NATE Air Distribution Service study plan

Sketch and label a complete air distribution system from return grille to supply diffuser, naming plenum, trunk, branch, takeoff, boot, and register at the correct locations

Define at least 25 core terms (CFM, FPM, velocity pressure, static pressure, total pressure, equivalent length, friction rate, aspect ratio, and similar) in your own words without copying a glossary

Match each fitting type (elbow, tee, wye, transition, offset, scoop, turning vane) to a sketch of where it appears in a residential and a light-commercial layout

Compute total external static pressure for a simple system by summing filter, coil, supply, and return drops you looked up or measured

Apply the equal-friction duct sizing method to size a trunk and three branches for a given CFM, target friction rate, and available static pressure

Calculate equivalent length for a run that includes two elbows, a transition, and a takeoff using fitting loss tables

Compare a low-aspect-ratio rectangular layout against a round layout for the same CFM and list the tradeoffs in pressure loss and space

Convert between velocity pressure, velocity, and CFM using the standard relationships and check your answers against a duct calculator

Identify the available static pressure budget after subtracting filter, coil, and grille allowances from blower total external static pressure

Explain how velocity pressure, static pressure, and total pressure relate at a measurement point and why a pitot tube reads velocity pressure

Describe the correct location for a duct traverse (straight-run distance upstream and downstream) and explain what happens to accuracy when you deviate

Perform a velocity traverse calculation from a set of pitot readings and convert average velocity to CFM

Select the right instrument (manometer, pitot tube, anemometer, flow hood, balometer) for a given measurement task and justify the choice

Distinguish system effect from fitting loss and give two examples of each

Describe the proportional balancing method step by step, from identifying the index run to setting the last branch

Explain why you balance to the index circuit and what happens if you start with the branch closest to the fan

Diagnose three common airflow complaints (low flow at far register, high flow at near register, noisy register) and list the likely causes and the corrective action for each

Read a static pressure profile across a system and identify the segment with the largest unexplained loss

Explain how fan curves and system curves interact when a damper is added or a filter loads

Classify duct sealing methods (mastic, mesh-and-mastic, foil tape, aerosol, gasket) by where each is appropriate and where each fails

Explain the duct leakage classes and how a leakage test is set up, including what pressure the test runs at and what the result tells you

Select insulation R-value and vapor barrier strategy for a supply duct in an unconditioned attic versus a conditioned space

List the support spacing, sag limits, and clearance requirements that apply to flexible and rigid duct and state why each exists

Identify the top five installation defects that cause pressure loss or leakage and describe how to spot each on a walkthrough

Explain how duct leakage and insulation defects in unconditioned space affect both energy use and the pressure boundary of the building

Describe how return duct leakage in an attic or garage can change the pressure of the house and pull in contaminants

Outline the steps of a duct leakage test to a specified pressure and state what a passing result requires

Explain the interaction between duct location, building envelope tightness, and ventilation requirements

Give three examples of how a duct repair changes measured airflow at the registers and how you would verify the change

Compare MERV ratings and explain what each rating range captures and what it does not, including the pressure drop tradeoff

Explain how filter loading changes static pressure and airflow over time and how to account for it in design

Describe the purpose and basic intent of the main ventilation standards for residential and commercial spaces without quoting clause text

Calculate a required outdoor air quantity for a simple space from a per-person and per-area rate

Explain how pressure imbalances, humidity, and filtration interact to produce or prevent indoor air quality problems

Complete a timed practice set across all five domains and score each domain separately to find weak areas

Re-derive the key formulas (velocity pressure, CFM from velocity and area, equivalent length, available static pressure) from memory and check them

Review every missed item and write the correct reasoning in your own words rather than memorizing the answer

Re-read your week 1 term list and correct or expand any definition you now understand better

Build a one-page quick-reference sheet you can review in the final days before the exam