FEEL THE HEAT
A resident says their furnace is running, but the home still feels cold. What should be checked first?
A. Thermostat setting and room temperature
B. Water heater temperature
C. Garbage disposal
D. Main water shutoff
A. Thermostat setting and room temperature
Which outdoor component is part of a typical central A/C system?
A. Condenser
B. Expansion tank
C. Boiler
D. P-trap
A. Condenser
Why: The condenser is the outdoor unit that releases heat from the refrigerant to the outside air.
What component commonly controls hot and cold water flow inside a single-handle shower valve?
A. Diverter
B. Cartridge
C. Aerator
D. P-trap
B. Cartridge
Why: The cartridge regulates water flow and temperature inside many single-handle shower valves.
Colorado’s “Mile High City” gets its nickname because Denver sits about how high above sea level?
A. 3,280 feet
B. 4,500 feet
C. 5,280 feet
D. 6,650 feet
C. 5,280 feet
Why: One mile equals 5,280 feet, which is where Denver gets the nickname.
Which furnace component moves heated air through the ductwork?
A. Blower motor
B. Gas valve
C. Thermocouple
D. Heat exchanger
A. Blower motor
Why: The blower motor pushes conditioned air through the ductwork and into the home.
What indoor component absorbs heat from the air moving through the HVAC system?
A. Condenser fan
B. Evaporator coil
C. Gas valve
D. Flue pipe
B. Evaporator coil
Why: The evaporator coil absorbs heat from indoor air so cooler air can be circulated back through the home.
A tub gets water normally, but pulling the diverter does not send water to the shower head. What is the most likely issue?
A. Diverter
B. Water heater
C. P-trap
D. Supply line
A. Diverter
Why: The diverter redirects water from the tub spout to the shower head. If that changeover fails, the diverter is a likely culprit.
Which major mountain range runs through Colorado?
A. Appalachians
B. Rockies
C. Cascades
D. Sierra Nevada
B. Rockies
Why: The Rocky Mountains dominate Colorado’s geography and are a huge part of the state’s identity.
A furnace starts, the burners ignite, but the system shuts back down shortly afterward. Which issue could cause this?
A. Dirty flame sensor
B. Clogged sink aerator
C. Failed shower cartridge
D. Low water pressure
A. Dirty flame sensor
Why: A dirty flame sensor may fail to confirm that a flame is present, causing the furnace to shut the gas off as a safety measure.
A resident says the A/C is running, but the home is not cooling. What should be checked first?
A. Thermostat setting and airflow from the vents
B. Replace the condenser
C. Replace the thermostat immediately
D. Shut off the water supply
A. Thermostat setting and airflow from the vents
Why: Confirming the thermostat is actually calling for cooling and whether air is moving helps narrow down the issue before assuming a major failure.
A shower handle turns normally, but the resident cannot properly control the water temperature. What should be investigated first?
A. Shower head
B. Drain assembly
C. Cartridge or mixing valve
D. Tub overflow
C. Cartridge or mixing valve
Why: These components control how hot and cold water mix. A failure can cause poor or inconsistent temperature control.
Which Colorado city is home to Garden of the Gods and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center?
A. Pueblo
B. Colorado Springs
C. Golden
D. Grand Junction
B. Colorado Springs
Why: Colorado Springs is known for major outdoor attractions and is also a center for Olympic and Paralympic training.
A resident reports no heat. The thermostat is calling for heat, the furnace has power, and the blower runs, but the burners never ignite. What information would be most useful next?
A. Furnace error code and ignition sequence
B. Refrigerator temperature
C. Age of the water heater
D. Whether the resident has ceiling fans
A. Furnace error code and ignition sequence
Why: Error codes and the point where the ignition sequence stops can help narrow the issue to components such as the igniter, pressure switch, gas valve, or safety controls.
Ice is visible on the refrigerant line or evaporator coil. Which condition could contribute to this?
A. Restricted airflow
B. High water pressure
C. Clogged kitchen sink
D. Loose toilet handle
A. Restricted airflow
Why: Poor airflow can cause the evaporator coil to get too cold and freeze. A dirty filter, blocked return, or blower issue can all contribute.
Before approving replacement of an entire shower valve, what should the MC determine first?
A. Whether the resident wants a new handle
B. Whether the cartridge, stem, or diverter can be repaired or replaced
C. Whether the bathroom needs repainting
D. Whether the shower head is clogged
B. Whether the cartridge, stem, or diverter can be repaired or replaced
Why: Many valve problems can be resolved by replacing internal components without opening the wall or replacing the full valve body.
Which famous Colorado attraction was originally built around natural red sandstone formations and now hosts major concerts?
A. Garden of the Gods
B. Red Rocks Amphitheatre
C. Royal Gorge Bridge
D. Pikes Peak Summit House
B. Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Why: Red Rocks is a naturally formed amphitheater near Morrison that became one of the most famous concert venues in the country.
A vendor recommends a full furnace replacement because the unit is “old and not heating.” What should an MC want before considering approval?
A. The furnace manufacture date only
B. The resident’s preferred replacement brand
C. Diagnosis of the failed component, repair option/cost, equipment condition, and reason replacement is recommended
D. A picture of the thermostat
C. Diagnosis of the failed component, repair option/cost, equipment condition, and reason replacement is recommended
Why: Age alone does not prove replacement is necessary. The MC needs enough information to compare repair versus replacement and explain the recommendation to the owner.
A vendor recommends replacing the entire A/C system because it “isn’t cooling.” What should the MC want before approving replacement?
A. The resident’s preferred brand
B. Diagnostic findings, failed components, equipment condition, and repair-versus-replacement reasoning
C. A picture of the thermostat only
D. Confirmation that the unit is more than 10 years old
B. Diagnostic findings, failed components, equipment condition, and repair-versus-replacement reasoning
Why: “Not cooling” is a symptom, not a diagnosis. The MC needs enough detail to understand what failed, whether it can be repaired, and why replacement makes more sense.
A vendor submits a $1,200 estimate stating only, “Shower valve is bad — replace.” What is the best MC response?
A. Approve it because shower valves are expensive
B. Ask the resident whether they approve the cost
C. Request the failed component, diagnostic findings, and whether an internal repair is possible
D. Close the Meld and reopen it later
C. Request the failed component, diagnostic findings, and whether an internal repair is possible
Why: “Bad valve” is too vague for a major replacement. The MC should understand what actually failed and whether a less invasive repair could solve the issue.
Which Colorado town is home to the Stanley Hotel, famous for inspiring Stephen King’s The Shining?
A. Aspen
B. Estes Park
C. Telluride
D. Manitou Springs
B. Estes Park
Why: Stephen King stayed at the Stanley Hotel in 1974, and the experience helped inspire The Shining.