I'm looking to buy or make a cover for my central air condenser. I've seen some that only cover the top and others that cover almost the whole thing, leaving a 3-4" gap from the ground. Is one design better than the other. I live in southern New York and we do get a decent amount of snow from December-March. Thanks.

It will not matter as long as the unit does not run while covered. A heat pump will run in the winter time and it would be very bad for it to run while covered. In areas with snow cover probabilities, heat pump condensing units need to be installed above drift levels. If it is not a heat pump, you should consider getting one for environmental reasons as well as a potential savings up to 40% on heating utility bill.
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