6-7 hours. Clean quiet easy going didn't mind when I poked my head in to see progress. Highly recommend
Just choose Twintech!
I do not usually write reviews and should have done this a few days sooner. But I was and still am enjoying the increased comfort in my home from the new furnace installed by Twintech.
From my initial call and conversation with Bob, I already had a good feeling that I would like this company.
I was provided information, pictures of great quality work previously completed.
When Bob came for the inspection of the furnace he was amazing. He gave so much great advice and told me all the areas that his team would resolve. I was very impressed as some of what he had suggested I had only seen in Youtube videos. The honesty and options for payment made this a no brainer. I decided I would like Twintech to replace my furnace.
The work was scheduled promptly week and took place within half a day. Gregg came to install the new furnace. Again amazing they carried out all the work promised. What was left was the best I have seen and speaks to how they take pride in the work they do and deliver. Gregg was really polite and professional and the furnace in my basement is a work of art.
They were friendly, fast, clean, & answered any questions I had. They are also offering an interest free 12 month payment plan - that really helped me out since this was an unexpected expense.
I had Twintech heating install a new furnace and ac unit. Bob, the sales rep, the installation team of Greg and Mitch were a 10 across the board. They were never pushy, gave me time to think about it. Once we decided , they were there in 24hrs. Great company to deal with. And they were nearly 5k less than a competitors quote for a top of the line furnace/ac unit verse mid level.
I highly recommend Twintech heating to anyone interested in anything HVAC.
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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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