Thanks guys!

bcr229- I will opt for the heaviest cord they have.

Albert Clark- Thanks for that info! I do plug my herpstat into the wall (glad you mentioned it because I've never thought about that before).

pitontheprowl- I stink at anything like wiring or woodwork. Honestly, I'd be terrified that I would do it wrong and end up burning down my house. I will keep the old one though and maybe try it at some point. I'd like to find someone local to me that knows how to wire and get them to do it and observe so that I would know how in the future.