Clear Air Cleaning / Clear Air Quiz Test yourself Clear Air Quiz How well do you know the machines and air in your home? Pick an answer for each question and see your score.Willis Carrier in 1915: 100th Anniversary Press Kit - Carrier Corp, Public domain 1. What does an air conditioner actually do?Creates cold airMoves heat from inside to outsideAdds oxygen to the airFreezes water vapor into iceAir conditioners use the refrigeration cycle to carry heat out of the home.2. What does MERV stand for?Maximum Efficiency Rated VentilationMinimum Efficiency Reporting ValueMechanical Energy Recovery ValueMedia Efficiency Rating VolumeMERV is the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value from ASHRAE Standard 52.2.3. What MERV rating does the EPA suggest if your system can handle it?MERV 4MERV 8MERV 13MERV 20The EPA suggests at least MERV 13 or as high as your system can accommodate.4. According to the EPA, has duct cleaning been shown to prevent health problems?Yes, alwaysOnly for allergiesNo, it has never been shown toOnly in new homesThe EPA states that duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems.5. What indoor humidity range does the EPA call ideal?10 to 20 percent30 to 50 percent60 to 70 percent80 to 90 percentThe EPA recommends below 60 percent, ideally 30 to 50 percent.6. Who designed the 1902 humidity control system often called the first modern air conditioner?John GorrieWillis CarrierThomas EdisonStuart CramerWillis Carrier designed it for a Brooklyn printing plant.7. What is the leading factor in US home clothes dryer fires?Old wiringFailure to cleanWet clothesGas leaksUS Fire Administration data lists failure to clean as the leading factor.8. How much air does ENERGY STAR say a typical home loses through duct leaks?About 1 to 2 percentAbout 5 percentAbout 20 to 30 percentAbout 70 percentENERGY STAR estimates 20 to 30 percent of duct air is lost in a typical house.9. Which part lets a heat pump switch between heating and cooling?Reversing valveThermostat batteryAir filterCondensate pumpThe reversing valve flips the direction of refrigerant flow.10. Where should carbon monoxide alarms be installed?Only in the kitchenOnly in the garageOn every level and near sleeping areasOutside the houseThe CDC advises alarms on every level of the home and near sleeping areas.Score: 0 / 10Try again SourcesUS EPA: What is a MERV rating?US EPA: Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?US EPA: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your HomeWikipedia: Willis CarrierENERGY STAR: Duct SealingCDC: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning BasicsFacts on this page were checked against these sources (updated Oct 9, 2026). Spot an error? Email hello@fireempireshop.com.
