BPI Indoor Air Quality 2

Question 1

According to ASHRAE 62.2, which two variables are used to calculate the minimum whole-house mechanical ventilation rate for a residence?

Accepted Answer

Conditioned floor area and number of bedrooms

Answer

Building volume and number of occupants

Answer

Number of windows and total door area

Answer

Ceiling height and square footage of living areas

Question 2

Which type of residential ventilation system provides the greatest control over indoor air quality in an air-tight house while recovering energy?

Accepted Answer

Balanced ventilation with a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or energy recovery ventilator (ERV)

Answer

Natural ventilation through operable windows

Answer

Exhaust-only ventilation using bath fans

Answer

Supply-only ventilation using a dedicated outdoor air fan

Question 3

An energy recovery ventilator (ERV) differs from a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) primarily because an ERV also transfers which additional component between air streams?

Accepted Answer

Moisture (latent energy) between the exhaust and supply air streams

Answer

Carbon dioxide between incoming and outgoing air

Answer

Airborne particulates from outdoor air to the filter

Answer

Heat from supply air to the exhaust stream only

Question 4

Which instrument does a BPI assessor use to measure carbon monoxide concentrations in ambient air and appliance flue gases during a home assessment?

Accepted Answer

Combustion analyzer

Answer

Manometer

Answer

Psychrometer

Answer

Anemometer

Question 5

What is the recommended maximum indoor relative humidity level to inhibit mold growth and dust mite proliferation in residential buildings?

Accepted Answer

60%

Answer

40%

Answer

50%

Answer

70%

Question 6

When performing an indoor air quality assessment, what is the primary reason for measuring indoor CO2 concentrations?

Accepted Answer

As an indicator of ventilation adequacy relative to occupant load

Answer

To detect malfunctioning combustion appliances

Answer

To measure radon progeny decay products

Answer

To identify the presence of volatile organic compounds

Question 7

Which type of short-term radon test device is most commonly used by homeowners for initial screening of radon levels?

Accepted Answer

Charcoal canister placed in the lowest livable area for 2–7 days

Answer

Continuous electronic radon monitor requiring professional installation

Answer

Alpha track detector left in place for 3–12 months

Answer

Water sampling kit measuring radon in the water supply