"Why I switched from a DIY AC cover to a DECOCLIM"
Cécile Leprêtre, known on Instagram as @lespenateslilloises, has been sharing for several years the renovation and decoration of her warm and authentic Lille home. Passionate about DIY, she had imagined and built her own AC cover using wooden boards, following a slow design approach. After a few years of use, she finally decided to switch to a DECOCLIM AC cover. She looks back on this experience and explains why she does not regret this choice.
1. The choice of DIY
What made you want to create your own AC cover?
At first, I was full of enthusiasm and thought: “Why buy an AC cover when I can make one myself?”
I wanted to do some DIY, to create something aesthetic and discreet that blended into our decor. I imagined a slow design project, reusing larch wood leftover from our privacy screen. I screwed, sanded, adjusted… and I was proud of my little homemade AC cover.
2. The limits encountered over time
At what point did you realize your DIY AC cover had its limits?
I quickly understood that I hadn’t thought of everything. The project was pretty, yes, but I had completely overlooked the technical side. And an AC unit needs good airflow to function properly… Visually, my cover looked fine, but in everyday use, it was another story:
- In winter, I had to remove certain parts to avoid skyrocketing electricity bills (and removing frozen wood… honestly, no thank you).
- In summer, I always had that small fear that the AC might overheat.
- And over time, with all the screwing and unscrewing, the wood warped and the cover deteriorated.
3. The search for an alternative
What made you look for another solution?
It took me several seasons to admit it: my DIY AC cover had its limits.
And at some point, I stopped patching it up. I wanted a real, reliable solution, designed to last. I think the turning point was that January day when I had to dismantle the cover at –2°C, with frozen fingers and squeaking screws… That’s when I said to myself: “OK, Cécile, maybe it’s time to move on.”
4. Discovering DECOCLIM
How did you discover DECOCLIM and why did you choose them?
I already knew the name DECOCLIM. They actually contacted me when I shared my homemade AC cover. Their message was extremely kind: a few words to warn me of certain risks, without judgement or criticism.
They stayed in touch over the months. Always a kind message, always curious to know whether my DIY creation was holding up. I thought that was very rare — and precious.
What convinced me? Their attentiveness, their patience, their human approach. They never pushed me to buy. And when I decided I needed a real solution, it was naturally to them that I turned.
5. The choice and the installation
Which model did you choose and how did the installation go?
I chose a simple model, without any pattern. For me, a good AC cover is one you forget about. The hardest part? Choosing the colour! I ended up opting for a soft tone, slightly “earth umber” — a grey with green undertones, which matches perfectly with the joinery and the garden. Honestly, the installation was easy. In just under an hour, it was installed. No hassle — and especially no seasonal dismantling.
6. The verdict after use
What has changed since the installation of your DECOCLIM?
The greatest advantage is peace of mind. No more seasonal dismantling, no more stress during heatwaves, no more wood warping or squeaking screws… Now everything is stable, well ventilated, and doesn’t move. Aesthetically, it’s exactly what I wanted: it blends seamlessly into the surroundings. You no longer see the AC unit — you see the garden.
7. Cécile’s advice
What advice would you give to someone hesitating between DIY and DECOCLIM?
If it's for the pleasure of DIY, why not. But for a durable, discreet, and efficient AC cover, it’s better to choose a solution designed for this purpose. It’s not “just a cover”: it’s a real product, solid, discreet, and built to withstand outdoor conditions all year round. And honestly, I think I should have done it earlier.
Cécile’s testimony clearly illustrates the difference between a homemade project, even when carefully made, and a technical solution designed to last. DECOCLIM provides an aesthetic and reliable answer while preserving the proper functioning of the unit — so the AC remains efficient and you can fully enjoy your outdoor space.
Find Cécile on Instagram: @lespenateslilloises
Video collaboration with DECOCLIM: here
