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HVAC Guide

The document outlines over 30 common interview questions related to HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, covering topics such as system components, refrigerants, efficiency ratings, and maintenance practices. Key concepts include the functions of various components like compressors, evaporators, and thermostats, as well as the importance of air quality and energy efficiency. It serves as a comprehensive guide for understanding HVAC systems and preparing for related interviews.

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preethamgowda936
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62 views36 pages

HVAC Guide

The document outlines over 30 common interview questions related to HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, covering topics such as system components, refrigerants, efficiency ratings, and maintenance practices. Key concepts include the functions of various components like compressors, evaporators, and thermostats, as well as the importance of air quality and energy efficiency. It serves as a comprehensive guide for understanding HVAC systems and preparing for related interviews.

Uploaded by

preethamgowda936
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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30+ Common Interview

Questions on
HVAC (Heating,
Ventilation, and Air
Conditioning)
1

What is HVAC?
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It is a system that controls
indoor climate conditions.
Image: https://www.angi.com/articles/hvac-system-parts.htm

What are the main components of an HVAC system?


The main components include heating (furnace/boiler), cooling (air
conditioner/chiller), and ventilation (air ducts, vents, and fans).
3

Image: https://www.cruiserowaterandpower.com/compressor-refrigeration-system/

What is the function of a compressor?


The compressor increases the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant before
sending it to the condenser.
4

Imge: https://arairflow.com/8-major-myths-about-heat-pumps-vs-gas-furnace/

What is the difference between a furnace and a heat pump?


A furnace generates heat using gas, oil, or electricity, while a heat pump transfers
heat from outside to inside.
5

Image: https://www.paradigmcooling.co.za/articles/2024/01/20/understanding-and-calculating-seer-rating-of-your-air-conditioning-system/

What is the SEER rating in HVAC?


SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures the efficiency of air conditioning
units. A higher SEER means better efficiency.
6

Image: https://we4u.ind.in/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-ac-thermostats-functioning/

What is the purpose of a thermostat in an HVAC system?


A thermostat regulates the temperature by controlling the HVAC system, turning it on
or off as per the set temperature.
Image: https://abrwholesalers.com/blog/post/superheat-and-subcooling-defined

What is superheating in refrigeration?


Superheating refers to the process where refrigerant vapor is heated beyond its
boiling point at a given pressure to prevent liquid entry into the compressor.
Image: https://abrwholesalers.com/blog/post/superheat-and-subcooling-defined

What is subcooling in refrigeration?


Subcooling is the cooling of refrigerant below its condensation temperature, ensuring
that only liquid refrigerant enters the expansion valve.
9

What type of refrigerants are commonly used in HVAC systems?


Common refrigerants include R-22 (phased out), R-410A (eco-friendly), R-134a, and R-32.
10

Why is R-410A preferred over R-22?


R-410A is more efficient and environmentally friendly, with no ozone depletion
potential.
11
Image: https://www.superradiatorcoils.com/blog/evaporator-function-features-design

What is the function of an evaporator coil?


The evaporator coil absorbs heat from the indoor air, cooling it down as the
refrigerant inside the coil evaporates.
12

What is the function of a condenser in an HVAC system?


The condenser cools the high-pressure refrigerant gas, turning it into a liquid state to
release heat outside.
13

What is the function of an expansion valve? Image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_expansion_valve

It reduces the pressure of the liquid refrigerant before entering the evaporator,
allowing it to absorb heat efficiently.
14

What are the different types of compressors used in HVAC systems?


Common types include reciprocating, rotary, scroll, screw, and centrifugal
compressors.
Image: https://www.saifilter.com/industrial-hot-gas-filtration/

15

What are the different types of air filters used in HVAC systems?
Types include HEPA filters, electrostatic filters, carbon filters, and fiberglass filters.
16

Image: https://www.paradigmcooling.co.za/articles/2024/06/23/relative-humidity-and-its-impact-impact-on-air-conditioning-
performance/

What is relative humidity, and why is it important in HVAC?


Relative humidity is the amount of moisture in the air compared to the maximum it
can hold. Proper humidity levels (40–60%) improve comfort and prevent mold growth.
17

Image: https://www.jadelearning.com/blog/ventilation-trends/

What is the purpose of ventilation in HVAC?


Ventilation removes stale indoor air and replaces it with fresh air to improve air
quality.
18

Image https://www.thegreenage.co.uk/mechanical-ventilation-in-buildings-what-you-need-
Image: https://www.epfl.ch/labs/hobel/mechanical-of-natural-ventilation/
to-know/

What is the difference between mechanical and natural ventilation?


Mechanical ventilation uses fans and ducts to circulate air, while natural ventilation
relies on windows, vents, and openings for air exchange.
19

Image: https://blog.dwyer-inst.com/2023/03/22/what-is-an-air-handler/#sthash.KOCQRCjI.dpbs

What is an air handler?


An air handler regulates and distributes conditioned air throughout a building via
ducts.
20

Image: https://lerablog.org/home-and-family/appliances/7-common-hvac-issues-and-their-causes/

What are common HVAC system problems?


Issues include refrigerant leaks, clogged air filters, thermostat issues, electrical
failures, and dirty condenser coils.
21

How often should HVAC filters be replaced?


Typically, every 1-3 months, depending on usage and air quality.
22

Image: https://nrs.vegas/blog/air-conditioners/hvac-compressor-signs-of-imminent-failure-and-how-to-address-them

What are the signs of a failing compressor?


Signs include warm air blowing from vents, loud noises, high energy bills, and frequent
tripping of the circuit breaker.
23

What causes HVAC systems to freeze up?


Causes include low refrigerant levels, dirty air filters, poor airflow, and faulty
thermostats.
24

How do you prevent HVAC system failure?


Regular maintenance, cleaning air filters, checking refrigerant levels, and ensuring
proper airflow help prevent failures.
25

What are HVAC safety precautions?


Turn off power before servicing, wear PPE (gloves, goggles, mask), follow manufacturer
guidelines, and avoid refrigerant leaks.
26

Image: https://jacobsheating.com/blog/afue-rating/

What is AFUE rating in heating systems?


AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) indicates how efficiently a furnace converts
fuel into heat.
27

Image: https://scsfoam.com/blog/what-is-an-energy-recovery-ventilator-erv

What is an energy recovery ventilator (ERV)?


ERVs exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while recovering heat and
humidity for better efficiency.
28

How can you improve HVAC energy efficiency?


Using programmable thermostats, sealing duct leaks, upgrading insulation, and
performing regular maintenance improve efficiency.
29

Image: https://vrfwizard.com/vrf-system-control-wiring/

What is a VRF system?


VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) is a high-efficiency system that adjusts refrigerant flow
to different areas based on demand.
30

Image: https://svach.lbl.gov/demand-controlled-ventilation/

What is demand-controlled ventilation (DCV)?


DCV adjusts ventilation rates based on occupancy to optimize energy use.
31

Image: https://www.rsi.edu/blog/hvacr/geothermal-hvac-work/

How does geothermal HVAC work?


Geothermal systems use the earth’s stable underground temperature to heat or cool
buildings.
32

Image: https://alpineintel.com/resource/the-basics-of-chillers/

What is a chiller, and how does it work?


A chiller removes heat from a liquid using vapor compression or absorption
refrigeration to cool large buildings.
33

Image: http://www.regelgroup.com/main/building-automation-systems-bas/

What is a Building Automation System (BAS) in HVAC?


BAS integrates HVAC with other building controls for centralized monitoring and
efficiency.
34

What is the purpose of duct sealing?


Duct sealing prevents air leaks, improving system efficiency and reducing energy
costs.
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