This is a question we get asked quite often. Your condenser is designed to be outside in the elements with sufficient air flow. That being said, covering the unit with a properly fitted cover will provide some added longevity and prevent snow from sitting inside the unit during the winter months. It’s important that you use a proper cover that will allow for some air movement throughout the unit. When you seal the unit completely with a tarp and bungy cords for example, you are encouraging condensation to form inside. Without air movement the condensation will just sit on the components and cause premature failure. Our Trane XLI air conditioning units come with a permanent built in cover, so you never have to worry about it.
So in short, it’s beneficial to cover your central air conditioning condenser with a properly fitted cover.