Regardless of solution to thermostat vs furnace, you might take this opportunity to replace Honeywell with a Nest or similar internet-connected thermostat. You can monitor and control heat from Massachusetts, including calling you when furnace fails, preheating house for arrival, and lowering temp after you return to Mass and realize you left heat on.
Only weakness of Nest (assuming your system is compatible) is that it will not warn you of a power failure. We supplement ours with a separate temperature alarm that requires only a working phone line.
Stay warm!