Suffolk County, Massachusetts
HVAC repair and installation in Boston, MA
Boston's triple-deckers, Victorians and brick rowhouses are mostly heated by gas or oil boilers with radiators. Central AC is rare in older homes, so ductless heat pumps have become the standard upgrade for cooling and more efficient heat.
Areas served include
Dorchester · Jamaica Plain · West Roxbury · Roslindale · Charlestown · South End
Same-day appointments when a local contractor has an opening
36 ZIP codes covered in Boston
Boston homes and their HVAC systems
Dorchester, Jamaica Plain and Roslindale are full of triple-deckers with a boiler per unit. Back Bay and the South End have brick rowhouses with tight mechanical spaces. West Roxbury has more single-family homes with forced air.
Local conditions that affect your system
Boiler-heated homes
Hot-water and steam systems need attention to expansion tanks, circulators and air elimination; many are decades old.
Heat pump retrofits
Cold-climate ductless heat pumps add cooling and can carry most of the heating load, often with the boiler kept as backup.
Nor'easters
Heavy snow and wind can bury outdoor units and vent terminations; units should sit on raised stands.
Seasons and peak demand in Boston
Boston winters run from December to March with average highs in the 30s, nor'easters and occasional single-digit cold. Summers are warm and humid, with highs in the 80s and a few 90°F heat waves. Boiler calls peak in January; cooling installs are busiest in late spring.
Common HVAC calls in Boston
Also available: emergency HVAC and every other HVAC service.
Boston at a glance
- County
- Suffolk County
- Utilities
- Eversource supplies electricity and some gas; National Grid supplies natural gas in much of Boston.
- Permits & licensing
- Boston's Inspectional Services Department issues permits; gas work requires a licensed gas fitter and AC work a state refrigeration license.
- ZIP codes covered
- 02108, 02109, 02110, 02111, 02112, 02113, 02114, 02115, 02116, 02117, 02118, 02123, 02127, 02128, 02133, 02163, 02196, 02199 and 18 more
Boston HVAC FAQ
Are heat pumps practical in Boston winters?
Yes. Cold-climate heat pumps heat effectively well below freezing; many Boston homeowners keep the boiler for the coldest days.
Are there heat pump rebates in Massachusetts?
Mass Save has offered rebates for qualifying heat pumps. Check current amounts and requirements before you sign a contract.
Last reviewed . General information, not a diagnosis of your system.
Guides for Boston homeowners
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