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How to Choose the Best Cold-Climate Heat Pump for Your Home

Choosing a cold-climate heat pump is one of the smartest upgrades you can make for your Ontario home.
These modern systems are engineered to deliver strong, efficient heating even in freezing temperatures — making them ideal for our long, snowy winters.
But with so many models and features available, how do you know which heat pump is right for your home?
Check for Cold-Climate Certifications
To ensure a heat pump can handle Ontario conditions, look for systems specifically designed for cold climates.
These models are tested to perform efficiently at temperatures well below freezing.
When comparing options, look for:
Rated heating performance at –15°C, –20°C, or colder
High heating efficiency (HSPF2)
Strong low-temperature capacity
A certified cold-climate system guarantees better comfort and lower operating costs in winter.
2.
Choose the Right Size for Your Home
One of the most important steps in selecting a heat pump is choosing the correct system size.
Bigger is not always better — and smaller definitely isn’t.
A properly sized system will heat your home consistently without wasting energy.
A professional sizing assessment evaluates:
Square footage
Insulation levels
Window quality
Ductwork condition
Your home’s layout
Twintech Heating & Cooling performs these calculations to ensure you get a system perfectly matched to your home.
3.
Look for High Efficiency Ratings
Cold-climate heat pumps come with two key efficiency ratings:
HSPF2 (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) — winter efficiency
SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) — summer cooling efficiency
Higher numbers mean better performance and lower annual energy bills.
Premium brands offer some of the best ratings, making them excellent long-term investments.
4.
Consider Variable-Speed Technology
Heat pumps with variable-speed compressors offer:
Steadier temperatures
Lower noise levels
Reduced energy consumption
Improved comfort during both mild and extreme temperatures
Instead of turning on and off constantly, these systems adjust automatically to meet your home’s heating and cooling needs.
This makes them ideal for Ontario’s fluctuating winter weather.
5.
Evaluate Your Home’s Ductwork (or Lack of It)
Your home’s existing ductwork plays a major role in selecting a heat pump system.
Ducted Homes
A whole-home cold-climate heat pump can connect to your current ductwork if it’s in good condition.
Ductless Homes
Mini-split heat pumps are perfect for older homes without ducts.
They’re efficient, quiet, and easy to install with minimal disruption.
Twintech can inspect your existing ducts or recommend ductless solutions based on your home’s structure.
6.
Explore Hybrid Heating Options
In very cold regions like Ontario, a dual-fuel (hybrid) setup can provide the perfect balance of comfort and efficiency.
In this configuration, a heat pump works alongside your existing gas furnace.
The system automatically chooses the most efficient heat source depending on outdoor temperature — maximizing energy savings all year long.
7.
Compare Warranties and Long-Term Reliability
A heat pump is a major investment, so choosing a brand with a strong warranty is essential.
Look for:
Long compressor warranties
Coverage on major components
Optional extended warranties
Brands like Amana offer exceptional warranty protection, giving homeowners peace of mind and long-term savings.
8.
Get a Professional Installation You Can Trust
Even the best heat pump won’t perform correctly without proper installation.
A certified, experienced HVAC team ensures:
Accurate sizing
Correct refrigerant charging
Proper airflow
Safe electrical connections
Optimal placement of indoor and outdoor units
Twintech Heating & Cooling is trained in installing today’s top cold-climate heat pump systems, ensuring your equipment delivers peak performance from day one.
Find the Best Cold-Climate Heat Pump with Twintech Heating & Cooling
Selecting the right cold-climate heat pump doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
When you work with Twintech Heating & Cooling, we guide you through every step — from choosing the perfect system to installing it with professional care.
Whether you’re upgrading an older furnace, switching to a more efficient heating system, or improving year-round comfort, we’re here to help homeowners across the Durham Region and Toronto find the ideal solution.
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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