BAP Quality Assurance & Compliance 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a blower door test, a BAP discovers the measured ACH50 is significantly higher than the design target. What is the MOST appropriate immediate action?
- Document the result and proceed to the next test
- Conduct a zone-by-zone pressurization to locate major leakage sites (Correct answer)
- Immediately fail the building and issue a non-compliance notice
- Reduce the blower door fan speed and re-test
Correct answer: Conduct a zone-by-zone pressurization to locate major leakage sites
Zone-by-zone pressurization isolates the source of excess infiltration so it can be remediated before a final compliance test.
Question 2: Which ASHRAE standard establishes minimum ventilation rates for acceptable indoor air quality in residential buildings?
- ASHRAE 90.1
- ASHRAE 62.2 (Correct answer)
- ASHRAE 55
- ASHRAE 189.1
Correct answer: ASHRAE 62.2
ASHRAE 62.2 sets minimum mechanical and natural ventilation requirements specifically for residential occupancies.
Question 3: A quality control checklist for duct leakage compliance should verify that duct leakage to the outside does NOT exceed what percentage of system airflow under ENERGY STAR requirements for new homes?
- 10%
- 8%
- 6%
- 4% (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 4%
ENERGY STAR Version 3.1 requires total duct leakage to outside to be ≤4% of system design airflow.
Question 4: When verifying insulation compliance, a BAP notices that batts in wall cavities are slightly compressed. What is the primary concern?
- Compressed batts increase fire risk
- Compression reduces the effective R-value below the rated value (Correct answer)
- Compressed batts trap more moisture than rated
- Compression increases thermal bridging through framing
Correct answer: Compression reduces the effective R-value below the rated value
Fiberglass and mineral wool batts achieve their rated R-value only at full thickness; compression lowers the installed R-value.
Question 5: Which document would a BAP use as the primary reference to confirm that a window installation meets the required U-factor for a specific IECC climate zone?
- Window manufacturer's marketing brochure
- NFRC label affixed to the window unit (Correct answer)
- Building permit application
- LEED scorecard submitted by the contractor
Correct answer: NFRC label affixed to the window unit
The NFRC label provides certified U-factor and SHGC values that can be compared directly against IECC climate zone requirements.
Question 6: A BAP reviewing a mechanical system finds the HVAC equipment has a SEER rating below the federally mandated minimum for the region. What compliance step is required?
- Note the deficiency and allow occupancy pending upgrade
- Issue a correction notice requiring equipment replacement before issuing a passing report (Correct answer)
- Apply a 10% efficiency adjustment factor to the calculation
- Upgrade the ductwork to compensate for the lower-efficiency unit
Correct answer: Issue a correction notice requiring equipment replacement before issuing a passing report
Equipment that does not meet federal minimum efficiency standards must be replaced; efficiency deficiencies cannot be offset by other measures.
Question 7: During a final quality assurance walkthrough, a BAP observes that the air barrier is continuous everywhere EXCEPT at the top plate-to-drywall intersection in one room. How should this be classified?
- Acceptable if the room is not conditioned space
- A minor aesthetic defect requiring no corrective action
- A building envelope deficiency requiring air sealing before final approval (Correct answer)
- Acceptable if the attic insulation R-value exceeds code minimum
Correct answer: A building envelope deficiency requiring air sealing before final approval
Air barrier continuity at all envelope transitions is required; gaps at top plates are common but significant leakage paths that must be sealed.
BAP Quality Assurance & Compliance 2
During a blower door test, a BAP discovers the measured ACH50 is significantly higher than the design target.
What is the MOST appropriate immediate action?