I just installed a new thermostat last spring and everything was fine until I had to turn my furnace on for the first time. (My furnace is a Janitrol forced heat) When my furnace kicks on, I notice that my outside ac unit also kicks on. Is this right or Is it a wiring problem in my thermostat?

Sounds like a problem in the wiring with the thermostat. Open it to expose the wires. Make sure there are no cuts in the a/c wire that could be touching the heat terminal wires.

XenoSapien