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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Many Ontario homeowners still hesitate to make the switch because of outdated assumptions or myths that no longer reflect today’s technology.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.
Very impressed with this company. They show up on time , kept my place clean and after they left it looks like they were never there. Very professional team. Those people know what they doing . Their installation was on the highest standard. They are very knowledgeable especially they're worker Peter. I strongly recommend this company to everybody. After the installation I receive the call making sure I'm satisfied with their products and their job. Bravo!!!
Greg and his brother were referred to us by a friend. They arrived when they said they would, did an exceptional job and left the place as tidy or tidier then they found it. Their professionalism is only surpassed by their kind and friendly demeanor. Even after several calls to help me with my high tech thermostat I feel that I could always call with any concern (No one responds to my texts as quickly as Greg) and have a friendly helpful response. I found out their grandfather started the company and now as a 3rd generation company, they are doing their grandfather proud. I would highly recommend Twintech over any other hvac company out there.
Thanks to the guys at Twintech Heating for a great job installing a new hot water tank. They set a time and day to remove the old tank and install the new one. They were on time and had the work done quickly and cleaned up after they were finished. Excellent work and great value.
In November, we contacted Twintech for a quote on a high efficiency furnace plus installation. Dave, the sales representative for the company was very friendly and informative. Upon arrival at our home, he willingly showed us his company licenses, clearly explained the operation of a high efficiency furnace and answered all our questions to our satisfaction. As well, Dave was the only sales representative that we contacted that was willing to make the arrangements for an energy audit. For us, this was a big plus as we found the government rebate program somewhat confusing to navigate. The furnace was installed on the date that was arranged in an efficient and professional manner by Greg (the owner) and Peter. Both men worked diligently, throughout a long day to complete the job and upon finishing, left the job site immaculate. When a neighbour raised concerns about the furnace venting location, Greg located an alternative location and resolved the situation with diplomacy. We chose the Napoleon furnace for its excellent warrant;y on the heat exchanger and because it was made in Canada! In addition, to the furnace warranty, Twintech offered us a 5 year warranty on labour which speaks to the quality and pride this team has in their workmanship. It has been over a month now (with some of the coldest January days on record) since we have had the furnace installed. The furnace runs quietly and distributes heat more evenly throughout our 90 year old Toronto home. We can't speak highly enough of the Twintech team and are very satisfied with their workmanship and job ethics. We have no hesitation about recommending them.
What more could you ask for! Grant and Greg Dainty provided a professional,diligent and thorough approach to the installation of my furnace. I would highly recommend there services.
Last week our Furnace failed overnight. We called Twintech to help us get it running again. They did a really thorough check on it, and got it running in less than an hour. Given that it was an old Furnace (+20 years old), we were giving two options: repair it or replace it. Instead of doing a repair on it that could break in a week or two, they recommended us to change it. I like that they were honest on the recommendation, not forcing a new furnace on us. At the end we went with a new Furnace. Twintech solutions service & salesman gave us recommendation on the size of the unit and many options that could work for our home. They ended up doing an excellent work in our furnace, replacing the filter to a better option and replacing some pieces that had water damage. They cleaned after themselves and leave everything even better than what they found. They even went far and beyond tiding up the hose connections that we had on the basement.
I am in the process of finishing my basement and wanted to make sure I got the low hanging duct work fixed in advance. After reviewing 5 quotes I selected Twintech to award the contract to. The price was competitive however what won me over was Grant's (co-owner) attention to detail and his ability to focus on what my goals and priorities were for the project. His team completed the job over 3 days as there was significant duct work changes and the relocation of all of the equipment. They also completed the job with little downtime so we weren't left overnight without heat during freezing winter temperatures.
My father woke up to no heat one Saturday morning. We had a few names that friends had recommended but while checking out the companies' ratings on HomeStars, we found Twintech with great ratings too. The other companies either didn't get back to us or didn't have time to come at such short notice. TwinTech made the time in their schedule for what they judged to be an emergency: no heat in the home of an elderly person. At no extra fee for a short notice, weekend visit. They recommended an upgraded furnace unit and explained that we would qualify for a rebate that would bring the price down to that of a lower model. They set us up with the rep from the MNR that covers the rebate so that we didn't have to deal with the paperwork & phone calls ourselves. Installation was quick, efficient, & smooth. We were so pleased with their service we ordered a new water heater too. Both are working great (efficient & quiet!) & my father is safe & comfortable. We can't say enough about how pleased we are with their service. We have already recommended them to others.
Twintech Heating & Cooling. I just want to say thanks for helping me . My Furnace stopped working. And l phone Dave Getgley he set me up with Greg. What an amazing team they did a great job in setting me up with a new Furnace. Anyone that needed a new Furnace these are the guys to call. Thanks again for a job well done.
Our home has had poor heating and air conditioning the past couple of years. Dave recommended a Goodman solution with more power than we had. Grant and Greg installed the units in late November. Heating is better than ever. We have a warm home again and look forward to the winter. Can't wait to see how the AC runs in 2018. Job was super clean and professionally done. Highly recommended.
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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!
Moved into home 1 month ago. AC unit is 2020. The day before moved in. I had my buddy who owns AC company rip the whole thing out and clean it all. Cleaned the coils, did something with copper took him hours! He's a fucking legend Ac
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