In a method for controlling operation of a compressor, the compressor is shut off by a control device in order to prevent thermal damages when an estimated temperature value Ts calculated by said control device exceeds an upper threshold value Tmax while the compressor remains on or is allowed to be turned on when there is a need for compression and a lower threshold value Tmin is not reached. In order to be able to more accurately estimate the estimated temperature and increase the thermal availability of the compressor, the estimated temperature value Ts is indirectly and cyclically determined by means of a mathematical-physical model that characterizes the cooling and heating properties of the compressor.