You should test your smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button to ensure they are functioning correctly.
Regularly testing your smoke alarms is a critical part of home safety. Press the test button on each unit once a month to verify that the power, battery, and alarm mechanisms are all working. This simple action can confirm the device is operational and will alert you in case of a fire. If an alarm fails the test, it's important to address it immediately by replacing the battery or the unit itself.
This information provides general guidance on smoke alarm maintenance and testing.
How often should smoke detector batteries be replaced?
Smoke detector batteries should ideally be replaced at least once a year, even if they haven't started chirping to indicate low power. A good practice is to change them when you change your clocks for daylight saving time. If your smoke alarm uses a sealed, long-life battery, it is designed to last the life of the detector (usually 10 years), and you should not attempt to remove it. Always use the type of battery recommended by the manufacturer.