An apparatus and method for controlling operations of a reciprocating compressor are disclosed. The apparatus includes a compressor control factor detecting unit for detecting a compressor control factor to detect a stroke value corresponding to a point where TDC (Top Dead Center)≈0 on the basis of a stroke estimate value of a reciprocating compressor and values of a current and a voltage applied to a motor of the reciprocating compressor; a stroke reference value determining unit for determining a stroke reference value on the basis of the detected compressor control factor; and a controller for varying a voltage applied to the reciprocating compressor according to the determined stroke reference value.