For over twenty years now, I have changed the 9v batteries in my smoke alarms in January of even numbered years. If you try to stretch them a little longer than two years you run the risk of triggering the bad battery alarm. This alarm is a very loud beep that always seems to sound about 3 a.m. To avoid the beep, mark your calendar in early January of each even year. Always use new batteries.
After removing the alarm batteries do not put them in a kitchen drawer or a trash can before covering the terminals with tape. Duct tape is best. If any metal comes in contact across both contacts, it could get very hot or even catch on fire.
The other things that need to be changed are the entire smoke alarms. They are only good for 7 to 10 years. If you still have the original smoke alarms that came with your Sun City house when it was new, they are beyond their useful life and are no longer protecting your house and your family. You should change them as soon as possible.
