By Susan Manning

Staff Writer

Ryan and Alexandra McKernan noticed a disconnect between those who needed heating help and those who qualified for it.

The husband and wife duo co-own Pro Comfort Control, an HVAC company based in Ashland that serves all of MetroWest.

“We were seeing people who couldn’t afford to fix their heat, but they also didn’t qualify for low income help,“ said Alexandra.

They decided to do some thing about it.

The Holliston couple decided to design a program called “We Care: Neighbors Heating Neighbors.“

According to Alexandra, “It’s designed to help local families in need in a hyper local fashion (most of our customers are in Natick, Framingham and Wayland). They are nominated by either a friend, neighbor or even a technician if we go to their home and recognize their hardship.”

This year, she said, the recipient is a senior citizen living in Natick. The woman is caring full-time for her daughter, who is undergoing cancer treatment. The homeowner is unable to work because of her own medical emergencies. 

“She lives on a fixed income, with barely enough to cover everyday necessities, let alone unexpected emergencies. In April, their furnace was shut down due to dangerously high carbon monoxide levels detected by another HVAC company.

“Since then, she has been without heat, a situation that’s becoming dire as colder months approach. She was in urgent need of help to restore comfort and safety to their home. She reached out to Pro Comfort Control to find an affordable replacement system.

“We provided her an estimate and an employee nominated her for this program. She was chosen as the award winner of a few days later. She now has her heat fully restored!” said McKernan. 

“We believe that a strong community is built on care, compassion, and connection. Our founders, Ryan and Alexandra, know firsthand the power of giving back, and that’s why we created our “We Care: Neighbors Heating Neighbors” program. As a local business rooted in Framingham and surrounding communities, we understand the importance of being there for one another, especially in times of need,” said its website.

Through this program, Pro Comfort offers a new heating system to families or a local charity facing hardships, ensuring that everyone has access to a comfortable and safe home. Whether it’s a local family in need or an elderly neighbor needing to the frigid temperatures, there is help. 

“We’re proud to live and work in the same neighborhoods we serve, and giving back is our way of saying thank you,” said Alexandra.

If you or someone you know could benefit from the program, visit the website and fill in the form to nominate them.