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Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms Don't Last Forever

How old is your alarm?

CO alarms monitor your home 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and are designed to provide accurate readings for the life of the alarm. However, like most appliances, they don’t last forever.

Is your alarm beeping?

Seven years after initial power, a Kidde CO alarm will begin sounding an end-of-life warning every 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s not a low battery chirp because replacing a battery won’t stop it. It will stop only when the alarm is out of power. Find out if your beeping alarm is in end-of-life.

End-Of-Life Warning: Required for your safety.

In 2009, Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the independent third-party agency that tests CO alarms, began requiring an end-of-life warning to alert homeowners when their CO alarm has reached the end of its useful life. As part of its commitment to safety, Kidde has included this feature in all of its CO alarms since 2001. All Kidde CO alarms have a proven life of seven years.

If you think your CO alarm is nearing its seven-year mark, replace it today.

Important Note! CO alarms do not detect the presence of CO when in end-of-life mode

The following states enacted CO legislation in the past, so End-Of-Life warnings will begin soon. Check the below Laws & Legislation Map for current information on your state.

	Law Effective Date:	CO Alarms Will Expire:
New York City	2004	2011
Vermont	2005	2012
Connecticut	2005	2012
Massachusetts	2006	2013
Illinois	2007	2014
Minnesota	2007	2014

Know About CO

Laws and Legislation

States and cities across the country are taking steps to protect citizens from CO – America's leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths. Learn what's happening in your state and how you can protect your loved ones.
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CO Dangers and Risks

While carbon monoxide incidents are more frequent during cold weather months, CO poisoning can occur year-round in any climate. Learn about frequent sources of carbon monoxide, potential health effects, and how to help protect your family during situations that may pose a higher risk for CO poisoning.
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How to choose an alarm

Carbon monoxide detectors (alarms) are designed to alert a homeowner when CO levels have begun to accumulate over a period of time and will alarm before most people would experience symptoms. Learn key factors to look for when purchasing a carbon monoxide alarm.
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Frequently asked questions

How many CO alarms do I need in my home? What are the symptoms of CO poisoning? Is carbon monoxide lighter than air? Find out the answers to these and other questions.
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