It can be done I have done stuff like this just tinkering, but I would never use one for the simple reason of homeowners insurance. Its bad enough and hard enough to get coverage with herps, heck mine doenst even know about my herps, I would hate to explain how a fire started in my house with a rigged up thermo. There are some lower end thermos that you can by for around $45 I can even get you the name of it later today if you like. It has a probe and 3 plug outlet.