California HVAC Practice Test (Free)

Question 1

What does static pressure measure in a forced-air duct system?

Accepted Answer

The resistance to airflow within the duct system

Answer

The refrigerant pressure at the compressor discharge

Answer

The voltage drop across the blower motor

Answer

The relative humidity of the supply air

Question 2

In a heat pump system, what does the reversing valve do?

Accepted Answer

It switches the direction of refrigerant flow to change between heating and cooling modes

Answer

It regulates the speed of the indoor blower motor

Answer

It filters particulates from the refrigerant

Answer

It controls the thermostat display

Question 3

Which EPA Section 608 certification type covers only small appliances such as household refrigerators and window air conditioning units?

Accepted Answer

Type I

Answer

Universal

Answer

Type II

Answer

Type III

Question 4

What is the primary function of a thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) in a refrigeration system?

Accepted Answer

To meter the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator based on superheat

Answer

To compress refrigerant vapor to a high pressure

Answer

To remove moisture from the refrigerant

Answer

To circulate air across the condenser coil

Question 5

A technician measures a suction line superheat much higher than the manufacturer's specification. Which condition most likely explains this reading?

Accepted Answer

The system has a low refrigerant charge or restricted metering device

Answer

The system is overcharged with refrigerant

Answer

The condenser fan motor is oversized

Answer

The thermostat is set too low

Question 6

What safety device shuts down a gas furnace burner if the heat exchanger overheats due to restricted airflow?

Accepted Answer

The limit switch

Answer

The thermostatic expansion valve

Answer

The condensate pump

Answer

The reversing valve

Question 7

A split-system air conditioner shows normal suction pressure but abnormally high head pressure. Which cause is most likely?

Accepted Answer

A dirty or blocked condenser coil restricting heat rejection

Answer

A low refrigerant charge

Answer

An oversized evaporator coil

Answer

A weak indoor blower capacitor

Question 8

In the basic refrigeration cycle, what happens to refrigerant as it passes through the evaporator coil?

Accepted Answer

It absorbs heat from the indoor air and evaporates into a low-pressure vapor

Answer

It releases heat and condenses into a liquid

Answer

It is compressed into a high-pressure vapor

Answer

It is throttled to increase its pressure

Question 9

Under EPA Section 608 rules, what is the maximum allowable rate of refrigerant loss from an appliance that would NOT trigger a leak repair requirement, in general terms?

Accepted Answer

Any leak rate above the applicable trigger threshold set by EPA must be repaired

Answer

Leak repair is never required regardless of leak rate

Answer

Only leaks visible to the naked eye must be repaired

Answer

Leak repair is required only for residential single-family systems

Question 10

In a forced-air gas furnace, what is the primary purpose of the heat exchanger?

Accepted Answer

To transfer heat from combustion gases to the circulating air without mixing them

Answer

To mix combustion gases directly into the supply air stream

Answer

To filter dust from the return air

Answer

To ignite the burner assembly