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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:
Jul 23, 2024
Twintech Heating & Cooling installed my furnace in 2022 and in fall of 2023 installed my Panasonic Heat Pump. Greg and Mitch did a great job. Helped me through the rebate process. Super happy with the Heat Pump. Only used my furnace 5 times this winter. Energy bills lower, carbon emissions lower.Thank you Twintech. I recommend highly!
Jul 18, 2024
Just had a new furnace installed by Twintech. I cant express how great these guys are at what they do. From the sales to installation they were professional all the way. Very reasonable pricing and courteous during the installation and willing to answer any questions I had. Highly recommended !!!
Jul 17, 2024
They've cleaned my furnace a couple of times and mentioned that the hot water tank standards were going to change soon so I decided to change mine out.
There were a few challenges during the process but the installers handled the problems without missing a stride! I now have really hot water again!
Jul 16, 2024
Highly recommend Twintech Heating company, we got honest and detailed information on what was needed to replace and install a new gas furnace. Bob and Greg made us feel comfortable withe process through their thorough explanation and knowledge of the right furnace for our needs. The professionalism and courteous friendly attitude towards the customer is what we liked the most as they treated us like family. So happy with our decision and new furnace we will be looking into get our rental water heater replaced and installed by Twintech team. We feel better having their knowledge on our side and will only trust them with any further maintenance of furnace.
Jul 15, 2024
Customer service and knowledge is priority in this industry, and Twintech has it. I've dealt with their team for maintenance and a furnace replacement. They're accommodating and make great recommendations, and came through at a great price over the big guys in the industry. They'll be my next call when I need service or maintenance.
Jul 14, 2024
I decided that the noises and age of the existing furnace which was old and not very efficient to replace it. Gave Greg a call and Grant and Greg got to work on it. Because of supply issues with the current heating type that would be an easier install Greg convinced me to change the location of the system and it would provide me better service for heat and efficiency. I had skeptical but went ahead anyway putting trust in Greg And Grant. Greg, Grant and Mitch came through and in 2 days had completely relocated my heating and A/C system. I can honestly say Greg was right my old house has been warmer and more evenly heated as it ever was. For anyone reading this rather long winded review can take my word for it, Twin Tech can take care of your needs.
Jul 13, 2024
I called Twin Tech when my air conditioning stopped working. Greg came over to diagnose the issue - the same day. He was able to diagnose the issue and resolve it quite quickly. Although it was a quick fix, Greg was very thorough in explaining the issue and provided great advice. Not to mention, I felt very comfortable having Greg in my home - which I consider very important when hiring a service provider. Twin Tech will be my go-to from now on. Thank you!!
Jan 4, 2023
Great Team! Furnace broke in the weekend, Bob visited same day and Greg installed new one on Monday. Team was professional, respectful and knowledgeable. Installation went very well, Greg found solutions to challenges, like hiding new conduits in the ceiling. Looks nice and new furnace is working great. Five Stars.
Jan 4, 2023
I used Twintech to install a new furnace for my home. Bob was terrific in explaining the sizing options and why the 2 stage furnace was the best option for me. Greg did a great job installing, clean and on time. Finished work looks great but the best part is how it works. The 2 stage heating is so much more comfortable. I run the fan continuously to keep the indoor air clean. Great investment! Would highly recommendTwintech!
Jan 4, 2023
Im going to start this by saying Im a very particular customer. My background is in mathematics and mechanical engineering so I have an eye for detail and a respect for technical knowledge.
Greg had already done an AC inspection and replaced a water heater tank and there was no question in my mind who to deal with replacing my rickety old furnace after it got pooched.
Bob dropped in ahead of time and clearly (and knowledgeably) outlined all technical, price and operational options.
Greg showed up on time, on the agreed date and did a fantastic job. (The OLD furnace was a house of horrors and was installed in a keystone cops sort of way- careless.)
The work Greg did was HIGHLY PROFESSIONAL and FAR MORE FUNCTIONAL than what I had.
Im also a musician with many instruments so maintaining predictable humidity/temperature is extremely important to me. Greg recognized this as did Bob. You NEVER feel like youre being brushed off.
In summary, if youre looking for PROFESSIONAL, QUALITY results by an EXPERIENCED, THOUGHTFUL team
(that also happen to be FRIENDLY and ATTENTIVE ) then youve come to the right page!!
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