During their long existence, home security systems have evolved from systems that simply sounded alarms to those that can control lights and thermostats and allow users to monitor and manage their homes remotely from mobile devices like iPhones and laptop computers.

More recently, sensors are starting to play a larger role in the functionality of a home security system. This trend is expected to continue, says Steve Shapiro, director of group product management for residential/small business at ADT North America.

Security installers are beginning to use traditional security sensors to illicit responses that have nothing to do with protecting a home. For example, the same sensor that alerts homeowners to someone entering the house could be programmed via the security system to turn on the kitchen lights and play a message over the speakers to remind the kids to do their chores. Later, when the door opens at 6 p.m., the sensor could tell the TV to tune to the evening news.

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Lisa Montgomery - Contributing Writer

Lisa Montgomery has been writing about home technology for 15 years, with a focus on the impact of electronics on a modern lifestyle.