CMI CMI HVAC Systems & Ventilation Inspection 3

Question 1

Which method is used by mold inspectors to evaluate HVAC duct contamination without full duct disassembly?

Accepted Answer

Swab or bulk sampling from accessible duct openings and visual inspection with a borescope camera

Answer

Thermal imaging of the exterior duct surface only

Answer

Air sampling at the supply registers only

Answer

Mold in ducts can only be confirmed by complete duct removal

Question 2

A mold inspector finds mold growth on the interior insulation of a return air plenum. What remediation approach is typically required?

Accepted Answer

Remove and replace the contaminated insulation, as fibrous materials cannot be adequately cleaned

Answer

Apply biocide spray to the surface and leave in place

Answer

Sand the surface and repaint with mold-resistant coating

Answer

Seal the mold with an encapsulant without removal

Question 3

What does a high duct leakage rate indicate about building mold risk from an HVAC perspective?

Accepted Answer

Leaky ducts can draw in humid unconditioned air and deposit it throughout the system, increasing moisture and mold risk

Answer

High duct leakage improves ventilation and reduces mold risk

Answer

Duct leakage only affects energy costs, not air quality or mold

Answer

Duct leakage is only relevant for ducts located outside conditioned space

Question 4

According to NADCA standards, what is the primary trigger for recommending HVAC duct cleaning related to mold?

Accepted Answer

Confirmed microbial growth (mold or bacteria) inside the duct system or on HVAC components

Answer

Duct systems older than 10 years require cleaning regardless of condition

Answer

Any amount of dust on duct surfaces warrants full cleaning

Answer

NADCA recommends cleaning only after full building remediation is complete

Question 5

A mold inspector uses a psychrometric chart during an HVAC system evaluation. What primary calculation does this tool support?

Accepted Answer

Determining dew point temperature to predict where condensation and mold growth may occur on surfaces

Answer

Calculating the square footage of mold contamination

Answer

Measuring airborne spore concentrations in supply air

Answer

Estimating remediation costs based on building volume

Question 6

What role does building pressurization testing play in a comprehensive mold inspection?

Accepted Answer

It identifies air infiltration pathways that could bring humid outdoor air into the building envelope

Answer

Pressurization testing measures mold spore counts in pressurized zones

Answer

It is only relevant for radon mitigation, not mold

Answer

Building pressurization testing is a remediation step, not an inspection step