[NEW JERSEY HVAC LICENSE EXAM] – QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS
RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE |
EXAM PREP | STUDY GUIDE | PRACTICE TEST
1. A technician is called to inspect a residential split-system air conditioner that repeatedly
trips the breaker during startup. Which component should be checked FIRST for a locked-rotor
condition?
A. Condenser fan blade
B. Thermostat anticipator
C. Compressor windings
D. Liquid line filter drier
════════════════════
Correct Answer: C. Compressor windings
Rationale:
A locked-rotor compressor commonly causes high inrush current that trips the breaker
immediately during startup. Checking compressor windings for shorts, grounds, or locked-
rotor amperage conditions is the correct first diagnostic step. The condenser fan blade and
filter drier may affect operation but typically do not instantly trip breakers.
════════════════════
2. During a preventive maintenance inspection, a technician measures a temperature split of
only 8°F across an evaporator coil. What is the MOST likely cause?
A. Dirty condenser coil
B. Low refrigerant charge
C. Oversized liquid line
D. Defective contactor
════════════════════
Correct Answer: B. Low refrigerant charge
Rationale:
A low refrigerant charge often results in insufficient heat absorption at the evaporator,
leading to a low temperature differential across the coil. Dirty condenser coils usually increase
,head pressure, while an oversized liquid line or defective contactor would not directly create
this symptom.
════════════════════
3. A building owner asks whether a permit is required before replacing a commercial rooftop
HVAC unit in New Jersey. What should the licensed contractor advise?
A. Permits are optional for same-tonnage replacements
B. Only electrical permits are required
C. Permits are required before installation begins
D. Permits are only required for residential systems
════════════════════
Correct Answer: C. Permits are required before installation begins
Rationale:
New Jersey regulations require permits for HVAC equipment replacement and installation
work prior to beginning the project. This ensures code compliance, safety inspections, and
proper licensing oversight.
════════════════════
4. Which refrigerant characteristic is MOST important when evaluating environmental
impact?
A. Flash point
B. Boiling point
C. Thermal conductivity
D. Global warming potential
════════════════════
Correct Answer: D. Global warming potential
Rationale:
Global warming potential (GWP) measures the environmental impact of refrigerants on
climate change. Modern regulations increasingly focus on lowering GWP values. Flash point
and boiling point affect handling and performance but are not primary environmental
indicators.
════════════════════
,5. A technician finds ice accumulation on the suction line and evaporator coil of a heat pump.
Which condition is MOST likely causing the issue?
A. Restricted airflow across the evaporator
B. Oversized condenser fan motor
C. High ambient outdoor temperature
D. Excessive thermostat differential
════════════════════
Correct Answer: A. Restricted airflow across the evaporator
Rationale:
Restricted airflow reduces heat transfer across the evaporator coil, causing coil temperatures
to drop below freezing and resulting in ice buildup. Common causes include dirty filters,
blocked ducts, or blower issues.
════════════════════
6. Which instrument is used to accurately measure superheat in a refrigeration system?
A. Megohmmeter
B. Manometer
C. Thermometer and pressure gauge
D. Psychrometer
════════════════════
Correct Answer: C. Thermometer and pressure gauge
Rationale:
Superheat is calculated by comparing the actual suction line temperature with the saturation
temperature corresponding to suction pressure. This requires both a pressure gauge and an
accurate thermometer.
════════════════════
7. A contractor discovers asbestos insulation around existing ductwork during demolition.
What is the BEST course of action?
A. Wet the material and continue removal
B. Remove the insulation using PPE only
C. Stop work and notify appropriate authorities
D. Seal the material with duct tape and proceed
, ════════════════════
Correct Answer: C. Stop work and notify appropriate authorities
Rationale:
Asbestos-containing materials require specialized handling and regulated abatement
procedures. Work must stop immediately until qualified professionals assess and address the
hazard according to legal requirements.
════════════════════
8. A customer complains that several rooms remain warmer than others despite the system
operating continuously. Which issue is MOST likely responsible?
A. Uneven duct balancing
B. Oversized breaker
C. High compressor amperage
D. Defective disconnect switch
════════════════════
Correct Answer: A. Uneven duct balancing
Rationale:
Improper duct balancing commonly causes uneven air distribution throughout a building.
Some rooms may receive inadequate airflow, leading to temperature inconsistencies despite
continuous operation.
════════════════════
9. Which safety device is designed to prevent excessive pressure buildup in a boiler system?
A. Expansion tank
B. Relief valve
C. Flow switch
D. Flame sensor
════════════════════
Correct Answer: B. Relief valve
Rationale:
ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS
RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE |
EXAM PREP | STUDY GUIDE | PRACTICE TEST
1. A technician is called to inspect a residential split-system air conditioner that repeatedly
trips the breaker during startup. Which component should be checked FIRST for a locked-rotor
condition?
A. Condenser fan blade
B. Thermostat anticipator
C. Compressor windings
D. Liquid line filter drier
════════════════════
Correct Answer: C. Compressor windings
Rationale:
A locked-rotor compressor commonly causes high inrush current that trips the breaker
immediately during startup. Checking compressor windings for shorts, grounds, or locked-
rotor amperage conditions is the correct first diagnostic step. The condenser fan blade and
filter drier may affect operation but typically do not instantly trip breakers.
════════════════════
2. During a preventive maintenance inspection, a technician measures a temperature split of
only 8°F across an evaporator coil. What is the MOST likely cause?
A. Dirty condenser coil
B. Low refrigerant charge
C. Oversized liquid line
D. Defective contactor
════════════════════
Correct Answer: B. Low refrigerant charge
Rationale:
A low refrigerant charge often results in insufficient heat absorption at the evaporator,
leading to a low temperature differential across the coil. Dirty condenser coils usually increase
,head pressure, while an oversized liquid line or defective contactor would not directly create
this symptom.
════════════════════
3. A building owner asks whether a permit is required before replacing a commercial rooftop
HVAC unit in New Jersey. What should the licensed contractor advise?
A. Permits are optional for same-tonnage replacements
B. Only electrical permits are required
C. Permits are required before installation begins
D. Permits are only required for residential systems
════════════════════
Correct Answer: C. Permits are required before installation begins
Rationale:
New Jersey regulations require permits for HVAC equipment replacement and installation
work prior to beginning the project. This ensures code compliance, safety inspections, and
proper licensing oversight.
════════════════════
4. Which refrigerant characteristic is MOST important when evaluating environmental
impact?
A. Flash point
B. Boiling point
C. Thermal conductivity
D. Global warming potential
════════════════════
Correct Answer: D. Global warming potential
Rationale:
Global warming potential (GWP) measures the environmental impact of refrigerants on
climate change. Modern regulations increasingly focus on lowering GWP values. Flash point
and boiling point affect handling and performance but are not primary environmental
indicators.
════════════════════
,5. A technician finds ice accumulation on the suction line and evaporator coil of a heat pump.
Which condition is MOST likely causing the issue?
A. Restricted airflow across the evaporator
B. Oversized condenser fan motor
C. High ambient outdoor temperature
D. Excessive thermostat differential
════════════════════
Correct Answer: A. Restricted airflow across the evaporator
Rationale:
Restricted airflow reduces heat transfer across the evaporator coil, causing coil temperatures
to drop below freezing and resulting in ice buildup. Common causes include dirty filters,
blocked ducts, or blower issues.
════════════════════
6. Which instrument is used to accurately measure superheat in a refrigeration system?
A. Megohmmeter
B. Manometer
C. Thermometer and pressure gauge
D. Psychrometer
════════════════════
Correct Answer: C. Thermometer and pressure gauge
Rationale:
Superheat is calculated by comparing the actual suction line temperature with the saturation
temperature corresponding to suction pressure. This requires both a pressure gauge and an
accurate thermometer.
════════════════════
7. A contractor discovers asbestos insulation around existing ductwork during demolition.
What is the BEST course of action?
A. Wet the material and continue removal
B. Remove the insulation using PPE only
C. Stop work and notify appropriate authorities
D. Seal the material with duct tape and proceed
, ════════════════════
Correct Answer: C. Stop work and notify appropriate authorities
Rationale:
Asbestos-containing materials require specialized handling and regulated abatement
procedures. Work must stop immediately until qualified professionals assess and address the
hazard according to legal requirements.
════════════════════
8. A customer complains that several rooms remain warmer than others despite the system
operating continuously. Which issue is MOST likely responsible?
A. Uneven duct balancing
B. Oversized breaker
C. High compressor amperage
D. Defective disconnect switch
════════════════════
Correct Answer: A. Uneven duct balancing
Rationale:
Improper duct balancing commonly causes uneven air distribution throughout a building.
Some rooms may receive inadequate airflow, leading to temperature inconsistencies despite
continuous operation.
════════════════════
9. Which safety device is designed to prevent excessive pressure buildup in a boiler system?
A. Expansion tank
B. Relief valve
C. Flow switch
D. Flame sensor
════════════════════
Correct Answer: B. Relief valve
Rationale:
