Take steps to care for your smoke alarms like you would any other device in your home. Especially one that you are trusting with the lives of people you love. Press the 'Test' button on the unit to test it on a monthly basis. Whether it was triggered or not, be sure to replace the battery with a new one each year. Every ten years, disposed of the unit and purchase a new one. Remember: Replacement every ten years means ten years from the date of manufacture noted on the unit (often on the back where the battery goes in). Don't wait until you have owned the unit for ten years to replace it. You could be putting your family and your property at risk.