An outdoor air conditioner is designed to be an all-weather device… Nothing should impede its airflow since heat transfer from the indoor unit to the outdoor Heating and Air Conditioning unit requires that this outdoor idea radiates energy to the atmosphere, however you could mangle your Heating and Air Conditioning idea when you cover or block the outdoor unit.
You may have thought of protecting your air conditioner while I was in the off-season to prevent elements of weather from destroying your unit, however your outdoor unit is designed to withstand.
Any dirt or dust that may gather on your air conditioner is washed away with rain and snow, but while you may think that rain and water will destroy the unit, its internal unit is protected against water, and rainwater has a designated path to drain the water out to prevent your unit from accumulating moisture; However, you may need to cover your unit after summer time to prepare for fall because your outdoor unit is not built to keep out debris, leaves, seeds, or nuts, however during fall, leaves and seeds get into your outdoor A/C unit, and this may cause moisture to build up to where seeds and debris have accumulated… The moisture build-up will end up causing corrosion to your unit and blockages to your drainage system, but if you choose to make your cover, it is advisable only to cover the top of your outdoor A/C unit, but covering the entire unit will lead to moisture getting trapped inside, which will cause your unit to rust and corrode. When you fully cover up your unit, you will have gave rodents a site to stay instead of repelling them away.