ARE 5.0 Project Planning & Design
UPDATED ACTUAL Exam Questions and
CORRECT Answers
Decoupling - CORRECT ANSWER - Process of mechanically separating components to
reduce the transmission of vibrations, sound, or other forces. In soundproofing, decoupling is
used to isolate walls or floors to prevent sound waves from traveling through solid connections
like studs or joists.
Contour lines represent a valley when - CORRECT ANSWER - pointing toward higher
elevations
Contour lines represent a ridge when - CORRECT ANSWER - pointing toward lower
elevations
In a compressor you are - CORRECT ANSWER - increasing movement of the air
molecules (movement > heat > energry)
The refrigeration cycles does not produce coolth, it... - CORRECT ANSWER - removes
heat
Refrigerant - CORRECT ANSWER - Fluid that circulates between the cooling cool
(evaporator coil) and condenser coils and creates the refrigeration cycle in air condition systems
and heat pumps.
Refrigeration Cycle meaning - CORRECT ANSWER - During this cycle between tow
ends of the air conditiong system (the evaporation coiils and condenser coils), the refrigeratn
fluid undergoes a repeated change of state from a liquid to a gas and back again. Basially takes
the heat where it is not required (indoor) and dumps it out where it doesn't matter (outside)
Refrigeration Cycle 4 Components in order - CORRECT ANSWER - 1. Compressor 2.
Condenser Coil 3. Expansion Valve 4. Evaporator Coil
,Refrigeration Cycle is undirectional. Refrigeration Cycles only cool. - CORRECT
ANSWER - Heat Pumps are bidirection (reversible). Heat Pumps can heat and cool.
Single-Package Heat Pumps - CORRECT ANSWER - Typically located on the roof, one-
piece units that house the units of the heat pump, they are heavy and noisy so they are typically
placed outside.
Split Heat Pump Systems (type of mini split) - CORRECT ANSWER - Outdoor and
indoor units of the heat pump are separated, flexibility for zoning, they are ductless and easy to
install
A heat recovery ventilator does not... - CORRECT ANSWER - does not introduce new
heat energy into the building
The lower the entropy, the _____ the quality of energy - CORRECT ANSWER - higher
the quality of energy
Entropy - CORRECT ANSWER - Can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of heat
transfer processes within an HVAC system. For example, a high entropy value indicates a greater
level of energy dispersion and infficiency, while a lower entropy value suggests better energy
utilization and a more efficient system.
Ways to ensure entropy is reduced - CORRECT ANSWER - Use efficient equipment,
properly insulating buildings, optimizing airflow, and implementing automated control systems
When are mechanical spaces size determined? - CORRECT ANSWER - Typically
specificed later during Design Documentation phase however it is best to bring out the HVAC
consultant as EARLY as possible to ensure coordination
When is a boiler most efficient - CORRECT ANSWER - when running at a full rate
,Modular boilers - CORRECT ANSWER - A series of independent boilers that are
designed to work at the full rate all the time, and when ONE is not enoguth, the rest of the boilers
kick in gradually.
If the volume of a container of gas molecules is compressed to half its size what factors are
increased? - CORRECT ANSWER - The molecule speed is increased, the temperate inside
is increased, and the pressure inside is increased
Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) - CORRECT ANSWER - primary function is to
exhcange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. Uses a heat exchanger to transfer heat between
the two air streams. This process allows for the recovery of energy that would otherwise be lost
during ventilation. Used to improve indoor air quality while minimizing energy loss. Provides
continous supply of fresh air while retaining the heat or coolness of exhausted air. Don't directly
contriubte to humidity control but can indirectly. Common in colder climates where heating
energy is priority.
Energy Recovery Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) - CORRECT ANSWER - can recover
BOTH heat and moisture (humidity) from the exhaust air. They have a moisture transder core or
a membrance that allows the transfer of water vapor between the incomking and outgoing air
streams. Beneficial in high humiditiy climates because they help to reduce the moisture load on
the cooling system by transferring some of the moisture from the incoming air to the outgoing
air. Reduce heating and cooling loads resulting in energy savings.
Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) ideal climate - CORRECT ANSWER - Cold Climate
because they are effective in reducing heat loss from the building while maintain fresh indoor air.
Energy Recovery Ventilators (HRV) ideal climate - CORRECT ANSWER - Hot and
Humid Climates because moisture control is crucial for indoor comfort and energy efficiency.
Water as Heat delivery device types - CORRECT ANSWER - Hydronic Baseboard,
Hydronic Panel Radiator, Hydronic Convector, Hydronic Unit Heaters (industrial), Hydronoic
Radiant Panels (rope system under floor, very efficient, not instant, hard to access for
maintenance), chilled beams
, Where should the raditor be located in a room in a cold climate? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Locate the raditor under the window. Because the window is where the room experiences the
most heat loss, the cold indoor air by the window can immediately be met with heat energy and
be compensated so the room stays warm.
Chilled Beams - CORRECT ANSWER - Common in commercial and institutional
buildings to provide cooling and sometimes heatings. They are typically installed in the ceiling
and consist of a metal casing with finned coils through which cool water circulates. They work
on the principle of convection because when the air around them gets cooler, it gets denser and
sinks. The temperature difference between warm and cool air in the same room create a current.
Active Chilled Beams - CORRECT ANSWER - have integrated fans that supply
additional air movement to improve the cooling performance. They can also provide heating by
incorporting a heating cool. They require a separate air handling system to supply the primary air
that is mixed with the room air for circulation.
Passive Chilled Beams - CORRECT ANSWER - They rely solely on the natural
convection process without the use of fan. They do not supply or extract air from the space and
are typically used for cooling purpose only. They are more energy-efficient as they do not
require fan power.
Hydronic Radiant Panels - CORRECT ANSWER - provide efficient heating by using hot
water circulated through pipes in the FLOOR or walls. They minimize floor space loss as they
can be integrated into the building structure. They enhance indoor air quality by not relying on
forced air circulation, which can distribute dust and allergens.
Fan Coil Units (FCUs) - CORRECT ANSWER - Use a fan to blow air across a coil
containing chilled or heated water. The coil transders the heat or cold to the air, which is then
circulated into the space. They provide both heating and cooling by adjusting the temperature of
the water flowing through the soil. Generate noise due to the operation of the fan. Modern units
are design to minimize noise levels.
All-Air HVAC Systems - CORRECT ANSWER - Uses heated or cooled air to transfer the
heat from the source to space. The heat transfer is from (conditioned) air to existing air, so it
more intuitive and direct. Duct space can be an issue because it can take up so much space.
Contributes to indoor air quality.
UPDATED ACTUAL Exam Questions and
CORRECT Answers
Decoupling - CORRECT ANSWER - Process of mechanically separating components to
reduce the transmission of vibrations, sound, or other forces. In soundproofing, decoupling is
used to isolate walls or floors to prevent sound waves from traveling through solid connections
like studs or joists.
Contour lines represent a valley when - CORRECT ANSWER - pointing toward higher
elevations
Contour lines represent a ridge when - CORRECT ANSWER - pointing toward lower
elevations
In a compressor you are - CORRECT ANSWER - increasing movement of the air
molecules (movement > heat > energry)
The refrigeration cycles does not produce coolth, it... - CORRECT ANSWER - removes
heat
Refrigerant - CORRECT ANSWER - Fluid that circulates between the cooling cool
(evaporator coil) and condenser coils and creates the refrigeration cycle in air condition systems
and heat pumps.
Refrigeration Cycle meaning - CORRECT ANSWER - During this cycle between tow
ends of the air conditiong system (the evaporation coiils and condenser coils), the refrigeratn
fluid undergoes a repeated change of state from a liquid to a gas and back again. Basially takes
the heat where it is not required (indoor) and dumps it out where it doesn't matter (outside)
Refrigeration Cycle 4 Components in order - CORRECT ANSWER - 1. Compressor 2.
Condenser Coil 3. Expansion Valve 4. Evaporator Coil
,Refrigeration Cycle is undirectional. Refrigeration Cycles only cool. - CORRECT
ANSWER - Heat Pumps are bidirection (reversible). Heat Pumps can heat and cool.
Single-Package Heat Pumps - CORRECT ANSWER - Typically located on the roof, one-
piece units that house the units of the heat pump, they are heavy and noisy so they are typically
placed outside.
Split Heat Pump Systems (type of mini split) - CORRECT ANSWER - Outdoor and
indoor units of the heat pump are separated, flexibility for zoning, they are ductless and easy to
install
A heat recovery ventilator does not... - CORRECT ANSWER - does not introduce new
heat energy into the building
The lower the entropy, the _____ the quality of energy - CORRECT ANSWER - higher
the quality of energy
Entropy - CORRECT ANSWER - Can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of heat
transfer processes within an HVAC system. For example, a high entropy value indicates a greater
level of energy dispersion and infficiency, while a lower entropy value suggests better energy
utilization and a more efficient system.
Ways to ensure entropy is reduced - CORRECT ANSWER - Use efficient equipment,
properly insulating buildings, optimizing airflow, and implementing automated control systems
When are mechanical spaces size determined? - CORRECT ANSWER - Typically
specificed later during Design Documentation phase however it is best to bring out the HVAC
consultant as EARLY as possible to ensure coordination
When is a boiler most efficient - CORRECT ANSWER - when running at a full rate
,Modular boilers - CORRECT ANSWER - A series of independent boilers that are
designed to work at the full rate all the time, and when ONE is not enoguth, the rest of the boilers
kick in gradually.
If the volume of a container of gas molecules is compressed to half its size what factors are
increased? - CORRECT ANSWER - The molecule speed is increased, the temperate inside
is increased, and the pressure inside is increased
Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) - CORRECT ANSWER - primary function is to
exhcange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. Uses a heat exchanger to transfer heat between
the two air streams. This process allows for the recovery of energy that would otherwise be lost
during ventilation. Used to improve indoor air quality while minimizing energy loss. Provides
continous supply of fresh air while retaining the heat or coolness of exhausted air. Don't directly
contriubte to humidity control but can indirectly. Common in colder climates where heating
energy is priority.
Energy Recovery Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) - CORRECT ANSWER - can recover
BOTH heat and moisture (humidity) from the exhaust air. They have a moisture transder core or
a membrance that allows the transfer of water vapor between the incomking and outgoing air
streams. Beneficial in high humiditiy climates because they help to reduce the moisture load on
the cooling system by transferring some of the moisture from the incoming air to the outgoing
air. Reduce heating and cooling loads resulting in energy savings.
Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) ideal climate - CORRECT ANSWER - Cold Climate
because they are effective in reducing heat loss from the building while maintain fresh indoor air.
Energy Recovery Ventilators (HRV) ideal climate - CORRECT ANSWER - Hot and
Humid Climates because moisture control is crucial for indoor comfort and energy efficiency.
Water as Heat delivery device types - CORRECT ANSWER - Hydronic Baseboard,
Hydronic Panel Radiator, Hydronic Convector, Hydronic Unit Heaters (industrial), Hydronoic
Radiant Panels (rope system under floor, very efficient, not instant, hard to access for
maintenance), chilled beams
, Where should the raditor be located in a room in a cold climate? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Locate the raditor under the window. Because the window is where the room experiences the
most heat loss, the cold indoor air by the window can immediately be met with heat energy and
be compensated so the room stays warm.
Chilled Beams - CORRECT ANSWER - Common in commercial and institutional
buildings to provide cooling and sometimes heatings. They are typically installed in the ceiling
and consist of a metal casing with finned coils through which cool water circulates. They work
on the principle of convection because when the air around them gets cooler, it gets denser and
sinks. The temperature difference between warm and cool air in the same room create a current.
Active Chilled Beams - CORRECT ANSWER - have integrated fans that supply
additional air movement to improve the cooling performance. They can also provide heating by
incorporting a heating cool. They require a separate air handling system to supply the primary air
that is mixed with the room air for circulation.
Passive Chilled Beams - CORRECT ANSWER - They rely solely on the natural
convection process without the use of fan. They do not supply or extract air from the space and
are typically used for cooling purpose only. They are more energy-efficient as they do not
require fan power.
Hydronic Radiant Panels - CORRECT ANSWER - provide efficient heating by using hot
water circulated through pipes in the FLOOR or walls. They minimize floor space loss as they
can be integrated into the building structure. They enhance indoor air quality by not relying on
forced air circulation, which can distribute dust and allergens.
Fan Coil Units (FCUs) - CORRECT ANSWER - Use a fan to blow air across a coil
containing chilled or heated water. The coil transders the heat or cold to the air, which is then
circulated into the space. They provide both heating and cooling by adjusting the temperature of
the water flowing through the soil. Generate noise due to the operation of the fan. Modern units
are design to minimize noise levels.
All-Air HVAC Systems - CORRECT ANSWER - Uses heated or cooled air to transfer the
heat from the source to space. The heat transfer is from (conditioned) air to existing air, so it
more intuitive and direct. Duct space can be an issue because it can take up so much space.
Contributes to indoor air quality.
