February. Temperatures drop to 18 degrees overnight. You wake up shivering to discover your furnace quit while you slept. Your thermostat reads 52 degrees and falling. What started as a minor concern quickly becomes an urgent crisis—especially for children, elderly family members, or those with health conditions that make cold indoor temperatures dangerous.
Heating failures strike without warning and demand immediate resolution. Every hour without heat compounds the problem, lowering indoor temperatures to levels that risk frozen pipes, health complications, and genuine danger to vulnerable household members. You need technicians who respond quickly, diagnose accurately, and repair correctly—the first time.
From older homes in downtown Ephrata to newer construction spreading toward Terre Hill, properties across this area depend on reliable heating through Pennsylvania winters, which regularly deliver subfreezing temperatures, ice storms, and occasional blizzards. When furnaces, boilers, or heat pumps fail, homeowners need repair expertise they can trust.
Groff’s Home Comfort Team has repaired heating systems throughout Lancaster County since 1987. Our licensed HVAC technicians bring decades of combined diagnostic experience to every service call, guided by the integrity-first principles established by DeVon Groff and Denny Degan when they founded this family business nearly four decades ago.
Furnace Won’t Ignite or Start
Faulty ignitors, failed flame sensors, thermostat malfunctions, or electrical issues prevent furnaces from firing. Gas supply problems, pressure switch failures, or control board issues can also stop system startup. Our diagnostic process identifies what’s preventing ignition and addresses the actual cause.
Heat Pump Blows Cold Air
Reversing valve failures, refrigerant leaks, defrost control problems, or compressor issues prevent heat pumps from delivering warm air. Our technicians systematically test system components to determine why your heat pump lost its heating capacity.
Insufficient Heat Output
Equipment that runs but doesn’t adequately heat indicates airflow restrictions, dirty burners, failing heat exchangers, or undersized systems. We measure actual heating output against design specifications to identify performance deficiencies.
Strange Furnace Noises
Banging, rumbling, squealing, or whistling sounds signal mechanical problems requiring attention. Failing blower motors, loose ductwork, ignition delays, or cracked heat exchangers can cause these noises, which worsen rapidly if ignored.
Frequent Cycling On and Off
Short cycling wastes energy and damages components. Thermostat problems, oversized equipment, clogged filters, or flame sensor issues cause systems to turn on and off repeatedly without completing proper heating cycles.
Carbon Monoxide Concerns
Cracked heat exchangers, improper venting, or combustion problems can allow dangerous carbon monoxide into living spaces. Any signs of CO exposure—headaches, nausea, dizziness, or detector alarms—demand immediate professional attention and a system shutdown until it is safely repaired.
Complete System Diagnostics
Symptoms rarely tell the complete story. Our HVAC technicians examine your entire heating system—testing electrical components, checking gas pressure, measuring airflow and temperatures, inspecting heat exchangers, and evaluating controls to understand what’s genuinely wrong rather than guessing at solutions.
Straightforward Problem Explanations
Technical diagnoses don’t help homeowners make decisions. After identifying issues, we explain the findings in plain language—what failed, why it matters, the available repair options, and the cost of each approach. We get thorough answers to questions before we proceed with any work.
Honest Repair Recommendations
Our technicians receive zero commission on service recommendations or equipment sales. This fundamental difference means we suggest repairs when they make sense and replacement only when they genuinely serve your best interests. A $350 repair that delivers several more reliable winters beats a $7,000 replacement you don’t actually need yet.
Quality Parts and Expert Installation
Most repairs are completed during initial appointments because our service vehicles stock commonly needed components. When specialized parts are necessary, we source quality replacements that meet or exceed original specifications and have them installed by technicians who follow manufacturer procedures precisely.
Guaranteed Workmanship
Every repair comes backed by warranties on both parts and labor. If something doesn’t perform as expected after our service, we return and make the necessary corrections at no additional charge. Our goal extends beyond completing individual repairs—we’re building lasting relationships with Ephrata homeowners.
Replace Filters Monthly: Dirty filters restrict airflow, force systems to work harder, and allow dust accumulation on critical components. Check filters monthly during the heating season and replace them when visibly dirty or according to the manufacturer’s schedule.
Annual Professional Maintenance: Pre-season heating tune-ups catch developing problems, clean burners and components, test safety controls, and verify efficient operation before you need heat most. Annual service dramatically reduces the risk of mid-winter breakdowns.
Clear Vents and Returns: Blocked supply vents or return air grilles restrict airflow, reducing heating efficiency. Keep vents clear of furniture, drapes, and stored items. Ensure outdoor exhaust vents remain free of snow, ice, and debris.
Address Warning Signs Immediately: Performance declines, unusual sounds, odors, or visible issues signal the development of failures. Early repairs cost less than waiting for complete breakdowns that often cause secondary damage when failing components force other parts to overwork.
Families throughout Ephrata—from established areas near ECTV to expanding neighborhoods along Penn Grant Road—call Groff’s when heating problems strike because we’ve consistently delivered honest service and reliable repairs since 1987. Our approach prioritizes solving problems correctly over maximizing profits from your emergency.
When heating equipment fails during January cold snaps or during December holidays, you’ll receive the same commitment to service excellence that has sustained our family-owned business for nearly four decades. We live and work in this community—our reputation matters because we’re here for the long term, not just quick transactions.
Heating failures create genuine emergencies that demand prompt professional response. Don’t let equipment problems leave your family shivering through winter cold or risk the safety concerns that accompany heating system malfunctions. Our experienced technicians diagnose accurately and repair reliably—without commission-driven recommendations that make homeowners question whether repairs are essential.
How much does furnace repair typically cost?
Heating repair costs vary based on the specific problem and required parts. Simple fixes like thermostat replacement or flame sensor cleaning cost $150-$300. Common repairs—ignitor replacement, blower motor repair, circuit board replacement—typically range from $300 to $800; major component failures, such as heat exchanger cracks or compressor replacement, cost significantly more. Groff provides upfront pricing after diagnosing your specific issue, so you know the exact costs before authorizing repairs.
How long do furnaces and heating systems last?
Gas furnaces typically last 15-25 years with proper maintenance, while heat pumps average 15-20 years. Boilers often reach 20-30 years. Lifespan depends heavily on installation quality, regular maintenance, usage patterns, and local climate conditions. Systems approaching these age ranges that require expensive repairs often warrant replacement consideration, whereas younger systems with component failures usually make financial sense to repair.
Why does my furnace keep shutting off?
Frequent cycling can result from multiple causes: dirty filters restricting airflow, faulty flame sensors, oversized equipment, thermostat problems, or airflow restrictions that cause overheating. Our technicians systematically test components to identify why your system won’t complete regular heating cycles. Addressing cycling problems prevents component damage caused by systems turning on and off repeatedly.
Is it dangerous to run a furnace that’s making strange noises?
Some noises indicate minor issues while others signal serious safety concerns. Rumbling or booming sounds can indicate delayed ignition, creating small gas buildups. Squealing suggests blower motor bearing failure. Banging might mean ductwork expansion or cracked heat exchangers. If you hear unusual sounds, shut down your system and call for professional inspection. Don’t risk carbon monoxide exposure or system damage by continuing operation.
Can I repair my heating system myself to save money?
Heating system repairs involve gas connections, electrical components, and safety controls, all of which require specialized knowledge, tools, and licensing. Improper repairs create safety hazards, including fire risk, carbon monoxide poisoning, and system damage, and cost more to correct than professional service would have initially. Modern furnaces include complex electronics and safety interlocks that demand trained technicians. Professional repairs protect both your safety and your equipment investment.
Heating system failures demand immediate attention from technicians who diagnose correctly and repair effectively. Groff’s Home Comfort Team brings integrity-driven service and technical expertise to every heating repair call in Ephrata. Our family-owned company has served this community since 1987 with honest work that keeps families warm through Pennsylvania winters.
