Do Carbon Monoxide Detectors Expire? | Mr. Electric

Carbon monoxide kills many people each year, and sends more to the hospital. Carbon monoxide detectors can prevent this from happening, and should be installed in every floor of the house. Carbon monoxide detectors have an expiration date, and should be checked for effectiveness periodically. New batteries should be added every few months. Most models have a test button, and should be tested frequently. If you are connected to a home monitoring service, you may need to let them know ahead of time.

Key Takeaways:

Carbon Monoxide detectors do expire. You should check the date to make sure that you have one that is in working order.
Carbon Monoxide detectors typically have a test button you can use to make sure it is working up to par. If it doesn’t beep in 20 seconds you may want to replace it.
If you are afraid you’re Carbon Monoxide detectors isn’t working then it is no issue to contact a professional about making sure your home and family are safe.

“Using gas-powered tools or appliances indoors or running a vehicle in an enclosed space can also lead to deadly CO build-ups.”