Page 1 of 88
NYC Thermostat Repairer (CUNY) Exam ACTUAL EXAM
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND DETAILED SOLUTIONS LATEST
UPDATE THIS YEAR-JUST RELEASED
SHORT POINT–EXAM COVERAGE
• Thermostat types: mechanical, digital, programmable, DDC
• Thermostat components: sensors, contacts, relays
• HVAC low-voltage control circuits
• Wiring terminals (R, W, Y, G, C)
• Series vs parallel circuits
• Transformers (step-down voltage)
• Multimeter use (voltage, resistance, continuity)
• Electrical troubleshooting (open/short circuits)
• Heating systems (boilers, furnaces, steam)
• Cooling systems (AC, chillers)
• Ventilation and airflow basics
• Thermostat installation (mounting, leveling, wiring)
• Thermostat calibration
• Short cycling causes
• Continuous system operation faults
• Diagnosing thermostat vs HVAC issues
• Pneumatic controls and pressure systems
• Air leaks and tubing faults
• Tools and equipment usage
• Preventive maintenance
• Work orders and documentation
• Safety (lockout/tagout, PPE)
• Environmental effects on thermostats
• Supervisory practices
• Troubleshooting sequence (power → control → output)
,Page 2 of 88
1.
A thermostat is set above the current room temperature, but the heating system does not start. What
should the technician check first?
A. Replace thermostat
B. Verify power supply and control voltage
C. Inspect ductwork
D. Increase airflow
Answer: B
Rationale: Always verify power before replacing components.
2.
A thermostat is installed on a wall receiving direct sunlight for most of the day. What is the most likely
system behavior?
A. Accurate readings
B. False high readings causing improper cycling
C. Faster heating
D. Increased airflow
Answer: B
,Page 3 of 88
3.
A technician measures zero voltage at thermostat terminals when the system should be active. What is
the most likely issue?
A. Dirty filter
B. Power supply or transformer failure
C. Airflow issue
D. Calibration problem
Answer: B
4.
A heating system continues running even after the desired temperature is reached. What is the most
likely cause?
A. Open circuit
B. Thermostat contacts stuck closed
C. Low voltage
D. Blocked duct
Answer: B
5.
, Page 4 of 88
A mechanical thermostat is installed slightly tilted rather than level. Why is this a problem?
A. Improves wiring
B. Causes inaccurate temperature sensing
C. Increases airflow
D. Reduces voltage
Answer: B
6.
A technician replaces a thermostat without first diagnosing the system problem. What is the primary
issue with this approach?
A. Saves time
B. Poor troubleshooting practice
C. Improves efficiency
D. Reduces cost
Answer: B
7.
A pneumatic thermostat system fails to respond correctly to temperature changes in a building zone.
What is the most likely cause?
A. Electrical overload
B. Air pressure leak in the control line
NYC Thermostat Repairer (CUNY) Exam ACTUAL EXAM
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND DETAILED SOLUTIONS LATEST
UPDATE THIS YEAR-JUST RELEASED
SHORT POINT–EXAM COVERAGE
• Thermostat types: mechanical, digital, programmable, DDC
• Thermostat components: sensors, contacts, relays
• HVAC low-voltage control circuits
• Wiring terminals (R, W, Y, G, C)
• Series vs parallel circuits
• Transformers (step-down voltage)
• Multimeter use (voltage, resistance, continuity)
• Electrical troubleshooting (open/short circuits)
• Heating systems (boilers, furnaces, steam)
• Cooling systems (AC, chillers)
• Ventilation and airflow basics
• Thermostat installation (mounting, leveling, wiring)
• Thermostat calibration
• Short cycling causes
• Continuous system operation faults
• Diagnosing thermostat vs HVAC issues
• Pneumatic controls and pressure systems
• Air leaks and tubing faults
• Tools and equipment usage
• Preventive maintenance
• Work orders and documentation
• Safety (lockout/tagout, PPE)
• Environmental effects on thermostats
• Supervisory practices
• Troubleshooting sequence (power → control → output)
,Page 2 of 88
1.
A thermostat is set above the current room temperature, but the heating system does not start. What
should the technician check first?
A. Replace thermostat
B. Verify power supply and control voltage
C. Inspect ductwork
D. Increase airflow
Answer: B
Rationale: Always verify power before replacing components.
2.
A thermostat is installed on a wall receiving direct sunlight for most of the day. What is the most likely
system behavior?
A. Accurate readings
B. False high readings causing improper cycling
C. Faster heating
D. Increased airflow
Answer: B
,Page 3 of 88
3.
A technician measures zero voltage at thermostat terminals when the system should be active. What is
the most likely issue?
A. Dirty filter
B. Power supply or transformer failure
C. Airflow issue
D. Calibration problem
Answer: B
4.
A heating system continues running even after the desired temperature is reached. What is the most
likely cause?
A. Open circuit
B. Thermostat contacts stuck closed
C. Low voltage
D. Blocked duct
Answer: B
5.
, Page 4 of 88
A mechanical thermostat is installed slightly tilted rather than level. Why is this a problem?
A. Improves wiring
B. Causes inaccurate temperature sensing
C. Increases airflow
D. Reduces voltage
Answer: B
6.
A technician replaces a thermostat without first diagnosing the system problem. What is the primary
issue with this approach?
A. Saves time
B. Poor troubleshooting practice
C. Improves efficiency
D. Reduces cost
Answer: B
7.
A pneumatic thermostat system fails to respond correctly to temperature changes in a building zone.
What is the most likely cause?
A. Electrical overload
B. Air pressure leak in the control line
