need advice on tricky humidifier install in loft

I have a very dry loft with a Bryant air handler + heat pump. The air handler has no return plenum and is installed in a very cramped space ABOVE the utility room (about 6" clearance on each side, top, and bottom).

I'd like to have a whole house humidifier installed and I am getting conflicting answers from HVAC installers. Some say steam is best, others say to avoid it due to mold problems. Some say I can't install a humidifier in the available space, others don't seem concerned.

Is there a big problem with steam that I should avoid? are there particular space requirements? Help!

 

For your set up steam is best.. I think a lot of people are getting steam and misting type mixed up.

Misting is spraying water dropplet into the ductwork, and that can be mess! Steam goes into the air.

I would ride it out till spring or next fall and look into the New Honeywell TrueSTEAM. It suppse to be by far the best unit you can buy for your money. They are just coming out, but on a major back order till Feb/March.

 

Thanks for the info on the Honeywell system. There are several models - any particular model(s) you recommend?

When I spoke with a local authorized Bryant installer, he did not recommend a humidifier with a heat pump since it is an all electric system. What do you think about that advice?

 

All depends on your home.. How tight/leaky it is, and how many sq footage.

Huh!? I'm not sure what he is thinking??? don't matter if you have heat pump to oil heat.. Any them can take a humidifier... Only thing about heat pump, the heat output is lower, so a flow-through won't have as high of an output of humidity, steam is best for heat pump system.

My first thought is maybe they have poor install, so they had water issues going into the air handler.