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How a Heat Pump Actually Works
Posted On: September 18, 2025
If you’ve been hearing more about heat pumps lately, you’re not alone.
Across the Durham Region and throughout Canada, more homeowners are making the switch to this energy-efficient technology.
At Twintech Heating & Cooling, one of the most common questions we get is: “How does a heat pump actually work?” Let’s break it down.
Heat Pumps Move Heat – They Don’t Generate It
Unlike a furnace, which burns fuel to create heat, a heat pump moves heat from one place to another using electricity.
In the winter, it pulls heat from the outdoor air (yes, even when it’s cold outside!) and transfers it into your home.
In the summer, the process reverses, pulling heat out of your home and releasing it outside to keep you cool.
This process is possible thanks to a special refrigerant cycle that absorbs, transfers, and releases heat as it circulates through the system.
The Key Components of a Heat Pump
A heat pump has four main parts that work together:
Evaporator Coil – This is where the refrigerant absorbs heat.
In heating mode, the coil is outside, pulling heat from the air.
In cooling mode, it’s inside, pulling heat from your home’s air.
Compressor – The compressor increases the refrigerant’s pressure and temperature, allowing it to release heat more effectively.
Condenser Coil – This is where the refrigerant releases the heat it’s carrying.
In heating mode, it’s inside your home, warming your indoor air.
Expansion Valve – This component controls the flow of refrigerant, reducing its pressure so it can absorb heat again and restart the cycle.
Reversible Operation
What makes a heat pump so versatile is its reversing valve.
This special part switches the direction of the refrigerant flow, allowing the same system to both heat and cool your home.
Think of it as an air conditioner that can run in reverse.
Energy Efficiency Benefits
Because a heat pump transfers heat instead of generating it, it can deliver up to three times more energy than it consumes in electricity.
That means you get reliable comfort with significantly lower energy usage compared to electric baseboards or older furnaces.
Perfect for Durham Region Homes
Today’s cold-climate heat pumps are designed to work efficiently even when temperatures dip well below freezing, making them an excellent choice for Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, and other Durham Region communities.
Get Professional Installation
Understanding how a heat pump works is just the first step.
To get the most out of your system, you need professional installation.
At Twintech Heating & Cooling, we carefully size, install, and test every heat pump we sell to ensure maximum performance and efficiency.
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See What Our Customers Are Saying:
Aug 26, 2022
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.
Aug 24, 2022
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.
Aug 23, 2022
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.
Aug 22, 2022
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.
Aug 21, 2022
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.
Aug 20, 2022
From quote, to installation, to follow up, Twintech provided excellent service. I would highly recommended their services.
Aug 19, 2022
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!
Aug 18, 2022
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.
Aug 17, 2022
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!
Aug 16, 2022
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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