Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning (HVAC) Inspection Flashcards
7 cards from real CHI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning (HVAC) Inspection flashcards as text
What is the required minimum clearance between a central air conditioner condenser unit and surrounding shrubs or fencing?
Answer: 18-24 inches on the sides and 48-60 inches above for airflow
Most manufacturers require 18-24 inches of clearance on the sides and at least 48-60 inches of unobstructed space above the condenser to allow adequate airflow for heat rejection.
During inspection of a gravity-type floor furnace, which condition presents the GREATEST safety hazard?
Answer: The combustion chamber is adjacent to a wood floor without a proper clearance shield
A combustion chamber in direct contact with or too close to a wood floor without proper clearance shielding poses a serious fire hazard due to heat transfer to combustible materials.
A home inspector finds that the supply and return air ducts of a forced-air system are both located in the ceiling of each room. What is the potential HVAC performance concern?
Answer: Short-circuiting may occur where supply air is immediately recirculated without mixing with room air
When supply and return registers are both located near the ceiling, short-circuiting can occur where conditioned air travels directly back to the return without effectively conditioning the lower portions of the room.
Which condition in a crawlspace would MOST directly affect HVAC efficiency and indoor air quality?
Answer: Open foundation vents with no vapor barrier and moisture on the ground
Open vents with no vapor barrier allow moisture to enter the crawlspace, which can be drawn into the HVAC system through leaky ducts, reducing efficiency and introducing mold spores into conditioned air.
What is a common indicator that an electric furnace heating element has failed during a home inspection?
Answer: The blower operates but only cool air is delivered from supply registers
If the blower is running but only cool or room-temperature air exits the supply registers on an electric furnace, one or more heating elements have likely failed.
What does it mean when a home inspector identifies an HVAC system as 'orphaned'?
Answer: A remaining appliance is now the only appliance connected to a shared flue after another appliance was removed
An orphaned appliance is one left alone on a shared flue after another appliance was removed, which can result in an oversized flue that causes improper drafting and potential backdrafting.
A home inspector observes that a gas furnace installed in a bedroom closet has no louvered door or combustion air provision. What is the primary concern?
Answer: The confined space will deplete oxygen needed for combustion, causing incomplete combustion and potential carbon monoxide production
A combustion appliance in a confined space without adequate combustion air provisions can deplete available oxygen, leading to incomplete combustion, yellow flames, and dangerous carbon monoxide production.