CBI Maintenance Protocols 5

Question 1

How often should a fuel-burning furnace or boiler typically be professionally serviced?

Accepted Answer

Annually

Answer

Annual professional service checks combustion, venting, heat exchangers, and safety controls.

Question 2

Why is a cracked furnace heat exchanger a serious maintenance concern?

Accepted Answer

It can let combustion gases, including carbon monoxide, enter the supply air

Answer

A breached heat exchanger can let carbon monoxide and other combustion byproducts into the living space.

Question 3

Why should weep holes at the base of brick veneer be kept clear during maintenance?

Accepted Answer

They let water drain out of the wall cavity

Answer

Weep holes drain water that collects behind the veneer, and blocking them traps moisture against the sheathing.

Question 4

What indoor relative humidity range does the EPA recommend to help prevent mold growth?

Accepted Answer

30–50%

Answer

The EPA advises keeping indoor humidity between 30% and 50%, and below 60%, to limit mold growth.

Question 5

Where must a bathroom exhaust fan duct terminate?

Accepted Answer

To the exterior of the building

Answer

Bath exhaust must vent to the outdoors, because venting into an attic or cavity deposits moisture that causes mold and rot.

CBI - Certified Building Inspector Practice Test