A:Answer Thank you for sharing your experience, Valued Consumer! Water is not needed for the appliance to cool properly. For the best cooling results, ensure that the room is completely enclosed and insulated. Also, the room is the correct size for the product to work efficiently. If may need additional assistance, please feel free to contact the manufacturer by phone at 1-800-374-4432, Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-8:00 pm EST. -Katrina