When should I change my Smoke Alarm batteries?

Smoke Alarm & Carbon Monoxide Alarm batteries should be changed every six months. A good way to remember to change your Smoke Alarm & CO Alarm batteries is to change them when you change the clocks.

Animated couple removing Smoke Alarm to test batteries, Pictogram courtesy of FEMA

You should also test your alarms once a month by hitting the test button or following the dirrections printed on the back of your alarm.

Finger pressing the Test button on a Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Pictogram Courtesy of FEMA

Smoke alarms also only have a lifespan of ten years. After ten years from the manufactured date, printed on the back of the alarm, they must be replaced. 

Old Smoke Alarm with arrows and 10 years pointing to new smoke alarm, pictogram courtesy of FEMA