[Vicegrip]

Now your talking my line of work.

Both methods have pros and cons but the bad in both types can be overcome by routine maintenance. ALL humidity systems require maintenance!

Built in units cost more to start build up calcium and cause floods if you set and forget. Some, like the drip type will run for quite some time before packing up with calcium crust but you risk a flood when the little drain hole clogs up. all they need is for you to replace the pads and clean the tray from time to time.
The stand alone units can build up bugs and the water will also tun to a tan muddy looking soup if you don't clean it at least once a month. the bugs get in via the dust in the air but you can get anti bacterial additives for the stand alone units. I just clean the out often. There are far less bug problems with built in units and even less if you remember to turn them off and clean them out after the heating season.

There is a built in unit that has a heating coil and steams the water as the air flows during a heat cycle. They will pump out the moisture but you HAVE to maintain them or they too will crust up, burn out or just flood the house. It is the way to go as there is no more than the normal maintenance no expensive pads to replace and no mold or other airborne infectious issues. The down side is the initial cost and they require a dedicated 20 amp 120 volt line.

You can install a built in unit yourself in a mater of hours. Most only need a 1/4 inch cold water line, a drain line that goes to the same place that the condensate line goes to. They have a plug in transformer for the 24 volt power and you will need to cut two holes in the air ducts near the air handler (furnace)

i have an idea for one that I plan to build and install for next years heating season that uses heat and air flow to evaporate the water. The heat keeps the bugs from living. The system has an auto flush power clean cycle that will keep the calcium from building up and will be installed in a catch tank to a drain for any posable leaks. Under $80 from off the shelf stuff.