My brand new air conditioner failed in 15 months. The compressor failed.

The air handler is just above the water heater. The installers only put about 3 inches of duct below the air handler for the return air. The return air vent is in the hallway and goes into the garage to the air handler with about 2 to 3 inches before it reaches the bottom of the air handler.

The air handler ran 24 hours a day 7 days a week for the last 3 months during the cold months. Now the compressor goes straight to ground on all 3 legs. Circuit breaker trips immediately.

Is the reason the compressor failed because so little air can get to the air handler?

The air handler is above the HW heater? HMM. Sounds like you have a heat pump. Yes, with this winter it would run as you indicated. Can you post a picture? The air handler has no relation to the compressor which is outside.