Almost a third of boilers were overdue on checks, with lockdown measures delaying these further, given the restrictions on people entering houses. A significant 24% of those surveyed also admitted that they were unaware that their boilers should be checked every 12 months.

On top of that, one in five of those renting said they were unaware if their landlord had had a gas safety check undertaken on their boilers – even though it’s a legal requirement.

Ensuring a boiler is regularly serviced is an important and necessary procedure that every household should make a priority – not just for safety reasons, but also financial ones too. A boiler that is serviced on a regular basis will continue to run efficiently, saving money on energy bills. When asked, a massive 40% of Brits didn’t know that the two went hand in hand.

The company also found that a quarter of Brits believed a boiler would only last up to five years, when in fact with the correct maintenance they can actually last up to two decades.

Martyn Bridges, director of technical communication and product management at Worcester Bosch, commented: “Our findings are alarming, however sadly not too surprising. Heating appliances such as boilers are regularly overlooked by homeowners, even though if not properly maintained they can cause a number of issues.

“Having your boiler regularly serviced can ensure it is running efficiently and safely, as well as avoiding unavoidable – and sometimes costly – issues later down the line. Gas Safety Week is a good time than any to book your servicing in and ensure you and your household stay safe – and your pockets stay fuller – as we head into the colder months.”