Systems and methods are provided for controlling compressor systems to ensure sufficient pressure differentials to provide cooling. A compressor system includes a compressor, a suction pressure sensor at a suction of the compressor, a discharge pressure sensor, a condenser, an expansion device, a liquid line, a liquid line pressure sensor, an evaporator, a condenser blower and a controller. The method includes determining a pressure target based on an intermediate pressure within the compressor and a threshold cooling differential pressure value, determining a pressure ratio setpoint based on the pressure target and a liquid line pressure measured by the liquid line pressure sensor, controlling the condenser blower to operate based on the determined pressure ratio setpoint, determining a subcooling setpoint based on the pressure target and the liquid line pressure in the compressor system, and controlling the expansion device to operate based on the subcooling setpoint.