$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

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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.



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See What Our Customers Are Saying:

by Private User on Twintech Heating and Cooling

This review is late coming so my apologies to the amazing Twin Tech team! I contacted Dave at Twin Tech for a quote this past Feb (as I was collecting a few) and his recommendation was excellent. From the first meeting with Dave to the team installing the new furnace, not once did i feel uncomfortable . The team were extremely professional yet personable and clean and tidy. Decent companies still exist!
The new furnace just purrs and its just amazing the difference it has made!
(PS my sibling ended up getting a furnace from them as well)

by Private User on Twintech Heating and Cooling

The service was Twintech was excellent.
Dave our salesperson was easy to talk to and was professional. The unit recommended meets our needs and budget.
Greg and his team arrived on time for the installation and even got rid of the garbage the contractors left in our furnace.
Would definitely recommend Twintech.

by Steve V, Toronto on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Our old water tank was installed in 1997. Wasn't working as well as it should so we looked into a tankless as it is more efficient and a space saver! we had used Twintech in the past for a furnace cleaning and were satisfied with that so we decided to ask for a quote for the changeover. Gary arrived and provided the options and the quote fit within our budget so we decide to go with them after receiving a few alternative quotes from other companies. They did what the said would be done and it was completed within a reasonable time frame! Removal and cleanup of the old tank was seamless. We are now enjoying consistent and efficient Hot water! I recommend Twintech and would use them for future projects!

by New AC Unit + Humidifier on Twintech Heating and Cooling

One of the most honest HVAC companies out there! Dave was very helpful and informative in helping us choose a new AC unit. While they weren’t the lowest quote, we went with them because we trusted Dave and he was the most honest guy out of the companies that quoted us.
Greg and his crew who installed the unit were very professional and did a great job. If I could do it over again I would choose Twintech again.

by Private User on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Relocated and replaced our air conditioning unit. Fast, professional, and high quality service. We would definitely use them again for future projects!

by Ian, Toronto on Twintech Heating and Cooling

The term excellent or incredible does not seem high enough praise for the Twintech Heating and cooling company that recently replaced our 15 year old furnace. To start with, the response from Dave at Twintech to our original pricing request was the quickest and most professional of the 5 prices we received which included two of the primary natural gas providers. The Twintech pricing was the most competitive by a considerable margin.
We had Dave visit our home to confirm all pricing which he did and scheduled us for next day installation which was not offered my the majority of the other providers.
The installation; the team arrived on time and provided coverings to all of the hardwood flooring and stairs and proceeded with the removal and reinstallation of the new furnace, the workers predicated six hours and were completed in five hours. I have to mention how courteous and polite the workers were each time we interacted with them from start to finish.
The final result was amazing, all materials were cleaned up and removed from the house and the workmanship very impressive.
One feature that really stood out for me which shows a high level of professionalism was that we had various condensation hoses from the furnace , humidifier and an air filtration unit meeting at the one drain, the installation crew ran PVC tubing including elbows along two sides of the furnace to guide the hoses into one PVC tube at the drain, it looks great!
When the install was completed and tested the Twintech technician guided us through the features and recommendation's for care of the new furnace.
We highly recommend Twintech to anyone for the outstanding service provided to us.

by Stephen, Pickering on Twintech Heating and Cooling

I didn't hesitate to call Twintech in for a 2nd time as they did an outstanding job installing my new furnace last year. This time my 18 year old air conditioner was on its last legs. Greg and the team are top notch, highly skilled technicians. The job was executed in a timely and professional manner. Greg was extremely thorough and went the extra mile to make sure everything was operating efficiently. Lastly, Dave is a true gentleman and really made the customer experience pleasurable and worry free. Always remember that good work ain't cheap and cheap work ain't good.

by Derek, Whitby on Twintech Heating and Cooling

It's so hard to find solid companies these days, but I was very pleased to find one in Twintech. Greg and his crew were very clean, respectful and professional. We were most impressed at how all the things they said they would do, were done. Sounds strange, but usually when a contractor comes to your home they say they will take care of this and that, make sure this is done, etc but when the work starts you have to constantly remind them of your previous discussions. Greg ensured every item he said he would do was done, no reminders required. The work was done right, at a fair price and on time. We will be sure to call them when our A/C unit dies (fingers crossed that's not going to happen too soon :) )

by Patrick, Toronto on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Replaced our aging hot water tank with a tankless system. Excellent work, fast efficient and clean.

Walked us through the new system and recommended maintenance schedule.

This is our second time working with TwinTech and we are very happy with the quality of their work and professionalism.

by Troy, Toronto on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Efficient work and great follow up by the team at Twin Tech. Great product and communication.

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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!

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