
Shawn and Julia Shelly started this business because they saw a need for a dependable, local HVAC contractor in the Winchendon area — one that actually shows up, answers the phone, and does the work right. This is not a side operation or a stepping stone to something bigger. It is a business they built in the community they live in, and that shapes how every job gets handled. Customers here are neighbors, not ticket numbers.
Heating and cooling systems affect how safe and comfortable your home is every single day. That responsibility is not something we take lightly. Every repair, installation, and maintenance visit is done with the same attention to detail — whether it is a quick thermostat swap or a full furnace replacement in the middle of January. The standard does not change based on the size of the job. Worcester County and the surrounding region deserve a contractor who holds that line consistently.
Our Team

HVAC Technician & Co-Owner
Shawn handles the technical side of the business — from diagnosing heating and cooling problems to installing new systems across central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. He approaches every job with the mindset that the work has to last, not just pass inspection on the day it is done.
Operations & Co-Owner
Julia keeps the business running smoothly on the operations side, making sure customers are taken care of from the first call to the completed job. Her focus is on clear communication and making sure nothing falls through the cracks — especially on emergency calls where time matters.

When your furnace reaches the end of its life, replacing it at the right time saves you money and keeps your home safe. We install high-efficiency furnaces from trusted brands and make sure the system is sized correctly for your home. A bad install causes problems for years — we do it right the first time. Whether you are upgrading an older unit or replacing one that has failed, we handle the whole job.

A furnace that stops working in the middle of a Massachusetts winter is not something you can wait on. We diagnose the problem fast and give you a straight answer on what it will take to fix it. Most repairs are handled the same day. We work on all makes and models, so you do not need to worry about whether we can service yours.

Summers in central Massachusetts get humid and hot, and a properly installed AC system makes a real difference. We size the equipment to your home so it cools efficiently without running up your electric bill. If your old system is outdated or undersized, we walk you through your options before any work begins. The goal is a system that performs well for years, not just the first season.

When your AC stops cooling, we get to the root of the problem instead of guessing. Low refrigerant, failed capacitors, frozen coils — we have seen it all and know how to fix it. You get a clear explanation of what is wrong and what the repair will cost before we start. We do not recommend replacing a system unless it genuinely needs it.

Heat pumps are one of the most efficient ways to heat and cool a home, and we install and service them regularly. They work year-round, which means the installation has to be done correctly for both heating and cooling seasons. If your existing heat pump is not performing the way it should, we diagnose and repair it quickly. We work on both ducted and ductless heat pump systems.

Boilers are common in older New England homes and require a technician who actually knows them well. We install new boiler systems and repair existing ones, from simple fixes to full replacements. Whether you have a gas, oil, or propane boiler, we service it. Consistent heat through your radiators or baseboard starts with a boiler that is running the way it should.

Mini-splits are a great solution for additions, older homes without ductwork, or rooms that never seem to get comfortable. We install single-zone and multi-zone systems and handle the full job from start to finish. If you already have a mini-split that is underperforming or making noise, we service those too. It is one of the most flexible and efficient options available for home comfort.

Most HVAC problems do not come out of nowhere — they build up over time when systems are not maintained. A seasonal tune-up catches small issues before they turn into expensive repairs. We clean, inspect, and test your equipment so it runs efficiently through peak heating and cooling season. Staying on top of maintenance also extends the life of your system.

We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. When your heat goes out at 2 AM in January or your AC fails during a heat wave, you need someone who actually answers. We respond fast and arrive prepared to get your system running again. Emergency calls are handled with the same care and quality as any scheduled appointment.

The air inside your home affects how comfortable and healthy your space feels every day. Poor ventilation, excess humidity, and airborne particles are all problems we can address. We assess your current setup and recommend solutions that fit your home and budget. Better air quality is one of those things people notice immediately after we improve it.

Your thermostat controls how your entire HVAC system behaves, and an outdated one wastes energy and causes inconsistent temperatures. We install programmable and smart thermostats that give you better control and lower utility bills. If you have already purchased a smart thermostat and are not sure how to set it up properly with your system, we handle that too. A correctly configured thermostat makes a noticeable difference in comfort and efficiency.

An aging or leaking oil tank does not fix itself — and waiting too long turns a straightforward replacement into an emergency. We install both standard steel and Roth double-wall tanks, handle the full removal of your old tank, and make sure everything is up to code before we leave. As a Roth certified family-owned business, we do the job right the first time.

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You Call, We Listen
When you reach out to Shelly Heating and Cooling — whether it is a scheduled estimate or a 2 AM emergency — you get a real person on the line. We ask the right questions upfront so we understand exactly what is going on before anyone shows up at your door. No guessing, no generic advice. Just a clear conversation about what you need and when we can be there. That first call sets the tone for everything that follows.
We Diagnose and Explain
When we arrive, we assess the system thoroughly before recommending anything. If something needs to be repaired, we show you what the problem is and explain why. If a replacement makes more sense, we tell you that too — and we explain the difference so you can make an informed decision. You will always know what the work involves and what it will cost before we start. There are no surprises after the job is finished.
We Do the Work Right
Once you approve the plan, we get to work. Every installation and repair is done to last, using quality parts and proper technique. We do not rush through jobs to get to the next call. When we are done, we test the system, walk you through what was done, and make sure everything is working the way it should before we leave. That is the standard on every single job — no exceptions.
Ready to get started?
Yes — we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays. If your furnace stops working or your AC fails, you can call (978) 868-3403 at any hour and reach us directly. We serve Winchendon and surrounding towns in Worcester County and Franklin County. Emergency calls are treated with the same care and quality as any scheduled appointment.
We serve a wide area across central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. This includes Gardner, Athol, Fitchburg, Leominster, Templeton, Ashburnham, Westminster, and many towns throughout Worcester County and Franklin County. We also serve communities in Middlesex County and southern NH towns like Jaffrey, Rindge, and Peterborough. If you are not sure whether we cover your area, just call and we will let you know right away.
A furnace that needs frequent repairs, produces uneven heat, or is over 15–20 years old is usually a strong candidate for replacement. If it is still relatively new and the repair cost is reasonable, fixing it almost always makes more sense. We give you an honest assessment — we are not going to push a replacement when a repair will do the job. You will get a clear breakdown of both options so you can make the right call for your home and budget.
Yes — we service and install gas, oil, and propane heating systems, including furnaces and boilers. Older homes throughout central Massachusetts often have oil boilers or baseboard heating systems, and we have extensive experience working on them. We also handle conversions when homeowners are looking to switch fuel sources. Whatever type of heating system you have, we can work on it.
Most HVAC systems should be serviced at least once a year, with twice a year being ideal — once before heating season and once before cooling season. Regular tune-ups keep the system running efficiently, reduce energy costs, and catch small issues before they become expensive repairs. Skipping maintenance is one of the most common reasons systems fail prematurely in New England homes. A quick seasonal visit is far less costly than an emergency call in January.
Shelly Heating and Cooling is a locally owned and operated business based in Winchendon, MA — not a franchise or a large regional chain. Shawn and Julia Shelly own and run the business themselves. Being local means you are working with people who live and work in the same community you do. That makes a real difference in how jobs get handled and how much they care about the outcome.
Absolutely — that is actually one of the main reasons homeowners in this area choose mini-splits. Older homes in Winchendon, Athol, and Gardner often lack central ductwork, and a ductless system is one of the cleanest solutions available. We install single-zone and multi-zone systems depending on what your home needs. The installation is typically completed in one day and gives you both heating and cooling in one system.
Call us directly at (978) 868-3403 — we answer 24 hours a day, including overnight and on weekends. Do not wait until morning if the temperature in your home is dropping, especially if you have children or elderly family members in the house. We will diagnose the problem and work to get your heat restored as quickly as possible. In the meantime, keep interior doors closed to retain warmth in the rooms you are using.