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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 28, 2022
On coldest night of the year our furnace quit. At 8:40 in the morning Greg arrived and gave us a diagnosis and a recommendation. By 2:30 we had a new furnace and were warm again. Great company. Great customer service. Good reasonable price.
Peter, Pickering
Jul 3, 2022
Twin tech team was very efficient and prompt. They provided a quote within hours of request and got the job done on time. No disruption to home function. We would highly recommend this team. Job well done.
Jul 3, 2022
Our furnace bit the dust, and Twintech came out to troubleshoot and diagnose the problem within a couple of hours. Mitch was super helpful, patient, and answered all of our questions. When we decided to get the furnace replaced, the crew was over first thing the next morning and did a fantastic job. Not only did they complete the job in a few hours, but they cleaned up and respected our house as they went, and answered all of our follow-up questions. I've used Twintech for our HVAC needs in the past and will continue to do so. I'd recommend them to anyone, and it feels good to support a local, family-owned business.
Jul 3, 2022
Dave and the Twintech team were fabulous from day 1 and helped us through the process to identifying a new furnace and AC unit. This was our first time through this process and Dave did a thorough job explaining all the components and was very patience answering all our questions. Dave provided great insights and fair pricing.
The Twintech team did an awesome installation. Very clean and efficient. I would highly recommended their service.
Jul 3, 2022
We had a new Amana furnace installed by Twintech and we were very pleased with the installation. It is nice to have a warm house again.
Jul 3, 2022
Excellent job. Excellent service. Competitive price. Its rare to find a company with the knowledge and professional results we have experienced with Twintech. The clean and neat installation with attention to detail and drop sheers to respect our property is a clear indication of Twintechs high level of integrity. The 1-1/2 gas line upgrade they did for our pool 3 years ago was awesome. Can't say enough. Thank-you Twintech.
Jul 3, 2022
Twitch did a great job with the installation of our new furnace. I really appreciated their honesty and I could trust what they were telling me. Another company tried to suggest significantly more work at a greater cost claiming it was necessary to meet current building code. Twintech is very fair. All staff I meet were friendly, polite and trustworthy. I would recommend Twitch for a furnace.
Jul 3, 2022
This is a professional team that's easy to deal with. I would strongly recommend them
Jul 3, 2022
Very professional firm from start to finish!
They removed the old oil tank and furnace. They installed air conditioning and a new propane furnace.
Professional installation, on time and no mess.
Very pleased with their work and would highly recommend the company. Our house is three stories so they spent the time to do all the calculations to make sure we would have great performance on each floor.
Thank you again!
Jul 3, 2022
Upon a routine yearly maintenance, it was discovered there was a leak in the heat exchanger and a I needed a new furnace. I know nothing about these things and was completely stressed out. The company I had the maintenance plan with quoted me a huge number to rent a furnace, I just wanted to cry. Then I spoke to Dave at Twintech. He was so knowledgeable and calming, provided me a fair quote and within a few days I had an amazing crew show up to my house and install my new energy efficient furnace! I have already recommended these wonderful people at Twintech to a good friend of mine. Thank you Twintech!!
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