Don’t bother changing your smoke detector batteries until you’ve tested your smoke detector. We’ve got a step-by-step of how to do that here.
Once you’ve read through that, it should be pretty obvious whether or not you should change your battery and why it’s important. But here’s a list of reasons just in case you need more motivation:
Well, the smoke detector fairy won’t be showing up to do it for you. If you don’t regularly test and change your smoke detector batteries, you’re playing with fire (pun intended). Your smoke detectors will eventually stop working, or they will be so low on battery that if the alarm goes off, the beeping sound may be too quiet for you to actually hear it.
Smoke detectors should be a “sure-thing” in your home. You shouldn’t be wondering whether or not the battery is dead or almost dead, and you shouldn’t be wondering if they are functioning correctly. Take the time to get to know your smoke detectors, figure out how they work, and keep fresh batteries in them. It’s just not worth the risk. (Did we mention it only takes five minutes?)
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Grab your step stool or ladder and place it below the detector.
Next StepMost detector covers twist right off with a little pressure. However, some detectors require you to push a release in order to take off the cover. If this is the case, there will usually be an arrow pointing to the button you need to push. You might need to use a paperclip to access the button.
Next StepFind the battery cartridge and observe how the battery is positioned in the cartridge to make sure you put in the new one the same way.
Next StepTake out the old battery. Dispose of your old battery responsibly
Next StepPut in the new battery in the same position as the old battery.
Next StepClose the cartridge and put the cover back on. The cover will either twist or snap back into place.
Next StepTest the new battery by pushing the test button on your device. Wait thirty seconds and see if the alarm sounds. If not, check the position of the battery. If all else fails, try a new battery.