Study Guide:

CM 310 Exam #3 (Ch. 25-34)

Study the lecture slides
Know supplemental material introduced in the lectures
Bring a Scantron (Form No. 882-E) 100 questions
Chapter 25 Intro to HVACR:
Know why tons is used to rate the capacity of an air conditioning system
Cooling used to be achieved with ice. A ton of ice would take about 286,000 BTU to melt, and if it
could achieve that in a day, thats about 12,000 BTU/hr. Now a ton of AC is 12000 BTU/hr, or the
amount of cooling you would get from a ton of ice melting in one day.
Be able to identify the four essential components of the basic refrigeration cycle
Compressor, condenser, expansion device, and evaporator. The refrigerant is compressed to raise its
pressure and circulate it, then heat leaves the system at the condenser, where vapor is cooled and turns
to liquid, the expansion device cools the refrigerant even more by lowering the pressure, then the
evaporator is where heat enters the system, turning the liquid to a vapor.
Understand what happens when water changes to vapor
Heat energy is absorbed into the water, which means heat energy is lost from the environment around
the water. This means that when water evaporates, it is cooling the area around it.
Know the reason for rapidly freezing foods
When food freezes, ice crystals are formed. The crystals can damage the food on a cellular level,
causing the food to lose nutrients and taste. The faster a food is frozen, the smaller the ice crystals will
be, so freezing quickly preserves taste and nutrients.
Be able to differentiate between process heating & cooling and environmental heating
& air conditioning
Process heating and cooling is for essential heating and cooling, like keeping a computer room cool so
the computers don't overheat, or keeping other equipment at operable temperatures. Environmental
heating and air conditioning is for human comfort, like in a residence or office.
Know what HVACR stands for
HVACR stands for Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration.
Chapter 26 Residential AC:
Know what a heat pump split system is
A split system has the condensing unit outside the house so it has access to the outside air. The inside
portion consists of the evaporator coil and a fan, and the two units are connected by refrigerant piping.
An AC system needs to evaporator coil inside to collect heat energy from the room, cooling the room,
and the condenser needs to be outside so heat energy can leave the system outside. If both parts were
inside, it would be removing heat and then adding it right back into the same space.
Know how window unit air conditioners are designed to function
They are designed to fit through a window, with the condenser on the outside of the window and the
evaporator coil inside. There is a barrier inside the unit, which divides the indoor and outdoor space so
heat can be pumped outside.
Understand the advantages / disadvantages of room air conditioners
Room air conditioners are a relatively cheap and portable type of AC unit. The disadvantages are that
they render a window useless or require a hole in the wall, and they are load.

 As it applies to a stand-alone A/C unit, know what the terms upflow, downflow, and
horizontal refer to (also see Ch 27)
Upflow, downflow, and horizontal flow refer to the direction of the blower. For example, f the blower
is blowing air upwards, it would be upflow.
Understand what a split system is and why they were developed
See the first bullet point in this section. They are good because the loud part is outside, which means it
is quieter inside. The condenser must be outside, so if you don't want the coil to be right next to a wall,
you need a split system.
Know the basic configuration and major components (condenser, fan/evaporator,
refrigerant piping) of a residential split system A/C
Condensers are located outside, where the hot air cools the even hotter vapor refrigerant, which
condenses to a liquid, expelling heat energy out of the building. The now still pretty hot liquid
refrigerant is piped to the expansion device inside, which cools it the fuck down like spraying CO2 out
of a duster, then the evaporator coil absorbs heat energy from inside the building, evaporating the
refrigerant and cooling the room. The refrigerant is piped to the compressor, where is is compressed
and in turn heated, and then it goes back to the condenser to repeat the cycle.
Know how the energy efficiency ratio (EER) is calculated
Energy efficiency ratio, or EER, is the BTU/hr output of the unit divided by the watts required to
operate the unit. Usually systems have an EER of around 8, and 10 would be a very good system.
Chapter 27 Residential Split-System AC Installation:
Be able to identify the major considerations when determining the location of a split
systems outdoor condensing unit
When positing an outdoor condensing unit, try to avoid placing it: in noise sensitive area, in direct
sunlight, under an overhang where water or snow could fall into it, too close to the building or plants.
Know the two types of installations for the indoor section of a split system
Installing the coil is different for a cased and an uncased coil. For the cased coil, it basically just needs
to be set on the furnace, leveled, and attached to a supply air plenum and ductwork. Uncased coils need
to be installed inside the supply air plenum, so the furnace needs to be shut off and a hole needs to be
cut into the supply air plenum near the furnace. Then basically use brackets to support the coil and
patch shit up. Air handlers are complete assemblies with blower and coil, so they just need to be set in
place and attached to duct work.
Know the electrical wiring that is required for the installation of a split system
There are two dedicated line-voltage and two low voltage electrical circuits. One line-voltage goes to
the outdoor condensing unit (208/240 V), and one goes to the furnace or air handler (115 V or 230 V).
There is a low-voltage circuit from the furnace or air handler to the condensing unit and another lowvoltage circuit for the thermostat.
Have an understanding of the type of pipe used for refrigerant lines in a split system and
the significance of the overall length of the line
Soft ACR tubing is typically used, and its diameter depends on BTU capacity and length of the lines.
Pipes can generally run up to 175 ft, but they should be as short as possible. The lines should not run
longer than the specified length from the manufacturer. Long lines require modifications.
Chapter 28 Duct Installation:
Be able to identify the various duct system types illustrated in the text
Common duct systems include radial duct systems, which have many ducts from a central plenum, and
extended plenum systems, which have a large duct with many smaller ducts off of it. Both of these can
be reducing systems, where the duct size is reduced or the duct is split into smaller ducts to save on the

amount of duct used and to keep the pressure more consistent. There are also perimeter loop systems
where the air is blown to a perimeter loop that has multiple outlets. Finally, a central plenum system
uses cavities like basements or space between floors as one giant plenum and holes are cut to make
outlets.
Know which type of duct has the lowest friction rate
Galvanized sheet metal ducts have the lowest friction rate, meaning air can blow through them with the
least resistance. It takes less energy to push the air through them.
Know how flex duct compares to other types of duct materials
Flex ducts come compressed in a box 3 feet long, and when you open it they expand to 25 feet like a
snake in a can gag. They have a spiral metal wire for support, a smooth plastic inner liner, an outer
cover that is a vapor barrier, and fiberglass insulation between the liner and cover. They are popular
because they are inexpensive, easy to install, and quiet. The downsides are the potential for incorrect
installation and the very high friction from the internal metal wire ribs.
Be familiar with the preferred method of sealing joints in galvanized sheet metal ducts
Round sheet metal ducts usually have snap lock seams and crimped ends for easy connections.
Rectangular ducts have either snap lock joints or pittsburgh joints, and to connect two ducts, S locks
and drive cleats are used. All of these joints need to be sealed with mastic and duct tape.
Understand the various methods used to insulate ducts
Sheet metal ducts can be insulated with duct wrap on the outside that is clinch stapled to itself, or they
can be lined with fiberglass liner insulation instead, which is usually easier and quieter, but restricts
airflow. Another newer method is to use bubble wrap insulation, which is applied to the outside of a
duct with a spacer between the duct and bubble wrap. It doesn't irritate skin like fiberglass.
Know how air leakage is tested in a duct system
The most common way to test for air leakage is to seal all duct outlets and use a duct blaster to
pressurize the entire system. Once it is pressured, the duct blaster is adjusted until it is blowing a
certain CFM at which the pressure remains constant. This CFM is the total leakage of the system.
Be familiar with methods for cleaning duct systems
Sheet metal duct cleaning uses a little robot on a string with a camera and a spinning cleaner thing. It
just rolls up and down ducts, spinning its shit around. Flex ducts are more fragile and need to cleaned
with gentle brushed or just replaced. Big truck vacuum cleaners can be hooked up to suck the dirt out
of systems too.
Know how two pieces of round sheet metal duct are joined
One end of a section of round sheet metal duct is crimped to a smaller diameter so the end of the other
duct can slide around it. There is a wider ring at the end of the crimp to stop the ducts from sliding too
far into each other. Air is meant to flow from the normal end to the crimped end so the flow is not
disturbed very much. Seal with mastic and duct tape.
Chapter 29 Gas Furnace Installation:
Know the essential properties of and be able to differentiate between natural gas and LP
gas (propane)
Natural gas is a mixture of methane and ethane. LP gas is liquid petroleum, and includes propane and
butane, which are refined from crude oil. Propane is a lot denser than natural gas.
Understand the purpose of a regulator in a LP gas installation
Pressure regulators are necessary to maintain 11 in wc of pressure at the units. This is the incoming line
pressure used for all LP gas burning appliances, so gas from the tank must be regulated to that pressure.
Know the primary factors used in determining size of gas supply piping
Gas piping size is a function of the pressure, specific gravity of the gas, allowable loss from source to
unit, maximum gas consumption, and piping length.

 Know what type of material is used to vent a Category IV furnace

Category IV furnaces are generally vented with PVC because they operate with positive vent pressure
and the vent gases tend to condense in the vent. PVC can withstand the low temperatures from category
IV furnaces.
Understand what the temperature rise of a furnace is and how it is measured
Temperature rise is the difference in temperature before nad after the furnace. Just take measure the
temperature at each side and take the difference. You can use a two probe thermometer to measure the
difference more efficiently.
Be familiar with what adjustment needs to be made if the temperature rise of a furnace is
too low or too high
If the temperature is too high, increase the blower speed. If the temperature is too low, decrease the
blower speed. The slower the blower speed, the longer the intake air stays in contact with the heat
exchanger, so the hotter it will be coming out.
Understand the requirement for providing for combustion and ventilation air for a gas
furnace, and the typical configurations used for supplying this air
The furnaces need to be ventilated. There can be two lines, intake and exhaust, or the lines can run
concentrically with the intake line inside of the exhaust line so that only one hole needs to be made in
the wall. The intake and exhaust should be configured so that exhaust air is not sucked back into the
system.
Chapter 30 Electric Heat
Be able to compare advantages/disadvantages of electric vs. gas furnace
Electric heat is more compact, doesn't require any clearance, and doesn't require ventilation. Gas is
much cheaper than electricity.
Know what electric heater coils are made from
Electric heater coils are made out of nickel chrome alloy. Many metal alloys have too low a resistance
to be effective heating elements or are susceptible to extreme oxidation at elevated temperatures.
Understand how the heating elements are controlled in an electric furnace
There are single stage and two stage thermostat systems. Single stage can only control off/on and fan
speed. Two stage systems use a heat pump and auxiliary electric heat, which can both controlled.
Know what an electric duct heater is and be familiar with where they are installed / how
they function
Electric duct heaters are little electric heaters than are placed inside of a duct. They can have sensors so
they will only be turned on if there is air flow for safety or can be manually operated at the thermostat.
Understand how an electric furnace would be used to supplement a split-system heat
pump system and why this might be necessary
If its too damn cold and your heat pump system isn't heating your house enough, you can blast the
electric furnace too with the two stage thermostat.
Know how baseboard heaters are used and where they are to be installed
Baseboard heaters don't use fans. They are placed on the ground level where the hot air will rise and
cooler air will sink to be heated.
Chapter 31 Electric Heat Installation
Know the various locations and positions where an electric furnace could be installed
and how it should be supported
Electric furnaces can be placed anywhere and oriented in any direction. On a concrete slab, they can
rest on the return air plenum. In the attic, they can rest on a vibration isolation pad on the joists, or they
can be suspended. Pretty much anywhere is fine if the vibration is considered.

 Be able to compare the installation of an electric furnace with the installation of a gas
furnace
It's way easier. There are no gas pipe lines or ventilation lines. Its just the electrical wiring and the
ductwork and thats it.
Understand the importance of power wiring in the installation of an electric furnace
Use a table to get the wiring size correct. Only use aluminum if the manufacturer allows that.
Incorrectly wiring is dangerous, especially with a high current device like a furnace.
Know how power wiring is sized for an electric furnace installation
Control wiring should be 18 gage copper wire. For the power wiring, use a wire sizing table.
Know the essential connections that are required to install and electric furnace
Put it in place, install the ductwork and wiring. Connect the different colored wires to the designated
locations. Check the incoming voltage, hook it all up, and test it out.
Understand why an older home may not be a good candidate for an electric furnace
application
An older home may not have the electric service capability. Modern homes are typically 150-200A,
while older homes may only have service connections of 60-100A. In that case, the electric service
connection would need to be upgraded before installing an electric furnace.
Chapter 32 Testing and Balancing
Be able to define the role of Testing and Balancing within the HVAC industry
The TAB industry is an independent quality control checking mechanism for HVAC. The industry has
grown as people become more concerned with air quality and energy effiency.
Know what the main purpose of TAB
The main purpose is to test a system, and compare it to what the system was designed to do. This
means going through the system and making changes until the air coming out at the registers is as close
to what it was designed to be as possible.
Understand the most accurate way to measure air volume at a supply register
The most accurate way is with a flow measuring hood. This device attaches to a register and records the
volume of air flowing through it.
Know what a stroboscope and a tachometer would be used for
Stroboscopes are strobe lights with adjustable timing. They are used to measure the actual fan speed by
syncing the flashes so the fan appears to be frozen, and that strobe frequency is the frequency of the
fan. Tachometers can either use lasers to determine fan speed, or a mechanical tachometer can be
pressed against the motor shaft and display the fan speed.
Have an understanding of how air typically moves through a duct
The air moves the fastest in the center of the duct and slowest where it touches the duct, which causes
friction and slows the air.
Know the essential components of an air-balancing procedure
Basically measure the intake CFM and the output CFM and compare them to find leaks. Make sure the
fan is blowing at the correct speed. If the total CFM's match up, dampers can adjust how much air goes
to which register.
Understand how a damper would be used in an air-balancing procedure
Dampers restrict air flow. If a duct splits into two ducts that each have dampers, and you find that one
side is getting too much air and the other side isn't getting enough, the dampers can be adjusted so more
air goes to the side that isn't getting enough.
Know what would cause airflow at the supply registers to be much lower that airflow at
the blower
Leakage would cause the registers to have way less airflow than at the fan.

Chapter 33 HVACR Installation Techniques

Be able to define identify the primary considerations in determining placement of
equipment
There needs to be enough room for air movement around the condenser. It also should not be placed
under an overhang where water can drip into it. Finally noise should be considered, by placing it away
from windows and on an isolation pad.
Understand the importance of vibration isolation of equipment
It isn't only a noise issue. Rigid pipes (refrigeration lines) can be ruined by vibration. In some cases,
vibration can cause structural damage as well. Vibration isolation is required on all refrigeration and air
conditioning equipment where noise or vibration may be disturbing.
Be able to identify ways that vibration and sound transmission can be minimized
The compressor, the usual source of vibration, can be installed with springs or on rubber bushings. The
entire system can be placed on an isolation pad, chosen based on the weight of the unit. For pipes, a
small section of flexible piping is used between the unit and the rest of the piping so the vibrations
don't carry away from the unit.
Know the essential requirements for installing equipment in an attic space
The equipment should be either suspended from the ceiling or placed on an isolation pad on the joists.
There needs to be an access opening, a service cat walk platform from the opening to the unit, a
receptacle near the unit, a light near the unit, and a light switch by the access opening.
Know the essential requirements for installing equipment in a garage
It is not recommended to install HVACR equipment in garages, but if that's what someone wants, the
system should be protected by bollards so cars don't smash into it and should be 18 above the floor.
The supply air should not come from the garage, and ductwork should not have openings in the garage.
Understand the way valves are protected from damage when brazing copper pipes
Valves can be wrapped with wet rags or covered with heat absorbing spray or paste.
Know the major phases of an HVACR installation
Select a system, find a location, set shit up, get the fuck out.
Chapter 34 Residential Electrical Circuits
Know the two types of residential service drops
There is a mast service drop, which is like a ships mast that extends through and above the roof and the
service line attaches to the mast knob. A clevis drop is beneath the roof or just on the side of a building,
and the clevis is what the lines attach to.
Know how residential service meters measure energy usage
Service meters measure energy usage in kilowatt hours (kWh) which is power in watts (W) multiplied
by time in hours (hrs) divided by 1000.
Be able to define feeder circuit and branch circuit
Feeder circuits are lines that bring power to an electrical panel, and branch circuits are lines that
distribute power from the panel throughout the residence or building.
Understand how a single-pole switch and a three-way switch function
Single pole switches have a simple on and off position. The can be labeled because they are the only
switch to control a circuit. Three way switches are used so there can be two switches for the same
element, and flipping either switch will change the element from on to off or vice versa. This means on
and off cannot be labeled because it can be turned on at one switch, off at the other, and back on at the
first switch.
Be able to read the label on an NM (Romex) cable
Yes, for example, 12/3 w/GR means 12 gage, 3 wires and a ground wire.

 Know the current that can be handled by typical residential wire sizes
Smaller gage wires are larger and can handle larger currents. 14 gage can handle up to 15A, 12 gage
can handle up to 20A, 10 gage can handle up to 30A, and 8 gage can handle up to 40A.
Understand how the residential service entrance main disconnect switch functions and
where it is located
Main disconnect switches are located at the electrical panel and can be either externally operated or
accessed from within the panel. Throwing the main disconnect switch ceases the flow of electricity into
the building.
Be familiar with the three ways that electrical power can enter a residence
Electrical power can enter through mast or clevis service drops or laterally through underground power
lines.

HW #4 Temporary Structures
Be able to recall some of the significant ideas that were presented regarding soldier piles
and lagging shoring systems, scaffolding systems, cofferdams, slipforming and selfclimbing
formwork