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Residential vs Commercial HVAC Flashcards

7 cards from real HVAC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Residential vs Commercial HVAC flashcards as text

  1. Which type of HVAC system is most commonly used in large commercial office buildings?

    Answer: Variable Air Volume (VAV) system

    VAV systems allow individual zone control and are standard in large commercial buildings due to their energy efficiency and scalability.

  2. Commercial rooftop units (RTUs) differ from residential split systems primarily because RTUs:

    Answer: House all components in a single cabinet on the roof

    RTUs are self-contained units with all components (compressor, condenser, evaporator) in one cabinet mounted on the roof.

  3. A commercial chiller system uses chilled water loops instead of direct refrigerant expansion. What is the main advantage of this approach?

    Answer: Ability to serve many air handlers across a large building

    Chilled water systems distribute cooling via water pipes to multiple air handlers throughout a large building, making them ideal for large facilities.

  4. Residential HVAC systems typically operate on which electrical supply?

    Answer: 120/240V single-phase

    Residential HVAC equipment operates on standard residential single-phase 120/240V electrical service.

  5. What does 'tonnage' refer to in HVAC system sizing?

    Answer: The cooling capacity equal to 12,000 BTU/hr per ton

    One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU per hour, which originated from the amount of heat needed to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.

  6. Commercial HVAC systems often require more robust air filtration than residential systems. Which MERV rating is typically specified for commercial hospital applications?

    Answer: MERV 13-16

    Hospitals require MERV 13-16 or higher filtration to capture airborne pathogens and fine particulates that could harm immunocompromised patients.

  7. A retail store with 10,000 sq ft requires HVAC. Compared to a home of the same square footage, the commercial space will likely need:

    Answer: More cooling capacity due to higher occupancy and lighting loads

    Commercial spaces have higher internal heat gains from occupants, lighting, equipment, and frequent door openings, requiring more cooling capacity per square foot.