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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Many Ontario homeowners still hesitate to make the switch because of outdated assumptions or myths that no longer reflect today’s technology.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 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)
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.
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!
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 werent 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.
Relocated and replaced our air conditioning unit. Fast, professional, and high quality service. We would definitely use them again for future projects!
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.
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.
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 :) )
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.
Efficient work and great follow up by the team at Twin Tech. Great product and communication.
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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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