BPI Diagnostic Testing & Performance Evaluation 3

Question 1

What is 'depressurization' in the context of BPI combustion safety testing?

Accepted Answer

Creating a negative pressure inside relative to outdoors

Answer

Depressurization occurs when the indoor pressure is lower than outdoor pressure, which can cause combustion appliance flue gases to flow backward into living spaces.

Question 2

A home tests at 2,400 CFM50 and has a volume of 12,000 cubic feet. What is the ACH50 value?

Accepted Answer

12

Answer

ACH50 = (CFM50 × 60 minutes) ÷ building volume = (2,400 × 60) ÷ 12,000 = 12 ACH50.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes 'thermal bypass' as identified during an infrared scan?

Accepted Answer

Airflow that carries heat around or through insulation, reducing its effectiveness

Answer

Thermal bypass occurs when air movement through gaps in the building assembly carries heat around insulation, dramatically reducing its thermal resistance.

Question 4

In BPI standards, what is the maximum acceptable CO level in ambient air inside a home during combustion appliance testing?

Accepted Answer

9 ppm

Answer

BPI standards require that ambient CO levels not exceed 9 ppm (the EPA's 8-hour outdoor standard) before proceeding with energy upgrades.

Question 5

What diagnostic condition is indicated when a blower door test shows much lower CFM50 than expected for a building's age and size?

Accepted Answer

Previous air sealing work may have been completed, or the building has unusual construction

Answer

Unusually low CFM50 results may indicate prior weatherization work, unusually tight construction methods, or possibly test setup errors that should be verified.

(BPI) Building Performance Institute Certified Practice Test

(BPI) Building Performance Institute Certified Practice Test

BPI Diagnostic Testing & Performance Evaluation 3