Residents are being reminded by the Berkeley Heights Fire Department that a beeping carbon monoxide alarm could indicate that the unit is nearing the end of its useful life. The average lifespan of carbon monoxide alarms is seven to ten years. Even while an alarm may still beep, it will no longer detect the presence of carbon monoxide when it enters end-of-life mode. End-of-life notifications frequently occur on a regular basis and cannot be stopped by just changing the batteries. These alarms are designed to signal that the entire unit needs to be replaced. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly, making properly working alarms critical for home safety. Fire officials recommend testing carbon monoxide alarms monthly and checking the manufacture or expiration date on each unit. Any alarm that has reached the end of its service life should be replaced promptly to ensure continued protection for your household.