Abstract: A method for vaporizing the refrigerant trapped in the oil reservoir of a hermetic compressor. The refrigerant is vaporized by heat from a small pill shaped PTC heater (positive temperature coefficient heater) simply attached with adhesive tape in a shallow depression disposed near the bottom of the reservoir. The depression, formed on the compressor shell as a seamless indentation, extends into the reservoir and has a concave shape that conforms to the external surface of the heater. This provides a strong and hermetically sealed integral heater fixture having close fitting heat conductive contact with its associated heater element. The heater, being disposed in the shallow indentation, is placed in more direct contact with the liquid refrigerant, which tends to settle at the bottom of the reservoir due to its density being greater than that of the oil.