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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 16, 2022
Very pleased with the installation of our new furnace and A/C unit. From quotation stage to the completion of the job Twintech was very professional.
Thank you for a job well done.
Aug 15, 2022
My old water heater quit on me. I called TwinTech. In less than 4 days, I had my new water heater installed and the old one taken away. The whole process was quick, easy, pleasant, and well done. This is the third time I've dealt with TwinTech and I've been satisfied each time.
Aug 14, 2022
I had them replace my furnace last year. When it came time for the air conditioner this year, I did not hesitate to call Twintech again. I will also have them perform regular maintenance on them.
Aug 13, 2022
We required a new HVAC replacement after running the old
system for 18 years.
Dave understood our requirements and gave us a quote that
covered all the necessary items.
Installation was fast and very tidy. Everything works as
it should. Our thanks to Greg, Mitch and others for their
excellent work. Recommend this family owned business to
anyone else, considering HVAC or other work.
Aug 12, 2022
I needed a new furnace and A/C to replace my 21 yr. old units, and went to the internet to view potential companies in May, I received 3 quotes,
and chose Twintech based on their salesman Dave who was very detailed and covered off everything on what Twintech was all about,
an extremely dedicated company with so many years of experience, and after reading the on line reviews I was sold on Twintech, who did not disappoint as the installation team were top notch with Greg leading,
I would highly recommend this company without any doubts, in my books they are first class all the way. Our new Amana furnace and A/C are working perfectly !
Aug 11, 2022
Flawless transaction. They did exactly what they promised, showed-up on time, cleaned-up, and were highly professional. Highly recommended.
Aug 10, 2022
Salesperson and 2 man installation team were all professional and
knew their stuff. All three were friendly and helpful, answering all
my questions. The quality of their work demonstrated their experience
and expertise in their field.
Aug 9, 2022
A dear late cousin of mine recommended this company and I have been happy with the service.
Aug 8, 2022
We are very pleased with the work done by Twintech. They were very professional from start to finish. Dave came to our home and gave us a very competitive quote for new high efficiency furnace and air conditioner. The installers were very courteous and professional. We would highly recommend them.
Aug 7, 2022
Great experience getting an old furnace replaced.
Sales Guy (Dave) was great - honest, responsive, and friendly.
The work itself was done quickly and we are very happy with the outcome, thank you! We recommend TwinTech!
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