Free: InterNACHI's NHIE® Prep Webinar: HVAC & Fireplaces

Quick recap

This was a webinar focused on InterNACHI's National Home Inspector Exam® Prep course for HVAC and Fireplace systems, led by Certified Master Inspector and Certified Professional Inspector Andy Kushaw. The session covered exam format and question types, including memorization, applied reasoning, and deep analysis questions, along with specific HVAC concepts like refrigeration systems, temperature differentials, and proper installation clearances. Andy explained key strategies for identifying question types and avoiding common mistakes, while demonstrating how to approach various types of multiple-choice questions through real exam examples. The webinar included a brief break and covered both cooling systems (constituting 4% of the exam) and heating systems (5% of the test), with Andy providing detailed explanations of concepts like heat pumps, condensate drainage, and proper equipment installation requirements.

Summary

InterNACHI HVAC Exam Preparation Webinar

AJ welcomed participants to a webinar on InterNACHI's National Home Inspector Exam® Prep for HVAC and Fireplace, introducing Andy Kushaw as the presenter. Andy explained the format of the course, noting that questions and answers would be reviewed at the end of each slide to maintain focus on specific topics. He addressed a question from Robert about referring clients during vacation, suggesting networking with local inspectors as a solution. Andy also discussed the differences between InterNACHI and ASHI Standards of Practice regarding defect identification and emphasized the importance of understanding both building science and practical aspects of HVAC systems for inspectors.

Home Inspection Exam Question Types

Andy explained the structure and types of questions on the home inspection exam, noting that it consists of 200 questions across 4 hours with a passing score of 500 (70%). He outlined three question types: memorization, applied reasoning, and deep analysis, and provided strategies for identifying and answering each type, including techniques for handling distractors and benchmark words. Andy demonstrated these concepts with specific examples from the cooling section of the exam, emphasizing the importance of correctly identifying question types to manage time effectively and reduce test anxiety.

HVAC System Concepts Discussion

Andy discussed HVAC system concepts, focusing on refrigerant flow in split air conditioning systems and the importance of insulation in preventing condensation damage. He explained that in a split system, refrigerant leaves the compressor as hot, high-pressure gas, travels through the outdoor coil as a warm, high-pressure liquid, and returns to the compressor through the insulated suction line as cool, low-pressure gas. Andy also covered heat pump operations in heating mode and proper installation of flexible ducts in crawl spaces, emphasizing the need for a minimum 4-inch clearance off the ground with appropriate strapping to prevent damage and maintain interior diameter. The session took a brief break after about an hour of content delivery.

HVAC Inspection Training Session

Andy conducted a training session on HVAC inspection practices, covering questions about evaporator coolers, condensate drainage, and cooling system issues. He explained that evaporator coolers must be separated from contaminant sources by at least 10 feet horizontally or 3 feet below them, and discussed proper condensate drainage practices, emphasizing that secondary lines should not be tied into the primary drain line downstream of the trap. The session also covered how to identify the least likely cause of ice buildup on outdoor AC units, with high outdoor temperature being the incorrect answer. Andy noted that heating questions represent only 5% of the exam and mentioned that additional course materials would be available on the InterNACHI YouTube channel and website.

HVAC Systems Inspection Concepts

Andy explained key concepts about heating systems and HVAC inspections, covering topics such as British thermal units (BTUs), forced air furnace components, steam boiler safety devices, and pressure imbalances in rooms. He discussed how to identify proper vent connector slopes and common issues with exhaust systems, including the importance of proper pitch to prevent condensation and rust. Andy also provided practical indicators for detecting pressure and exhaust problems, such as dirt buildup around door jambs and moisture stains on exhaust vents.

High-Efficiency Furnace Systems Discussion

Andy discussed various aspects of heating systems, focusing on high-efficiency furnaces and their condensate management. He explained that high-efficiency furnaces produce acidic condensate that requires proper drainage or neutralization to prevent DWV system corrosion. Andy also covered boiler safety requirements, emphasizing the importance of temperature and pressure relief valves with proper discharge pipes, and addressed common installation defects. The discussion concluded with vent connector clearance requirements for combustible materials, highlighting the differences between single-wall and double-wall vent types.

Fireplace and Chimney Requirements

Andy discussed key requirements for fireplaces and chimneys, including hearth extensions for different sized openings and proper damper operation for factory-built fireplaces. He explained the 3-2-10 rule for chimney clearances and emphasized that clearance modifications typically indicate post-construction changes. When asked about permit searches, Andy indicated he no longer relies on third-party databases for standard inspections but may use them for specialized work, recommending direct contact with city permit offices for more reliable information.

Home Inspection Safety Guidelines

Andy discussed various aspects of home inspections, including the importance of permit searches, chimney safety, and proper clearances for appliances. He explained how unpermitted work often goes undetected, especially in rural areas, and shared insights about safety concerns with combustible materials near chimneys. The session also covered specific questions about vent-free gas appliances and the potential risks of incomplete combustion in confined spaces. 

Fireplace Inspection and Safety Guidelines

Andy discussed two key inspection topics regarding fireplace installations and safety. For question 91, he explained that when an aftermarket wood burning insert sticks out past the original masonry firebox, the most common clearance defect is that the insert sits too close to combustible floor coverings like wood, carpet, or vinyl. For question 92, he addressed creosote deposits in chimneys, explaining that heavy, shiny black deposits are highly flammable and a leading cause of chimney fires, requiring professional cleaning by a certified chimney sweep. Andy also covered exam strategies including "rule out the losers" by eliminating wrong choices, using the "read aloud check" to assess grammatical fit, and "betting on the fullest answer" when options differ in detail. He emphasized the importance of never leaving questions unanswered and trusting initial instincts when making exam decisions.