CMI HVAC Systems & Ventilation Inspection Flashcards
6 cards from real CMI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CMI HVAC Systems & Ventilation Inspection flashcards as text
Why are HVAC duct systems a critical concern during a mold inspection in a water-damaged building?
Answer: Ducts can distribute mold spores throughout the entire building, contaminating previously unaffected areas
HVAC ductwork can act as a distribution network for mold spores, spreading contamination from a localized source to all areas served by the system.
Which component of a central air handling unit (AHU) is most prone to microbial growth due to perpetual moisture accumulation?
Answer: Drain pan and cooling coil
The drain pan and cooling coil are continuously exposed to condensate, creating ideal wet conditions for mold and bacterial growth within the AHU.
What is the significance of a negative building pressure in relation to mold growth potential?
Answer: Negative pressure causes infiltration of humid outdoor air through cracks, increasing moisture load and mold risk
A negatively pressurized building draws in unconditioned, potentially humid outdoor air through envelope gaps, raising indoor moisture levels and creating conditions favorable to mold growth.
When inspecting flexible ductwork in an attic, what mold-related concern is unique to this material compared to sheet metal ducts?
Answer: Flexible duct liner can absorb moisture and harbor mold growth that is difficult to remediate
Flexible ductwork contains fibrous insulating liner that can absorb moisture and support mold colonization, and contaminated sections typically must be replaced rather than cleaned.
What does a high-efficiency MERV 13 filter do to help prevent mold growth in an HVAC system?
Answer: It captures a high percentage of airborne mold spores before they can settle on wet cooling coils
MERV 13 filters capture particles in the 0.3–1.0 µm range at ≥75% efficiency, significantly reducing the mold spore load that reaches wet heat exchanger surfaces where colonization could occur.
An inspector finds standing water in the condensate drain pan of a rooftop unit. What is the primary corrective action?
Answer: Clear the drain line obstruction and slope the pan correctly to eliminate standing water
Standing water in a drain pan indicates a clogged or improperly sloped drain; correcting the obstruction and ensuring proper drainage is the primary fix to eliminate the mold growth medium.