A pressure equalization system staffs a compressor while maintaining the condenser at a high pressure, including a valve and a bleed port. The compressor inlet receives a fluid at a first pressure. The compressor outlet discharges the fluid at a second pressure, and is operable to compress the fluid from the first pressure to the second pressure. The valve, proximate to and in fluid communication with the compressor outlet, is movable to an open position during compressor operation to permit the fluid at the second pressure to flow through the valve and is movable to a closed position when the compressor stops operating to prevent backflow of the fluid at the second pressure through the valve toward the compressor inlet. The bleed port, upstream of the valve and in fluid communication with the compressor inlet, equalizes the pressure of the fluid contained in the compressor when compressor operation stops.