We have run them for 4 years up to 3 months at a time without problems - quite the opposite they have solved damp problems. Just position it on draining board so in the unlikely event of a leak it will drain away anyway.
I had a VMC installed last year. I am hoping that, combined with frost gel setting on my electric heater panels, and most likely a dehumidifier draining into the sink my house will be ok (also with monitoring by the neighbors)