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Heat Pump Myths Ontario Homeowners Should Stop Believing

Heat pumps have surged in popularity across Ontario thanks to their efficiency, cold-climate performance, and ability to replace or supplement traditional heating systems.
But with the rise in interest comes a rise in misinformation.
Many Ontario homeowners still hesitate to make the switch because of outdated assumptions or myths that no longer reflect today’s technology.
Below are the most common heat pump myths—debunked—so you can make informed decisions about your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.
Myth #1: Heat Pumps Don’t Work in Ontario Winters
This may have been true for older heat pump models, but modern cold-climate heat pumps are engineered specifically to operate efficiently in freezing temperatures.
Many systems continue delivering dependable heating at temperatures below –25°C.
Thanks to advancements like variable-speed compressors and improved refrigerants, today’s heat pumps maintain strong performance even through harsh Ontario cold snaps.
Myth #2: Heat Pumps Only Provide Air Conditioning
Heat pumps both heat and cool your home.
In summer, they work like an air conditioner; in winter, they extract heat from outdoor air and move it indoors.
Even in frigid weather, there is enough thermal energy outside for a cold-climate heat pump to operate.
That means one system provides year-round comfort.
Myth #3: Heat Pumps Are Too Expensive to Run
Many homeowners assume heat pumps cost more to operate than natural gas systems.
In reality, heat pumps are among the most efficient home heating systems available, and they can significantly reduce electricity consumption compared to electric resistance heating, baseboards, or older furnace/AC setups.
With Ontario’s energy prices and incentives, heat pumps often deliver substantial long-term savings.
Myth #4: Heat Pumps Can’t Heat Large or Older Homes
Heat pump systems come in a wide range of sizes and configurations.
With proper load calculations and professional installation, they can heat:
Older homes
Multi-level houses
Homes with additions
Larger floor plans
Ducted, ductless, and hybrid systems ensure there’s a solution for virtually any home type in the Durham Region and Toronto.
Myth #5: Heat Pumps Are Noisy
Modern heat pumps are remarkably quiet—many operate at noise levels lower than a conversation.
Thanks to variable-speed technology, the outdoor unit often runs at low, steady speeds instead of loud on/off cycles.
If noise is a concern, your HVAC installer can recommend models specifically designed for ultra-quiet performance.
Myth #6: They Don’t Last as Long as Furnaces
Heat pumps have become more durable in recent years, especially cold-climate models built for regions like Ontario.
With proper maintenance, many systems last 15–20 years, similar to furnaces and air conditioners.
Some premium brands also offer extended or top-tier warranties, protecting your investment long-term.
Myth #7: Heat Pumps Require Major Renovations
Heat pump installation is usually straightforward.
Depending on your home, you may need:
A ducted unit that connects to your existing ductwork
Ductless wall-mounted units
A combination of both
In most cases, homeowners don’t need extensive upgrades—just a professional assessment to ensure proper sizing and setup.
Myth #8: Heat Pumps Aren’t Environmentally Friendly
Heat pumps are one of the greenest HVAC options available.
Because they move heat instead of burning fuel, they reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower your home’s carbon footprint.
Pairing a heat pump with Ontario’s increasingly clean electricity grid makes them even more environmentally beneficial.
Heat Pumps: A Smart Choice for Ontario Homes
Modern heat pumps are efficient, quiet, reliable, and perfectly suited for Ontario’s winter climate.
If you've been unsure about switching to a heat pump because of outdated information, now is the perfect time to explore your options.
Twintech Heating & Cooling proudly installs, services, and maintains heat pumps across the Durham Region and Toronto—helping homeowners stay comfortable while saving energy.
Appreciated a quick response to my request. Dave and Greg were very professional and made the experience seamless.
Very professional through the entire process. Installation and removel was done on a sloppy winter day, they put down runners on the floors and stairs and when they left, there wasn;t any sign of someone being in our house. Furnace works great as promised.
Dave was very pleasant to deal with and Twintech responded quickly when our furnace needed to be replaced ASAP. Installation was done on time and the crew were neat and tidy. We now have a great furnace that suits the needs of our family.
When your furnace kicks in over the holidays and you're not sure where to turn.. I'm so thankful that this company returned my phone call. I appreciated their transparency and clarity which allowed me to make an informed decision. With various quotes thrown at you, it can be difficult to make the right decision and trust the solutions offered by different companies. TwinTech spoke the truth and delivered on their word. Neat, timely and clean service; the peace of mind I needed during a very cold holiday season. I highly recommend them!
Pulling a old unit out and installing a modern heating system! Required drilling holes in the wall for the newer pipes. We went from 70% (I am willing to bet it was far less due to lack of maintenance and just old) to 96% newer . It now feels warmer and more pressure and we use to run extra heaters and feel as though they are not necessary!
I received three quotes before deciding to choose Twintech. Dave's prices was much more reasonable than the competitors. I most appreciated their honest recommendations. Others tried to oversell their products and services. Thank you Dave!
They had the best price and did a great job on the installation. Recommend them to anyone.
It was a amazing and professional high quality job
Friendly and very helpful representatives
Thank you for understanding my concern
And explain very well
Overall we pleased with your service
Tanks
My 19 year old furnace stopped working when the cold weather hit in November, and I was left without heat. I interviewed several companies and found TWINTECH HEATING and COOLING to be very knowledgeable, quick to respond to my inquiries and very competitively priced.
Dave provided all of the information and pricing ahead of time and set up the appointment for the installation. Greg and Mitch arrived on time to do the installation and worked quickly and efficiently to complete the job.
After the completion of the installation, Dave followed up to ensure that everything was working well and that I didn't have any concerns.
Overall, this was a low-stress and flawless experience from start to finish. I would highly recommend TWINTECH HEATING and COOLING to anyone that requires a new furnace.
Our 20 year old furnace broke down during the first cold weekend this past November and our usual HVAC company never returned our phone call. Their loss, missing out on a sale since we didn't want to spend much fixing an old furnace and our 40 year old air conditioner was also long overdue for replacement. We proceeded in obtaining three different quotes for furnace and air conditioner replacement, and proceeded with the one we received from Twintech.
Dave was friendly, knowledgable and accommodating to our schedule and provided with us with a price that fell in the middle of the three quotes that we had. We felt that the Amana furnace and air conditioner he quoted us on were the best products and value offered to us and felt most comfortable with the professionalism and reputation of Twintech.
Greg, Grant and Mitch were at our house for installation the day after we decided to proceed. The guys were friendly and informative, the job was completed efficiently and workmanship appears excellent. Our house is certainly much more comfortable with the new two-stage variable speed Amana furnace compared to the old clunker! And, we're looking forward to enjoying the new air conditioner once summer rolls around again. Thanks Twintech!
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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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