NATE Air Distribution Service Practice Tests

This test focuses on CFM and airflow measurement: the difference between CFM and static pressure, using a flow hood and an anemometer, and how airflow changes with restrictions like a dirty filter or dirty coil.

This test covers the most common causes of restricted airflow: dirty filters, undersized ductwork, closed or damaged dampers, and a dirty evaporator coil. You will practice identifying these problems from symptoms and static pressure readings.

This test covers duct materials and basic duct design: sheet metal versus duct board versus flexible duct, friction and velocity concepts, and why proper duct sizing matters for airflow and noise.

This test covers duct leakage and sealing: the difference between supply-side and return-side leaks, why proper sealing materials matter, and how leaky ducts affect comfort and energy use.

This test focuses on balancing dampers and system balancing basics: how manual dampers adjust airflow to individual rooms, how balancing differs from zoning, and how to approach a balancing job using CFM readings.

This test covers zoning systems: motorized zone dampers, the zone control panel, multiple thermostats, and the role of a bypass damper. You will also review how zoning differs from simple manual balancing.

This test covers blower motor types and how they affect airflow: PSC (permanent split capacitor) fixed-speed motors versus ECM (electronically commutated) variable-speed motors, and how each responds to changing static pressure.

This test covers filters and MERV ratings: what MERV measures, the trade-off between filtration and airflow resistance, and how filter condition affects static pressure and CFM over time.

This final review test mixes scenario-based troubleshooting across the full air distribution blueprint: a room too hot or cold, noisy ducts, high static pressure, duct leakage, zoning, blower motor behavior, and filter trade-offs.