TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG/Gray News) – An Ohio woman has been without heat for nearly a week during freezing temperatures in the area.
Mary Lieter, 80, says her furnace has gone out, and a warranty company she’s paid for 20 years is not addressing the issue.
“I’ve always been able to take care of myself, but this is one thing I can’t seem to take care of,” she said.
Lieter says she is worried as her days without heat are adding up.
“It’s all I need right now, I just need some heat in here,” she said.
When her furnace went out, she believed the warranty company, Oncourse Home Solutions, would be responsive to her emergency needs, especially after a recent two-month hospital stay.
“When you’re older, it’s not always easy to reach out for help, but when you have things like this happen, it’s really disconcerting that people behave that way,” Lieter said.
According to Lieter, the warranty company has promised to return her calls and address the issue, but that hasn’t happened.
Lieter’s nurse, Cate Alexander, is also doing what she can to help keep her warm.
“It’s freezing in here, it’s literally freezing,” Alexander said of the home’s condition.
Alexander has reached out to different organizations and HVAC companies to see who could help or volunteer their time.
“My concern is it can be ultimately a health hazard, the temperature is dropping,” Alexander said.
Lieter says she is trying to keep warm with two space heaters that were given to her from her church and is wearing several layers of clothing.
Lieter says she just wants Oncourse Home Solutions to honor its word.
“I would like to see a repair man come in here and see if we can get this furnace running. It’s that simple,” she said.
As the temperatures continue to drop, Lieter says she is continuing to call the company to find an answer to the problem.
Temperatures in the Toledo area are expected to drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit Friday evening with a chance of showers over the weekend.
Oncourse Home Solutions representatives have not immediately responded to a request for comment regarding the situation.
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