CHI Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning (HVAC) Inspection 2

Question 1

When inspecting a heat pump, which defrost cycle symptom indicates normal operation?

Accepted Answer

Temporary steam rising from the outdoor unit during defrost

Answer

Steam rising from the outdoor unit is normal during a heat pump defrost cycle as the reversing valve briefly switches to cooling mode to melt accumulated ice.

Question 2

What is the minimum recommended clearance between a gas furnace flue vent and combustible materials?

Accepted Answer

1 inch

Answer

Single-wall metal flue pipe requires a minimum 6-inch clearance from combustibles, but high-efficiency furnaces with PVC venting require only 1 inch—however, B-vent requires 1 inch clearance per most codes.

Question 3

A home inspector notices the air handler's evaporator coil drain pan is full of standing water. What is the MOST likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Clogged condensate drain line

Answer

A clogged condensate drain line prevents condensation from draining, causing the drain pan to overflow with standing water.

Question 4

Which HVAC component is responsible for reversing refrigerant flow in a heat pump to switch between heating and cooling modes?

Accepted Answer

Reversing valve

Answer

The reversing valve (four-way valve) changes the direction of refrigerant flow, allowing the heat pump to operate in both heating and cooling modes.

Question 5

During a home inspection, the inspector observes yellow or orange flames in a natural gas furnace burner. This indicates:

Accepted Answer

Incomplete combustion possibly producing carbon monoxide

Answer

Yellow or orange flames in a gas burner indicate incomplete combustion, which can produce dangerous carbon monoxide; proper combustion produces a steady blue flame.

(CHI) Certified Home Inspector Practice Test

(CHI) Certified Home Inspector Practice Test

CHI Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning (HVAC) Inspection 2