AZ L-97 Geothermal Systems
Contractor Exam Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationale2026 Q&A| Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which type of geothermal system extracts heat from the ground using a
closed-loop piping system?
A. Open-loop system
B. Closed-loop system
C. Direct expansion system
D. Air-source system
Rationale: Closed-loop systems circulate a fluid through pipes buried
in the ground to exchange heat efficiently.
2. What is the primary purpose of a geothermal heat pump?
A. To generate electricity
B. To transfer heat between the building and the ground
C. To store solar energy
D. To heat water only
Rationale: Geothermal heat pumps move heat rather than generate it,
making them highly efficient for heating and cooling.
3. What is the recommended loop length for a horizontal closed-loop
geothermal system for a typical residential home?
A. 50–100 feet per ton
B. 100–200 feet per ton
C. 400–600 feet per ton
D. 1000–1200 feet per ton
, Rationale: Horizontal loops require longer piping to efficiently
exchange heat with the ground.
4. Which fluid is commonly used in geothermal closed-loop systems for
heat transfer?
A. Pure water only
B. Water with antifreeze (ethylene glycol or propylene glycol)
C. Oil
D. Refrigerant only
Rationale: Antifreeze solutions prevent freezing and maintain system
efficiency in cold climates.
5. Which of the following is an advantage of a vertical geothermal loop
compared to a horizontal loop?
A. Less expensive installation
B. Smaller land footprint
C. Easier to repair
D. Shorter pipe length
Rationale: Vertical loops require less surface area, making them
suitable for smaller lots or limited space.
6. In a geothermal heat pump system, the coefficient of performance
(COP) indicates:
A. System size in tons
B. System efficiency
C. Water flow rate
D. Pipe diameter
Rationale: COP is the ratio of heating or cooling output to energy
input, reflecting system efficiency.
7. What is the standard operating temperature range of water in a
residential closed-loop geothermal system?
A. 20–40°F
B. 60–90°F
C. 30–50°F
D. 90–120°F
Rationale: Ground loop temperatures are generally stable, between
30°F and 50°F, depending on climate.
8. Which component is responsible for transferring heat from the ground
loop to the building air?
A. Compressor
, B. Expansion valve
C. Heat exchanger
D. Condenser fan
Rationale: The heat exchanger separates the loop fluid from the air
handling system while transferring heat efficiently.
9. How often should a closed-loop geothermal system’s antifreeze
solution be tested?
A. Every month
B. Every 2 years
C. Annually
D. Only at installation
Rationale: Annual testing ensures proper freeze protection and
system performance.
10. What is the main environmental benefit of geothermal heating
and cooling systems?
A. They increase water consumption
B. They produce more greenhouse gases
C. They reduce fossil fuel use and emissions
D. They require frequent chemical cleaning
Rationale: Geothermal systems use renewable ground heat,
significantly lowering carbon emissions compared to conventional
HVAC systems.
11. What is the typical lifespan of the underground piping in a
geothermal closed-loop system?
A. 5–10 years
B. 10–15 years
C. 20–25 years
D. 50+ years
Rationale: High-density polyethylene (HDPE) piping is extremely
durable and designed for long-term use underground.
12. Which drilling method is commonly used for vertical geothermal
loops?
A. Trenching
B. Horizontal boring
C. Auger or rotary drilling
D. Fracking
Contractor Exam Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationale2026 Q&A| Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which type of geothermal system extracts heat from the ground using a
closed-loop piping system?
A. Open-loop system
B. Closed-loop system
C. Direct expansion system
D. Air-source system
Rationale: Closed-loop systems circulate a fluid through pipes buried
in the ground to exchange heat efficiently.
2. What is the primary purpose of a geothermal heat pump?
A. To generate electricity
B. To transfer heat between the building and the ground
C. To store solar energy
D. To heat water only
Rationale: Geothermal heat pumps move heat rather than generate it,
making them highly efficient for heating and cooling.
3. What is the recommended loop length for a horizontal closed-loop
geothermal system for a typical residential home?
A. 50–100 feet per ton
B. 100–200 feet per ton
C. 400–600 feet per ton
D. 1000–1200 feet per ton
, Rationale: Horizontal loops require longer piping to efficiently
exchange heat with the ground.
4. Which fluid is commonly used in geothermal closed-loop systems for
heat transfer?
A. Pure water only
B. Water with antifreeze (ethylene glycol or propylene glycol)
C. Oil
D. Refrigerant only
Rationale: Antifreeze solutions prevent freezing and maintain system
efficiency in cold climates.
5. Which of the following is an advantage of a vertical geothermal loop
compared to a horizontal loop?
A. Less expensive installation
B. Smaller land footprint
C. Easier to repair
D. Shorter pipe length
Rationale: Vertical loops require less surface area, making them
suitable for smaller lots or limited space.
6. In a geothermal heat pump system, the coefficient of performance
(COP) indicates:
A. System size in tons
B. System efficiency
C. Water flow rate
D. Pipe diameter
Rationale: COP is the ratio of heating or cooling output to energy
input, reflecting system efficiency.
7. What is the standard operating temperature range of water in a
residential closed-loop geothermal system?
A. 20–40°F
B. 60–90°F
C. 30–50°F
D. 90–120°F
Rationale: Ground loop temperatures are generally stable, between
30°F and 50°F, depending on climate.
8. Which component is responsible for transferring heat from the ground
loop to the building air?
A. Compressor
, B. Expansion valve
C. Heat exchanger
D. Condenser fan
Rationale: The heat exchanger separates the loop fluid from the air
handling system while transferring heat efficiently.
9. How often should a closed-loop geothermal system’s antifreeze
solution be tested?
A. Every month
B. Every 2 years
C. Annually
D. Only at installation
Rationale: Annual testing ensures proper freeze protection and
system performance.
10. What is the main environmental benefit of geothermal heating
and cooling systems?
A. They increase water consumption
B. They produce more greenhouse gases
C. They reduce fossil fuel use and emissions
D. They require frequent chemical cleaning
Rationale: Geothermal systems use renewable ground heat,
significantly lowering carbon emissions compared to conventional
HVAC systems.
11. What is the typical lifespan of the underground piping in a
geothermal closed-loop system?
A. 5–10 years
B. 10–15 years
C. 20–25 years
D. 50+ years
Rationale: High-density polyethylene (HDPE) piping is extremely
durable and designed for long-term use underground.
12. Which drilling method is commonly used for vertical geothermal
loops?
A. Trenching
B. Horizontal boring
C. Auger or rotary drilling
D. Fracking
