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How Heat Pumps Work in Extreme Cold Temperatures
Posted On: December 22, 2025
Many homeowners assume heat pumps struggle when winter temperatures drop—but modern cold-climate heat pumps are specifically engineered to perform in extreme cold.
Across Ontario and other northern regions, today’s heat pump technology delivers reliable, efficient heating even during deep freezes.
Understanding how heat pumps work in cold temperatures can help homeowners feel confident choosing this energy-efficient heating solution.
The Science Behind Heat Pumps in Cold Weather
Even when outdoor temperatures plunge well below freezing, there is still heat energy present in the air.
Cold-climate heat pumps are designed to extract this thermal energy and move it indoors.
Instead of generating heat through combustion like a furnace, a heat pump uses refrigerant and advanced compressors to transfer heat—making the process far more efficient.
Advanced Cold-Climate Technology Makes the Difference
Modern heat pumps rely on several key innovations that allow them to operate in extreme cold: Variable-Speed Inverter Compressors
Unlike older systems that turn on and off, inverter-driven compressors adjust their speed continuously.
This allows the heat pump to maintain steady heating output even when outdoor temperatures fluctuate.
Enhanced Refrigerants
New refrigerants can absorb heat at much lower temperatures than older formulas, allowing heat pumps to continue operating efficiently well below 0°C.
Optimized Heat Exchangers
Larger and more efficient outdoor coils maximize heat absorption from cold air, improving performance in winter conditions.
How Cold Is Too Cold for a Heat Pump?
Many modern cold-climate heat pumps can operate efficiently down to -20°C to -25°C, with some models capable of producing heat even beyond that range.
In extreme cold snaps, systems may be paired with:
A high-efficiency backup heat source
A dual-fuel or hybrid setup
Supplemental electric heating
This ensures uninterrupted comfort no matter how harsh the winter becomes.
Defrost Cycles Explained
In cold, humid winter conditions, frost can build up on the outdoor unit.
Heat pumps automatically run defrost cycles to remove ice and maintain efficiency.
These cycles are brief, intelligent, and designed to minimize energy use while protecting system performance.
Modern systems activate defrost only when needed, rather than on a timer, which improves overall winter efficiency.
Why Heat Pumps Are Efficient Even in Extreme Cold
Heat pumps are still efficient in winter because they:
Move heat rather than create it
Use electricity more effectively than resistance heating
Maintain consistent output without large energy spikes
This results in steady indoor temperatures and lower energy costs compared to many traditional heating systems.
Are Heat Pumps Suitable for Ontario Winters?
Yes—when properly sized and installed, cold-climate heat pumps are an excellent choice for Ontario homes.
The key factors include:
Correct system sizing
Professional installation
Proper insulation and air sealing
Choosing a cold-climate-rated model
With the right setup, homeowners enjoy dependable heat all winter long.
Heat Pumps: Reliable Comfort Even in Deep Freezes
Thanks to modern technology, heat pumps are no longer a mild-climate solution.
Today’s cold-climate systems deliver reliable heating, impressive efficiency, and consistent comfort—even during extreme winter temperatures.
For homeowners looking to reduce energy costs, lower emissions, and stay warm through harsh winters, heat pumps are a proven and dependable solution.
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See What Our Customers Are Saying:
May 13, 2020
We are very happy with our new furnace. The service was excellent the guys worked 6 hours straight through and there was no mess at all they took the old furnace boxs etc with them they then explained everything to us they were very helpful and pleasant , when we need a new air conditioner we know who to call!
May 12, 2020
The crew from sales to installation was very professional and had great attention to detail
May 11, 2020
We couldnt have been more impressed with Twintech - from our first service call with Mitch who took the time to thoroughly diagnose the issue with our furnace, to Dave who proposed a well thought out solution to meet our needs and finally Greg and team who acted quickly to install given we had no heat.
We did our due diligence by soliciting quotes from alternate providers and were shocked and disappointed by the aggressive and manipulative tactics used.
Twintech was honest in their approach, detailed in their product knowledge, reasonably priced, diligent in their follow-up and valued our business.
Well done Twintech! You made this a positive experience for us and our new furnace works beautifully!
May 10, 2020
We recently purchased an Amana high efficiency furnace and humdifier through Twintech. The work was completed very professionally and the quality of the workmanship was high. There was some additional sheet metal work required to complete the installation, which they were able to complete themselves. Overall I am very pleased with the work and would highly recommend Twintech for a furnace replacement.
May 9, 2020
We were very pleased with every aspect of the work that was done. They were very professional and polite. They arrived when they said they would and job was completed on estimated time
We would highly recommend them to whoever needed a recommendation
We have a very large dog and they were very understanding and respectful of him being around
May 8, 2020
The blower on our furnace stopped working leaving us with a cold house. Dave from TwinTech responded immediately to our HomeStars service request. From beginning to end Dave was nothing but helpful, friendly and professional, he did a great job of walking us through the quote and scope of work.
The replacement of the furnace went smoothly. The Guys did a great job, everyone was very friendly and polite. There were no hiccups, or unexpected costs. The only surprise was they left the work area cleaner than it was before they started.
Was a great experience with the whole TwinTech team. Its been a couple of months since the new furnace has been installed and its working great!
May 7, 2020
I heard about TwinTech when researching new furnaces at furnaceprices.ca. After contacting them about my broken down furnace, Dave came to my house the next day to assess my situation and requirements for a new furnace. He recommended one that had stainless steel heat exchangers which sold me since my previous furnace had issues with a rusted secondary heat exchanger that had to be replaced. Dave also set me up with an appointment with an energy audit company so that I could take advantage of a rebate to help improve the energy efficiency of my home and get some money back. A few days later, Greg, Grant, and Mitch came to install the new furnace and remove the old one. When delivering and removing the furnaces, they were very careful not to damage my floors and walls, and even laid out red carpeting to protect the floors. They were very friendly and professional. The installation was completed in the time they said it would take and they cleaned up their work areas. Within a week, Dave called to follow-up to see how everything was going. I have already recommended them to several friends and family members who may need new furnaces soon.
May 6, 2020
Twintech did a great job, from Dave the Sales Rep to the Office staff and The Professional Technicians who did the installation. They were professional, courteous, knowledgable and informative. From beginning to follow up we were completely satisfied with everything. Thanks Again. Sincerely The Laytons
May 5, 2020
Great product, great service, great follow-up. The Twintech Heating and Cooling arranged removal of my existing oil tank and they installed the new gas furnace Amana (made in USA). I am very happy with the final result and support I received throughout the process. My thanks go to the entire Twintech team for their professionalism, great communication and follow-up.
May 4, 2020
We've had Twintech provide us with work in the past, for an inground pool heater and required rough-in for a new gas stove. More recently they provided the same friendly, professional, timely and clean installation of our new furnace.
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