Replacing an entire heating and cooling system ranks among the most significant investments you’ll make in your home. The equipment costs thousands. Installation takes days. Choosing wrong means living with inadequate comfort and inflated energy bills for the next 15-20 years. Yet most homeowners make this decision with limited information, pressure from sales-focused contractors, and uncertainty about what their home actually needs.
Properties across Ephrata present unique installation challenges. Homes built in the 1920s near Lincoln Avenue lack modern ductwork. Split-levels along Bethany Road create airflow complications. Newer construction toward Akron demands efficient zoning solutions. Each situation requires experienced installers who understand both the equipment and the specific architectural demands of the local area.
Groff’s Home Comfort Team has been installing heating and cooling systems in Lancaster County homes since DeVon Groff and Denny Dagan founded the company in 1987. Three decades later, their families still work side by side, bringing the same commitment to quality installations and honest guidance that built our reputation across the Ephrata community.
Central Air Conditioning and Furnaces
Traditional forced-air systems remain the most common installation for homes with existing ductwork. Modern high-efficiency models dramatically reduce energy consumption compared to older equipment while delivering superior temperature control and quieter operation.
Heat Pumps
Single systems that both heat and cool make excellent sense for moderate climates like ours. Today’s cold-climate heat pumps maintain efficiency even during Ephrata’s coldest weeks, potentially eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling equipment.
Ductless Mini-Split Systems
Homes without ductwork, room additions, or spaces requiring independent temperature control benefit from ductless technology. These systems install faster than traditional ducted equipment and deliver exceptional efficiency with flexible zoning.
Boiler Systems
Radiant heating from baseboard units or in-floor systems provides consistent warmth, which many homeowners prefer to forced air. We install both traditional and high-efficiency condensing boilers paired with modern zone controls for customized comfort.
Hybrid Dual-Fuel Systems
Combining heat pump efficiency with furnace reliability creates systems that automatically switch fuel sources based on outdoor temperatures, optimizing both comfort and operating costs throughout changing seasons.
Accurate Load Calculations
Proper sizing determines whether your system performs efficiently or struggles constantly. We calculate heating and cooling loads based on your home’s square footage, insulation levels, window efficiency, orientation, and occupancy—not guesswork or rules of thumb that lead to oversized, inefficient installations.
Equipment Selection Without Sales Pressure
Our installation advisors receive no commission on equipment sales. This matters because it means the systems we recommend genuinely fit your needs and budget rather than maximizing our profit. Do you need a mid-efficiency model because that’s what makes financial sense? That’s precisely what we’ll suggest.
Professional Installation Craftsmanship
Installation quality affects system performance as much as equipment quality. Our licensed technicians follow manufacturer specifications precisely, size ductwork correctly, seal connections thoroughly, test refrigerant charges accurately, and verify airflow meets design specifications. Shortcuts during installation create problems that persist for years.
Complete Project Management
From obtaining permits to coordinating inspections to handling the disposal of old equipment, we manage every installation detail. You’ll receive realistic timelines, advance notice before work begins, and consistent communication throughout the project.
System Startup and Owner Education
After installation, we test every function, verify performance, adjust controls for optimal operation, and guide you through the operation of your new system. You’ll understand maintenance requirements, thermostat programming, and when to schedule professional HVAC service.
What’s genuinely wrong with my current system?
Sometimes aging equipment just needs repair. We’ll assess whether installation makes sense now or if repairs buy additional reliable years at a lower cost.
How do I choose between system types?
We explain the advantages and limitations of each option relative to your home’s design, your comfort priorities, and your budget reality—helping you understand trade-offs rather than just picking from a catalog.
What size system does my home actually need?
Bigger doesn’t mean better. Properly sized equipment runs longer cycles that effectively remove humidity and maintain consistent temperatures, consuming less energy than oversized systems that short-cycle.
How long will installation take?
Straightforward replacements typically take 1-2 days to complete. More complex projects, such as those involving ductwork modifications, electrical upgrades, or structural considerations, require longer timelines, which we’ll explain during the planning process.
What ongoing maintenance will my system require?
Different equipment types demand different maintenance schedules. We outline what your chosen system needs to maintain efficiency, reliability, and warranty coverage throughout its expected lifespan.
Families throughout the Cocalico Creek area trust Groff’s with central HVAC installations because our approach prioritizes long-term customer relationships over individual transaction profits.
We’ve installed heating and cooling systems in homes across this community for nearly 4 decades—often returning years later to replace them in the same properties because customers remember how we treated them right the first time.
When you invest thousands in new HVAC equipment, you deserve installation expertise that protects that investment through precise workmanship, honest equipment recommendations, and ongoing support that extends well beyond project completion.
How much does a complete HVAC installation cost?
Installation costs vary based on system type, home size, ductwork condition, and complexity. Base and air conditioner replacements in homes with adequate ductwork typically range from $8,000 to $15,000.0-$15,000. Heat pump installations, ductless systems, or projects requiring ductwork modifications are more expensive. Groff provides detailed estimates after evaluating your specific situation, ensuring you understand all costs before making a commitment.
How long do newly installed HVAC systems last?
Properly installed and maintained systems typically last 15 to 20 years. Furnaces often last 20-25 years, while air conditioners and heat pumps typically last 15-20 years. Lifespan depends heavily on the quality of installation, regular maintenance, usage patterns, and the quality of the equipment. Investing in professional installation and annual tune-ups significantly extends equipment life compared to budget installations with minimal maintenance.
Can I install a new HVAC system myself to save money?
HVAC installation requires specialized knowledge, tools, licensing, and permits. Improper installation voids warranties, creates safety hazards, reduces efficiency, and often costs more to correct than professional installation would have cost initially. Modern refrigerant handling requires EPA certification. Electrical and gas connections demand licensed expertise. Professional installation protects your substantial equipment investment.
What HVAC system works best for older homes in Ephrata?
Older homes without existing ductwork benefit from ductless mini-split systems that can be installed without extensive renovation. Homes with usable ductwork can accommodate traditional central systems or heat pumps after duct sealing and insulation improvements are made. Boiler replacements maintain radiant heating in homes with that infrastructure. We assess the specific characteristics of your home to recommend the most suitable options.
Do new HVAC systems really reduce energy bills significantly?
Modern high-efficiency systems can reduce heating and cooling costs 20-40% compared to systems 10-15 years old. Actual savings depend on the age and condition of your current equipment, the new system’s efficiency rating, the quality of your home insulation, and your usage patterns. We calculate projected savings based on your current bills and the proposed equipment’s efficiency to set realistic expectations, rather than making exaggerated claims.
Primary home comfort system installations demand expertise that protects your investment through precise workmanship and honest guidance. Groff’s Home Comfort Team brings family-owned integrity and installation excellence to every project in Ephrata, delivering results that keep homes comfortable for years to come.
