Homeowners have been urged to get their boilers checked regularly by an expert.

British Gas, one of the country's leading energy providers, said regular maintenance was essential to ensure the safe and efficient running of a boiler.

Faulty boilers can be extremely dangerous, potentially leading to otherwise unnecessary insurance claims or even personal injury.

But like most big jobs, homeowners are urged to get an expert in to help rather than try to carry out any repairs themselves.

"We wouldn't advise people to diagnose the health of their boiler on their own. It's what people pay us to do so people should leave it to the experts," said British Gas spokesman, Julian Mears.

Homeowners can invalidate insurance policies by trying to fix problems themselves, as well as potentially making problems worse.

Insurers have warned, as the Easter weekend approaches, that any DIY jobs around the house are approached with caution.

Major projects should only be undertaken once the home insurance provider has been notified.

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