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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Many Ontario homeowners still hesitate to make the switch because of outdated assumptions or myths that no longer reflect today’s technology.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.
This is the second time we have had Twintech to our house. A couple of summers ago they were in for an issue with our air conditioning. This time it was our furnace having an issue. It was shutting off randomly and not coming back on. Greg came right away and took the time to investigate thoroughly and explain what was going with the furnace. Both times I have been thoroughly impressed with their speed, customer service, and quality of work. I HIGHLY recommend Twintech.
Extremely happy.
So we were in no rush to replace our old units and took the time to do some research and get a number of quotes.
Twintech came in at around the middle of the pack for price but what convinced us to go with them was Bob, the representative that came to our house. Bob was by far the most professional of all the reps that we met with. He took the time to explain everything, what would work best for us and why. He really did seem very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about his stuff.
As promised on the day of install the crew showed up on time and got to work with minimal impact on us
..they were professional, clean, tidy and got the system up and running ahead of schedule...they made a couple of adjustments to the system to optimize it for our house.
The crew left the house clean and tidy.
Bob the rep showed up to check in and give us a few tips ..
It's been a week since install and all is good.
Our overall experience with Twintech has been excellent from start to finish and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.
Thank u.
It was a refreshing experience interacting with the Twintech team. From Bob, the sales consultant, who articulated in layman's terms all the options available and reasons for making any selection. This was done without the prevailing pressure tactics so commonplace today.
Before proceeding Mitch, the technician, at our request conducted a service check on our 30 yr old furnace. His report was positive indicating no urgency to replace it. Again no pressure tactics.
Three days after first meeting with Bob, the installation team of Greg and
Spencer completed the installation within the planned time frame.
A very professional, courteous and transparent team which delivered on their promise. I highly recommend Twintech.
Initial contact with sales resulted in an immediate response, which led to a timely installation. Both sales and installers were all very professional. I have no hesitation in recommending TWINTECH.
I had a great experience with TwinTech. The company offered a reasonable quote, and performed a quick and clean installation. The installer Greg was experienced, professional and courteous. He explained the services he performed and gave recommendations on maintain the new furnace.
The salesman Bob was honest
and professional and educated me on how to achieve optimal performance.
All communication from them was quick and they came the following day. I was pleased with the service and would recommend them.
From quote, to installation, to follow up, Twintech provided excellent service. I would highly recommended their services.
I had a really great experience with these guys. The salesman Bob was clearly very knowledgeable about everything to do with heating and cooling a home, spent a lot of time with us going over the details of the job, never rushed us and came back after the install to make sure we were happy. The installation crew was excellent, they covered the floors all the way from outside down to the basement furnace room, kept the place clean, got the work done on time and were very friendly. Ive got 15 years in the contracting/ construction industry and these guys are one of the most professional companys Ive dealt with. Great company!
Had great service and clean-up was good. Was happy with my salesman. They were very friendly and helpful. I needed a new furnace as our was over 20 years old. The furnace and air-conditioner work great and they are very quiet. I am very pleased with the service and product I received.
Met with Dave for the sales process and he was great about explaining and going over everything to us. The install happened very quickly and the team were super professional and friendly. We are very happy with this company and their services and we definitely recommend them to others. Thankful my sister recommended them to me!
Reviews for Twintech were good, and they did not disappoint. After an initial visit to discuss the suitable AC unit for replacement, an installation date was available in just a couple of days, and everything was installed without a hitch. 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!
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