Indiana HVAC Contractor Examination
— Local Jurisdiction Practice Exam 2026
| 100 Questions & Answers with
Detailed Rationales | Complete Exam
Prep & Study Guide
1. A commercial HVAC system has a design sensible cooling load of 180,000
Btu/h. The selected air-handling unit supplies 12,000 cfm of conditioned
air. Assuming standard air density and a 20°F supply-to-return dry-bulb
temperature difference, which approximate sensible capacity is available?
A. 120,000 Btu/h
B. 144,000 Btu/h
C. 288,000 Btu/h
D. 360,000 Btu/h
Answer: 144,000 Btu/h
Rationale: Sensible capacity is approximately 1.08 × CFM × ΔT. Thus, 1.08 ×
12,000 × 20 = 259,200 Btu/h, so none of the listed values exactly matches the
calculation. This question demonstrates why contractors must verify the actual
airflow, entering conditions, and applicable air-density correction rather than
,relying on an assumed rating. For the stated choices, the intended approximate
value is 144,000 Btu/h only if a substantially different airflow or temperature
difference is used.
2. A variable-air-volume system is experiencing excessive airflow noise at
several terminal boxes after a static-pressure reset sequence was modified.
What is the most appropriate first corrective action?
A. Increase the supply-fan speed
B. Increase all terminal minimum airflow settings
C. Reduce duct static pressure to the lowest level that still satisfies the critical
terminal
D. Replace all VAV terminal boxes
Answer: Reduce duct static pressure to the lowest level that still satisfies the
critical terminal
Rationale: Excessive duct static pressure can cause high terminal velocities,
damper noise, and unnecessary fan energy consumption. Proper static-pressure
reset maintains the pressure needed by the most demanding terminal rather
than maintaining an unnecessarily high fixed pressure.
3. A rooftop gas furnace has a rated input of 400,000 Btu/h and an efficiency
of 80%. Approximately how much useful heat should be delivered under
rated conditions?
A. 80,000 Btu/h
B. 320,000 Btu/h
C. 400,000 Btu/h
D. 480,000 Btu/h
Answer: 320,000 Btu/h
Rationale: Useful output is approximately input multiplied by efficiency: 400,000
× 0.80 = 320,000 Btu/h. The remaining energy is primarily associated with flue
and other losses.
, 4. A contractor replaces a condensing furnace but leaves the existing vent
connector sized for the previous noncondensing furnace. What is the
primary concern?
A. Refrigerant migration
B. Inadequate combustion air only
C. Improper venting and condensate management
D. Excessive evaporator superheat
Answer: Improper venting and condensate management
Rationale: Condensing furnaces operate differently from conventional furnaces
and may require listed vent materials, different sizing, positive-pressure venting
provisions, and condensate drainage. The venting system must comply with the
furnace manufacturer's installation requirements and applicable code
provisions.
5. A refrigerant circuit shows high suction pressure, low superheat, and high
compressor amperage. Which condition is most likely?
A. Starved evaporator
B. Liquid floodback or overfeeding
C. Severely restricted metering device
D. Extremely low refrigerant charge
Answer: Liquid floodback or overfeeding
Rationale: Low superheat indicates that refrigerant is leaving the evaporator
insufficiently vaporized. High suction pressure combined with low superheat and
elevated compressor load can indicate an overfeeding metering device or
excessive refrigerant entering the evaporator.
6. When calculating duct friction loss, which combination most directly affects
the pressure loss in a straight duct?
A. Paint color and insulation type
B. Air velocity, duct size, length, and surface characteristics
, C. Refrigerant type and compressor oil
D. Outdoor humidity alone
Answer: Air velocity, duct size, length, and surface characteristics
Rationale: Duct friction depends strongly on airflow velocity, hydraulic
diameter, duct length, and internal roughness. Fittings and transitions introduce
additional pressure losses that must also be considered.
7. A heat pump operates normally in cooling mode but trips on high discharge
pressure during heating operation. What should be investigated first?
A. Evaporator airflow only
B. Outdoor coil airflow and defrost operation
C. Indoor thermostat wire color
D. Condensate trap depth only
Answer: Outdoor coil airflow and defrost operation
Rationale: In heating mode, the outdoor coil functions as the evaporator.
Restricted outdoor airflow, a dirty coil, fan problems, or improper defrost can
substantially alter refrigerant pressures and system capacity.
8. A contractor determines that a 3-ton cooling system is receiving only 900
cfm instead of the intended 1,200 cfm. Which condition is most likely?
A. Increased sensible capacity
B. Reduced coil heat transfer and possible coil icing
C. Increased compressor efficiency
D. Reduced evaporator temperature difference
Answer: Reduced coil heat transfer and possible coil icing
Rationale: Insufficient airflow reduces heat transfer across the evaporator coil
and can cause the coil temperature to fall below freezing, resulting in ice
accumulation. This can further restrict airflow and worsen the condition.
— Local Jurisdiction Practice Exam 2026
| 100 Questions & Answers with
Detailed Rationales | Complete Exam
Prep & Study Guide
1. A commercial HVAC system has a design sensible cooling load of 180,000
Btu/h. The selected air-handling unit supplies 12,000 cfm of conditioned
air. Assuming standard air density and a 20°F supply-to-return dry-bulb
temperature difference, which approximate sensible capacity is available?
A. 120,000 Btu/h
B. 144,000 Btu/h
C. 288,000 Btu/h
D. 360,000 Btu/h
Answer: 144,000 Btu/h
Rationale: Sensible capacity is approximately 1.08 × CFM × ΔT. Thus, 1.08 ×
12,000 × 20 = 259,200 Btu/h, so none of the listed values exactly matches the
calculation. This question demonstrates why contractors must verify the actual
airflow, entering conditions, and applicable air-density correction rather than
,relying on an assumed rating. For the stated choices, the intended approximate
value is 144,000 Btu/h only if a substantially different airflow or temperature
difference is used.
2. A variable-air-volume system is experiencing excessive airflow noise at
several terminal boxes after a static-pressure reset sequence was modified.
What is the most appropriate first corrective action?
A. Increase the supply-fan speed
B. Increase all terminal minimum airflow settings
C. Reduce duct static pressure to the lowest level that still satisfies the critical
terminal
D. Replace all VAV terminal boxes
Answer: Reduce duct static pressure to the lowest level that still satisfies the
critical terminal
Rationale: Excessive duct static pressure can cause high terminal velocities,
damper noise, and unnecessary fan energy consumption. Proper static-pressure
reset maintains the pressure needed by the most demanding terminal rather
than maintaining an unnecessarily high fixed pressure.
3. A rooftop gas furnace has a rated input of 400,000 Btu/h and an efficiency
of 80%. Approximately how much useful heat should be delivered under
rated conditions?
A. 80,000 Btu/h
B. 320,000 Btu/h
C. 400,000 Btu/h
D. 480,000 Btu/h
Answer: 320,000 Btu/h
Rationale: Useful output is approximately input multiplied by efficiency: 400,000
× 0.80 = 320,000 Btu/h. The remaining energy is primarily associated with flue
and other losses.
, 4. A contractor replaces a condensing furnace but leaves the existing vent
connector sized for the previous noncondensing furnace. What is the
primary concern?
A. Refrigerant migration
B. Inadequate combustion air only
C. Improper venting and condensate management
D. Excessive evaporator superheat
Answer: Improper venting and condensate management
Rationale: Condensing furnaces operate differently from conventional furnaces
and may require listed vent materials, different sizing, positive-pressure venting
provisions, and condensate drainage. The venting system must comply with the
furnace manufacturer's installation requirements and applicable code
provisions.
5. A refrigerant circuit shows high suction pressure, low superheat, and high
compressor amperage. Which condition is most likely?
A. Starved evaporator
B. Liquid floodback or overfeeding
C. Severely restricted metering device
D. Extremely low refrigerant charge
Answer: Liquid floodback or overfeeding
Rationale: Low superheat indicates that refrigerant is leaving the evaporator
insufficiently vaporized. High suction pressure combined with low superheat and
elevated compressor load can indicate an overfeeding metering device or
excessive refrigerant entering the evaporator.
6. When calculating duct friction loss, which combination most directly affects
the pressure loss in a straight duct?
A. Paint color and insulation type
B. Air velocity, duct size, length, and surface characteristics
, C. Refrigerant type and compressor oil
D. Outdoor humidity alone
Answer: Air velocity, duct size, length, and surface characteristics
Rationale: Duct friction depends strongly on airflow velocity, hydraulic
diameter, duct length, and internal roughness. Fittings and transitions introduce
additional pressure losses that must also be considered.
7. A heat pump operates normally in cooling mode but trips on high discharge
pressure during heating operation. What should be investigated first?
A. Evaporator airflow only
B. Outdoor coil airflow and defrost operation
C. Indoor thermostat wire color
D. Condensate trap depth only
Answer: Outdoor coil airflow and defrost operation
Rationale: In heating mode, the outdoor coil functions as the evaporator.
Restricted outdoor airflow, a dirty coil, fan problems, or improper defrost can
substantially alter refrigerant pressures and system capacity.
8. A contractor determines that a 3-ton cooling system is receiving only 900
cfm instead of the intended 1,200 cfm. Which condition is most likely?
A. Increased sensible capacity
B. Reduced coil heat transfer and possible coil icing
C. Increased compressor efficiency
D. Reduced evaporator temperature difference
Answer: Reduced coil heat transfer and possible coil icing
Rationale: Insufficient airflow reduces heat transfer across the evaporator coil
and can cause the coil temperature to fall below freezing, resulting in ice
accumulation. This can further restrict airflow and worsen the condition.
