A system and a method include monitoring a discharge temperature of a compressor of a powered system while the compressor is in an unpowered state, and changing the state of the compressor from the unpowered state to an unloaded powered state to start operation of the compressor responsive to the discharge temperature of the compressor reaching a first temperature threshold. The discharge temperature of the compressor is monitored for a first length of time while the compressor operates in the unloaded powered state. The state of the compressor is changed from the unloaded powered state to a loaded powered state responsive to the discharge temperature being within a first temperature range for the first length of time.
