It would be best to retrieve the code, then you would know what you are really dealing with. A good tech should be able to pull the code for 1/2 hour of shop time and tell you basics of what it means. Then if you can look at the data of the coolant temp sensor as you run the vehicle with or with out the heater being on. This would tell you if the thermostat is working correctly or not. It would also verify your temp gauge. Does your Ford ever boil over?
That is very good news that it does not boil over. Is there some way you can have the code pulled for your Check Engine Light? that would be the next order of business. You can have someone pull it and scan the Temp sensor data for about 1/2 hour of shop time. ( $40-50 ).