A compressor apparatus includes a power source (26), a shell (12; 42), an electric motor (28; 52; 100; 200) having motor windings, and a control assembly (106; 206). The electric motor (28; 52; 100; 200) is located within the shell (12; 42). The control assembly a control assembly (106; 206) provides power to the motor windings from the power source (26) in two modes. A first mode provides power to the motor windings to generate heat without producing force output with the motor (28; 52; 100; 200). A second mode provides power to the motor windings to produce force output with the motor (28; 52; 100; 200). The control assembly (106; 206) activates the first mode for a selected time period prior to activation of the second mode in order to drive out a fluid (36) to reduce a risk of a flooded compressor start.