Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers - Downsides to whole-house humidifiers?

New guy here. Have been looking over the threads and I'm sure I'm in the right place - you all know your stuff.

Hey, what are the downsides to whole-house humidifiers? We have a basement installed forced air propane heated furnace and the house gets too dry. I've tried room units and they can't keep up.

I've heard nightmare stories about mold and mildew building up in ductwork. Is there anything to this? I've also heard that people complain about an increase in dust, a side-effect of airborne minerals from water, and we're on a well with a treatment system (salt based) to remove some minerals like iron, and it's naturally acidic; our remediation systems include PH neutralizer in one tank and calcite in another, and a sediment deal too.

So, are there any downsides to doing this? If I do this and didn't come clean with any side-effects with the Mrs. I'll never live it down.

Also, how hard is the sheet metal work, should I turn that over to a pro or can i DIY?

Thanks!!!!!

Mike

Go for it. Just about all the humidifiers are a DIY job. Very little sheet metal work to them. Yes you do need a good one in the home for sure. As for dust if you keep the filter clean like you should you wont get dust from it. Tap it into the hot water line. That will also help keep it clean with the water you have. On the filter if you think you need it go http://www.puracleanspray.com this is a spray that you can put on the intake side of the filter that will help if you have any dust.

ED ;)