UTAH HVAC CONTRACTOR EXAM – QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL
DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE
*CORE DOMAINS*
*Business and Law*
*HVAC Systems and Components*
*Fuel Gas Piping and Venting*
*Duct Systems and Design*
*Refrigeration and Air Conditioning*
*Ventilation and Exhaust*
*Safety and Personal Protective Equipment*
*Load Calculations and Psychrometrics*
*Controls and Electrical Systems*
*INTRODUCTION*
*The Utah HVAC Contractor Exam is a comprehensive assessment designed to evaluate
the competency and readiness of individuals seeking licensure within the state. The primary
purpose of this exam is to ensure that contractors possess the necessary technical
knowledge and legal understanding to protect public safety and property. This assessment
evaluates a broad range of skills, including system design, installation techniques,
maintenance, and adherence to state-specific regulations. The exam utilizes a combination
of multiple-choice and scenario-based questions to mirror the complexities of real-world job
sites. Candidates are tested on their ability to apply theoretical concepts to practical
decision-making and problem-solving scenarios, ensuring a high standard of professional
excellence in the HVAC industry.*
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. According to the International Mechanical Code (IMC), what is the minimum
clearance for an appliance in a closet if the manufacturer's instructions are not
provided?
A. 1 inch
B. 3 inches
,C. 6 inches
D. 12 inches
C. 6 inches
Explanation: The IMC generally requires a minimum of 6 inches of clearance from
combustible materials for mechanical appliances unless the manufacturer specifies a
different distance.
2. Which tool is most effective for measuring the pressure drop across a high-efficiency
air filter?
A. Anemometer
B. Manometer
C. Hygrometer
D. Tachometer
B. Manometer
Explanation: A manometer is used to measure air pressure differentials, such as the
static pressure drop across filters or coils in a duct system.
3. In a split-system air conditioner, where is the liquid line located?
A. Between the compressor and the condenser
B. Between the condenser and the expansion valve
C. Between the expansion valve and the evaporator
D. Between the evaporator and the compressor
B. Between the condenser and the expansion valve
Explanation: The liquid line carries high-pressure liquid refrigerant from the condenser
to the metering device (expansion valve).
4. What is the primary purpose of a P-trap in a condensate drain line?
A. To prevent air from entering or leaving the air handler
B. To filter out large debris from the drain line
C. To increase the velocity of the water flow
D. To prevent the growth of algae in the pan
A. To prevent air from entering or leaving the air handler
, Explanation: A P-trap creates a water seal that prevents air from being drawn into or
blown out of the unit through the drain line, which allows the water to drain properly.
5. When sizing a residential gas furnace, which manual should be used to calculate the
heat loss and heat gain of the structure?
A. Manual D
B. Manual S
C. Manual J
D. Manual T
C. Manual J
Explanation: ACCA Manual J is the industry standard for performing load calculations to
determine the heating and cooling requirements of a building.
6. A technician finds that a compressor is "short-cycling." Which of the following is the
most likely cause?
A. An oversized evaporator coil
B. A low refrigerant charge
C. A restricted return air duct
D. A blown capacitor
B. A low refrigerant charge
Explanation: Low refrigerant levels can cause the low-pressure switch to trip, shutting
down the compressor, only for it to restart as pressures equalize, leading to short-cycling.
7. Under Utah state law, what is the maximum fine for a first-time offense of
contracting without a valid license?
A. $500
B. $1,000
C. $2,500
D. $5,000
B. $1,000
Explanation: Utah administrative rules typically specify a $1,000 fine for a first-time
unlicensed contracting offense, though this can vary by specific severity.
8. What color is a recovery cylinder used for R-410A refrigerant?
, A. Rose/Pink
B. Green
C. White
D. Grey with a yellow top
D. Grey with a yellow top
Explanation: All recovery cylinders, regardless of the refrigerant type being stored, are
required by law to be painted grey with a yellow top.
9. Which of the following is a symptom of a dirty evaporator coil?
A. High suction pressure
B. Low head pressure
C. High superheat
D. Low suction pressure
D. Low suction pressure
Explanation: A dirty evaporator coil restricts heat transfer from the air to the refrigerant,
causing the refrigerant to remain cooler and at a lower pressure.
10. In a gas furnace, the "limit switch" is designed to open when:
A. The flame is extinguished
B. The heat exchanger becomes too hot
C. The gas pressure drops below 3.5" W.C.
D. The thermostat is satisfied
B. The heat exchanger becomes too hot
Explanation: The limit switch is a safety device that shuts off the gas valve if the air
temperature inside the furnace housing exceeds a safe limit, usually due to low airflow.
11. Which type of pipe is prohibited for use in gas piping systems according to most
mechanical codes?
A. Black steel pipe
B. Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST)
C. Cast-iron pipe
D. Copper tubing (Type L)
DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE
*CORE DOMAINS*
*Business and Law*
*HVAC Systems and Components*
*Fuel Gas Piping and Venting*
*Duct Systems and Design*
*Refrigeration and Air Conditioning*
*Ventilation and Exhaust*
*Safety and Personal Protective Equipment*
*Load Calculations and Psychrometrics*
*Controls and Electrical Systems*
*INTRODUCTION*
*The Utah HVAC Contractor Exam is a comprehensive assessment designed to evaluate
the competency and readiness of individuals seeking licensure within the state. The primary
purpose of this exam is to ensure that contractors possess the necessary technical
knowledge and legal understanding to protect public safety and property. This assessment
evaluates a broad range of skills, including system design, installation techniques,
maintenance, and adherence to state-specific regulations. The exam utilizes a combination
of multiple-choice and scenario-based questions to mirror the complexities of real-world job
sites. Candidates are tested on their ability to apply theoretical concepts to practical
decision-making and problem-solving scenarios, ensuring a high standard of professional
excellence in the HVAC industry.*
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. According to the International Mechanical Code (IMC), what is the minimum
clearance for an appliance in a closet if the manufacturer's instructions are not
provided?
A. 1 inch
B. 3 inches
,C. 6 inches
D. 12 inches
C. 6 inches
Explanation: The IMC generally requires a minimum of 6 inches of clearance from
combustible materials for mechanical appliances unless the manufacturer specifies a
different distance.
2. Which tool is most effective for measuring the pressure drop across a high-efficiency
air filter?
A. Anemometer
B. Manometer
C. Hygrometer
D. Tachometer
B. Manometer
Explanation: A manometer is used to measure air pressure differentials, such as the
static pressure drop across filters or coils in a duct system.
3. In a split-system air conditioner, where is the liquid line located?
A. Between the compressor and the condenser
B. Between the condenser and the expansion valve
C. Between the expansion valve and the evaporator
D. Between the evaporator and the compressor
B. Between the condenser and the expansion valve
Explanation: The liquid line carries high-pressure liquid refrigerant from the condenser
to the metering device (expansion valve).
4. What is the primary purpose of a P-trap in a condensate drain line?
A. To prevent air from entering or leaving the air handler
B. To filter out large debris from the drain line
C. To increase the velocity of the water flow
D. To prevent the growth of algae in the pan
A. To prevent air from entering or leaving the air handler
, Explanation: A P-trap creates a water seal that prevents air from being drawn into or
blown out of the unit through the drain line, which allows the water to drain properly.
5. When sizing a residential gas furnace, which manual should be used to calculate the
heat loss and heat gain of the structure?
A. Manual D
B. Manual S
C. Manual J
D. Manual T
C. Manual J
Explanation: ACCA Manual J is the industry standard for performing load calculations to
determine the heating and cooling requirements of a building.
6. A technician finds that a compressor is "short-cycling." Which of the following is the
most likely cause?
A. An oversized evaporator coil
B. A low refrigerant charge
C. A restricted return air duct
D. A blown capacitor
B. A low refrigerant charge
Explanation: Low refrigerant levels can cause the low-pressure switch to trip, shutting
down the compressor, only for it to restart as pressures equalize, leading to short-cycling.
7. Under Utah state law, what is the maximum fine for a first-time offense of
contracting without a valid license?
A. $500
B. $1,000
C. $2,500
D. $5,000
B. $1,000
Explanation: Utah administrative rules typically specify a $1,000 fine for a first-time
unlicensed contracting offense, though this can vary by specific severity.
8. What color is a recovery cylinder used for R-410A refrigerant?
, A. Rose/Pink
B. Green
C. White
D. Grey with a yellow top
D. Grey with a yellow top
Explanation: All recovery cylinders, regardless of the refrigerant type being stored, are
required by law to be painted grey with a yellow top.
9. Which of the following is a symptom of a dirty evaporator coil?
A. High suction pressure
B. Low head pressure
C. High superheat
D. Low suction pressure
D. Low suction pressure
Explanation: A dirty evaporator coil restricts heat transfer from the air to the refrigerant,
causing the refrigerant to remain cooler and at a lower pressure.
10. In a gas furnace, the "limit switch" is designed to open when:
A. The flame is extinguished
B. The heat exchanger becomes too hot
C. The gas pressure drops below 3.5" W.C.
D. The thermostat is satisfied
B. The heat exchanger becomes too hot
Explanation: The limit switch is a safety device that shuts off the gas valve if the air
temperature inside the furnace housing exceeds a safe limit, usually due to low airflow.
11. Which type of pipe is prohibited for use in gas piping systems according to most
mechanical codes?
A. Black steel pipe
B. Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST)
C. Cast-iron pipe
D. Copper tubing (Type L)
