I usually check/change batteries when changing the time on the clocks that don't automatically change.

Nope, I wait till the start beeping to change them out.

Last year, I bought detectors with a 10-year battery life. Ten years is the time to replace the entire smoke detector anyway.

Same here, I replaced my old ones a year apart and set up an alert on my iPhone. I am good for 7 more years till the first one comes due.

I got an email from Cannon telling me it's also a good time to replace the battery in the electronic lock on my safe.

MarcK hit it on the head. 120V hard wired, 10yr lithium backup.

Though I have seen some go bad in a year, they’re still the best option.

No need to check mine. Once a month I get a down draft from my fireplace that sets them off. No fun in the middle of the night waving towels to get them to shut off.

It is not often, but I hate when that happens!

Mine just usually beeps loudly and rapidly, I buy a new one anyway.

I should replace my detectors at this point. I love walking down the block and hearing a neighbor's battery beeping. I think it's been beeping since Christmas.

+1, unused batteries are good for more than 1 year. Builder installed smoke detectors in my house don't have batteries. The only one that does is the one I replaced.

If they’re hardwired, replace batteries every year. Not hardwired, every 6 months. The new 10 year self-contained battery style is a good option. Those being hardwired is the best option. Smoke detectors save lives, along with CO detectors.

Mine are hard wired with a battery backup. Replaced all the batteries a couple of years ago. My problem is that all the detectors are at least 12 -14 feet up and cant get up a ladder right now due to bad knees. I'll get a neighborhood kid over to switch them out if needed.