Two thirds of adults don’t know what a gas leak smells like - here’s how to spot it’?

A survey of 2,000 adults who either rent or own a home also found just one in 20 are able to correctly identify the six main signs of a dangerous gas appliance.

One in ten identified mould and 12 per cent a build-up of dust as potential signs of a faulty appliance - despite neither of these being valid indicators.

Signs Brits should be aware of include ‘lazy’ yellow flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks or stains on or around appliances and condensation in the room.

Gas Safe Register has created a new ‘Ripple Effect’ public safety campaign urging householders nationwide to protect their friends and neighbours.

Jonathan Samuel, chief executive at the Gas Safe Register, said: “In the current climate, with so much to contend with, it’s easy to understand why people may overlook the importance of having gas boilers and household gas appliances serviced. 

“However, this really shines a light on the knowledge gaps that still exist when it comes to the awareness of the signs and symptoms of unsafe gas appliances.

“Now, more than ever, it’s important that homeowners up and down the country are not unwillingly playing host to potentially life-threatening risks that could have a ripple effect within their neighbourhood, through faulty gas appliances.”

Gas engineers across the country – those on the frontline when gas goes wrong – have also lent their voices to the campaign to help raise awareness.