Common Sense

The window air conditioner was new last summer. Yesterday I noticed what appeared to be smoke coming from the top vents. It freaked me out! I went close and there was no odor and I could no longer see the "smoke." As soon as I sat down I saw it again. Long story short, it seems that a minimal, but noticeable, amount water vapor is being created periodically. However it can only been seen if I am sitting directly in front of the air conditioner. If I stand, it is not even visible. The only thing I can think is that it is like opening the door to a cold freezer and then when cold air hits the hot air in the kitchen it creates a bit of water vapor. There is no water or condensation inside the house as a result. It seems only to happen when the compressor is on. The temperature here this week is in the mid 90's and the humidity is always high here - inside and out. Last week when the temp was cooler the air conditioner was not dripping any water outside - this week is it is. I am only concerned because I don't want a fire to happen when I am not home. I must leave the air conditioner on because my dogs couldn't live without it.

Hopefully I am just being overly paranoid. Ideas or suggestions?