Alabama Heating and Air Conditioning Contractor Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers with Rationales (Verified Answers) 2026 Q&A | Guaranteed Pass (GRADED A+)

Alabama Heating and Air
Conditioning Contractor Exam
Practice Questions And Correct
Answers with Rationales (Verified
Answers) 2026 Q&A | Guaranteed
Pass (GRADED A+)

Question 1: What is the primary purpose of the evaporator
coil in an air conditioning system?

 A. To compress refrigerant
 B. To reject heat outdoors
 C. To absorb heat from indoor air
 D. To regulate airflow

Rationale: The evaporator coil absorbs heat from indoor air as
refrigerant evaporates inside the coil. This heat absorption cools
the indoor air before it is distributed through the building. The
condenser coil performs the opposite function by releasing heat
outdoors.

Question 2: Which refrigerant line carries low-pressure vapor
from the evaporator to the compressor?

 A. Liquid line
 B. Hot gas line

, C. Discharge line
- D. Suction line

Rationale: The suction line carries cool, low-pressure refrigerant
vapor from the evaporator outlet to the compressor inlet. Proper
insulation of this line helps maintain system efficiency and
prevents condensation.

Question 3: In ductwork design, what is the purpose of a
return air grille?

 A. To supply conditioned air to rooms
- B. To allow air to return to the HVAC unit for reheating or
recooling
 C. To filter outdoor air before entry
 D. To release excess pressure from the system

Rationale: Return air grilles create the air circulation loop by
allowing conditioned air to return to the HVAC unit, maintaining
proper air balance.

Question 4: What does a high head pressure typically
indicate?

 A. Low refrigerant charge
- B. Restricted airflow or overcharge
 C. Low compressor efficiency
 D. Dirty evaporator coil only

Rationale: High head pressure often results from poor condenser
airflow, overcharging, or non-condensable gases in the system.

Question 5: What is the purpose of a filter drier?

, A. Increase refrigerant pressure
- B. Remove moisture and contaminants from refrigerant
 C. Cool compressor oil
 D. Measure airflow

Rationale: Filter driers protect HVAC systems by absorbing
moisture and trapping debris that could damage components.

6. Which type of refrigerant is most commonly used in
modern residential systems?

 A. R-22
 B. R-410A
 C. R-134a
 D. Ammonia

Rationale: R-410A has replaced R-22 in most new systems due to
environmental regulations that banned R-22 production .

7. In Alabama, a licensed HVAC contractor must maintain:

 A. Insurance
 B. Bonding
 C. Continuing education
 D. All of the above

Rationale: Contractors in Alabama are required to have liability
insurance, a surety bond, and must complete continuing
education for license renewal .

8. What is the primary purpose of a condensate drain?

 A. Remove excess refrigerant
 B. Drain water from the evaporator coil

,  C. Increase system pressure
 D. Filter the air

Rationale: The condensate drain removes the water that
condenses on the evaporator coil during the cooling process .

9. What is the minimum clearance for combustion air intake
near a gas furnace as per the IMC?

 A. 6 inches
 B. 12 inches
 C. 24 inches
 D. 36 inches

Rationale: The International Mechanical Code (IMC) requires at
least 12 inches of clearance to ensure a safe air supply for
combustion .

10. SEER stands for:

 A. Standard Energy Efficiency Rating
 B. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
 C. System Efficiency Electrical Rating
 D. Safety Energy Electrical Ratio

Rationale: SEER measures the cooling efficiency of HVAC systems
over a season; a higher SEER rating indicates greater efficiency .

11. When installing a duct system, what is the minimum
insulation in Alabama for residential supply ducts in
unconditioned spaces?

 A. R-4
 B. R-6