# HVAC foundations for homeowners and buyers

Understand comfort problems, prepare for a contractor visit and recognize useful maintenance evidence before buying HVAC work.

- Level: Foundations
- Length: 45 minutes
- Exam questions: 8, pass mark 80%, up to 3 attempts
- Certificate: valid for 12 months

## What you will learn

- Describe a comfort problem without guessing its cause.
- Prepare a system brief and check provider references.
- Distinguish routine maintenance from unsupported duct-cleaning claims.

## Lessons

1. [Describe the problem before choosing equipment](https://hvacpros.fyi/academy/hvac-buyer-foundations/describe-the-problem.md) (10 minutes)
2. [Prepare a contractor shortlist and written brief](https://hvacpros.fyi/academy/hvac-buyer-foundations/choose-a-contractor.md) (10 minutes)
3. [Understand maintenance and question cleaning claims](https://hvacpros.fyi/academy/hvac-buyer-foundations/maintenance-and-claims.md) (10 minutes)

## Questions

### Does this course qualify me to perform HVAC work?

No. It is buyer education. The certificate of completion from hvacpros.fyi is not a licence, accreditation or trade qualification.

### Do the lessons state the rules for my location?

No. Sources are public US government guidance. Requirements vary; check the relevant local authority and the instructions for your equipment.

Also on the [web page](https://hvacpros.fyi/academy/hvac-buyer-foundations).