CA C-20 HVAC study plan

Perform a manual-J style load estimate for a 2,000 sq ft single-family house using outdoor design temperature, insulation values, and window orientation, and record the sensible and latent totals

Convert the calculated load into an equipment selection and a supply/return CFM budget, then verify the CFM-per-ton ratio falls within accepted range

Lay out a trunk-and-branch duct system on graph paper for that house, marking fitting locations, takeoff sizes, and register placements

Produce a material takeoff list (linear feet of duct by gauge, fittings, registers, sealant) and price it against a supply-house list to build a bid summary

Compute and lay out sheet metal duct sizes using the equal-friction method for a given CFM and static pressure budget

Identify and sketch the standard fittings (wye, tee, 45/90 elbow, transition, offset) needed to complete the Week 1 layout with minimal equivalent length

Demonstrate layout and fabrication math for a rectangular duct section: flat pattern development, bend allowance, notch and seam placement

Sequence an installation plan covering hanger spacing, duct sealing methods, insulation wrap, and clearance from combustibles per code

Recalculate the Week 1 takeoff after refining fitting selections and note the dollar difference

Trace the refrigeration cycle component by component and label pressures, states, and temperatures at the four cardinal points for both a 410A and a 32-degree superheat example

Calculate superheat and subcooling from given gauge and thermometer readings, and state the correct diagnosis for each out-of-range result

Describe the function and failure symptoms of the metering device, accumulator, filter-drier, and reversing valve, and match each to a fault scenario

Verify duct static pressure and airflow measurement methods used to confirm evaporator airflow is within the manufacturer's range

Compare combustion efficiency, venting requirements, and heat-exchanger inspection procedures across induced-draft furnaces and natural-draft units

Explain and sequence the defrost cycle, reversing valve operation, and auxiliary/emergency heat staging on an air-source heat pump

Calculate balance point and supplemental heat requirement for a heat pump at a given outdoor temperature using a capacity table

Diagram a heat pump wiring and refrigerant circuit and annotate the components that differ from a straight cool system

Read and interpret a ladder diagram and a manufacturer wiring diagram for a furnace and an air handler, identifying line, load, and control circuits

Size conductors, overcurrent protection, and disconnect requirements for a given compressor nameplate and MCA/MOP values

Diagnose motor failures using ohm and capacitor tests, and demonstrate proper meter placement for each test

Explain the sequence of operation for a call for heat and a call for cool from thermostat through to the controlled load

Interpret common control components (contactors, relays, sequencers, defrost boards) and describe their failure modes

Size and select refrigerant line sets for a given tonnage and run length, applying velocity and pressure-drop limits

Demonstrate nitrogen-purge brazing procedure steps, including flow rate, brazing alloy selection, and heat-control technique

Outline safe refrigerant recovery, cylinder handling, and charging-by-weight documentation requirements for a system pump-down or retrofit

Explain oil management, traps, and piping precautions that prevent compressor oil return problems in long or vertical runs

Identify the correct filter-drier, sight glass, and service valve placement in a piping layout and justify each location

Perform a full evacuation sequence: leak check, triple evacuation or deep vacuum, micron gauge placement, and decay test, and state the pass/fail criteria at each step

Calculate target superheat or weight-based charge for a given system and describe charge verification in cooling and heating modes

Document a startup checklist covering electrical, airflow, refrigerant, and combustion verification for a new install

Work through a set of troubleshooting scenarios using a systematic symptom-cause-test method, ranking the most likely causes before testing

Apply lockout/tagout, PPE, refrigerant safety data, and confined-space and brazing fire-watch practices to a set of field scenarios

Identify code-compliance checkpoints for clearances, venting, condensate disposal, and electrical bonding on a sample installation

Take two timed 100-question practice exams and review every missed item by domain, logging the underlying knowledge gap

Re-drill the two weakest domains from the practice exams with focused flashcards and a written summary sheet