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Batteries, if replaceable, should be changed at least once a year, if not twice. Your personal safety is worth a lot more than a few dollars in batteries. Also, consider changing them if you have been away for a few weeks, in case you happen to have "missed" the periodic "low battery" beeping while you were gone.

Every Friday you should press the button and check if your smoke alarm battery works, if it doesn't, you may need new batteries or a new smoke alarm.

Smoke alarms (and smoke detectors as part of other alarms) should be replaced every ten years, whether you think they need it or not.
Check your instructions. Some (mains-powered) use a backup battery that may need to be recharged/replaced at specific intervals.

Ours are all powered by 9-volt transistor radio batteries. I get the long-life Alkaline variety.

Be aware that *no* rechargeable battery is considered reliable for this application (relying *only* on its battery for operation with no mains connection).

We change ours every time we go into daylight saving (i.e. once a year).

The reality is that the battery will probably last longer, but for something that's going to save my life and the life of my wife and kids, a few bucks per year for a battery I can reuse in a radio is pretty cheap.

Yearly, date of own choice.
It depends on how your alarm really.

It strongly suggest that you check it reguly once-twice a week.

Then you know you are safe.
every year
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests replacing a 9 V alkaline battery in a smoke detector once a year, and to test it once a month. See the related link below for more information.
Every 12 months

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11y ago
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11y ago

Most smoke detectors in self-contained alarms should be tested monthly, whether battery-powered or line-powered. Smoke detectors connected as part of an alarm system should be tested annually.

Otherwise:

Radiant heat detectors, supervisory switches on valves, and waterflow sensors should be tested semi-annually. NFPA 1: Table 13.7.3.2.4 (2009).

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14y ago

The smoke detector must be having indicator to show low power. Normally alkaline batteries should last for nearly two years, if there is no leakage. Some batteries manufactured in china tend to leak , in such case batteries must be changed, immediately.

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13y ago

Batteries in a smoke detector should be checked for safety reasons monthly and for those same safty reasons they should be replaced annually!

You should change the batteries in a smoke detector at least twice per year. A general rule of thumb is to replace them with the seasons, as you change your clock back or forward, change your smoke detector batteries.

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15y ago

Most handymen will tell you that the batteries should be changed every time you adjust the clocks for DST, and to test the alarm while you do it. Replace any that are no longer functioning.

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13y ago

Best thing to do is to check the smoke alarm weekly and change the batteries yearly or when they run out

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14y ago

Your smoke detector should chirp,or beep when the battery is low.

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Q: When should you change a smoke alarm battery?
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Related questions

How often of a smoke alarm battery?

You should replace your batteries every 6 months. Smoke detectors save lives!


Why is smoke alarm clicking?

new battery


What kind of battery does a smoke detector take?

Most smoke detectors have a single 9 volt battery in them. It is the square type that snaps onto the circuit. You should replace them twice a year, one recommended timing is to swap them out when you change your clocks.


How many times do you have to change the batteries of a smoke alarm?

If the smoke alarm lasts for ten years before you need to replace it, and the batteries should be replaced at least once per year, you would need to change the batteries of a smoke alarm ten times before you replace the entire thing.


Location of backup battery for smoke alarm?

In the alarm panel box or an auxiliary box nearby.


When you change one battery smoke alarm do you need to change all batteries at once?

Change all of them at the same time, as otherwise the weaker ones will make the newer ones fail more quickly. Note that some smoke alarms no longer have replaceable batteries, since you need to dispose of a smoke alarm after 8-10 years anyway.


How do you change the battery in a smoke detector?

Smoke alarm batteries are easy to replace, once you find where they go. The design varies from brand to brand. Usually, the battery is located on the side of the alarm, either in a "drawer" or a swinging compartment. There may be a small plastic latch holding it closed. Occasionally, it is necessary to remove the alarm from the wall or ceiling to find the battery compartment. This can be done by rotating the entire alarm counter-clockwise until it releases. The battery compartment is designed not to close if the battery is inserted incorrectly. Many smoke alarms have an option to permanently screw the battery compartment closed. This is typically done in rental units to prevent tenants from removing the battery during a false alarm. In this case, the landlord is required by law to change the battery. If you are the landlord, consult the alarm documentation (which can be found online) for instructions on how to remove the locking screw.


How can you keep the smoke detector from beeping temporarily?

Push the button, or take the battery's out (not recommended) In many modern smoke alarms it is impossible to remove the battery, but there may be an on/off switch that can be actuated with a tool. If the alarm is beeping because the battery is dead, replace the battery or the entire alarm unit, which should be done every ten years anyway. Removing a battery in any smoke detector could be criminal "tampering", if anyone gets hurt because of it.


Why does your smoke alarm start beeping when you use your treadmill?

The most likely reason your smoke alarm starts beeping when you are on the treadmill is it needs a new battery. It is a coincidence that you are on the treadmill when it is alerting you.


Why does my smoke alarm only beep at night like it has a low battery?

It probably beeps during the day too, but there is too much ambient noise in an active household to notice it. Change the battery and be done with it.


How often should you change a smoke alarms battery?

As soon as the detector indicates a low battery, otherwise once per year.


Why do smoke alarms go off in a power outage?

A good smoke alarm should have a power source from a battery so it is sure to go off in the event of a power failure. Be sure to test your smoke alarms regularly to ensure the batteries are in good working order. Hearing a high pitched "beep" throughout the house? Check your smoke alarm! This annoying sound is their way of telling you to change the batteries or that something is wrong with it. user comment: that doesn't really answer "why?" it goes off.