IFMA CFM Exam - Topic 9 Question 4 Discussion

Actual exam question for IFMA's CFM exam

Question #: 4
Topic #: 9

[All CFM Questions]

The building automation systems (BAS) experienced a power loss. The systems are now back online and are accessible by remote monitoring controls. From a remote login, you observe that the indoor air temperatures are warmer than the settings. What should you do?

ALower the temperature set points to cool down the building faster.

BCall an onsite occupant to verify the office space temperatures.

CDispatch staff to physically check all equipment for proper operations.

DRecommend to the owner to install a generator to minimize the impact of future outages.

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: C

When a Building Automation System (BAS) comes back online after a power loss, physical verification of HVAC equipment operation is essential to:

Confirm system restart success -- Some components may not fully reboot.

Check for mechanical failures -- Power loss could trigger equipment malfunctions.

Avoid incorrect system readings -- Remote monitoring may not reflect actual conditions.

Lowering temperature settings (Option A) is ineffective because it will not speed up cooling. Calling an onsite occupant (Option B) provides limited insight into the system's condition. While installing a generator (Option D) is a long-term solution, it does not address the immediate issue.

by Ling at Mar 09, 2025, 09:16 AM

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Lamonica

4 months ago

D is smart for long-term, but not the immediate fix we need.

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Milly

5 months ago

Wait, how did the power loss happen? That’s a bit concerning.

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Lemuel

5 months ago

C sounds like overkill, just check the temps remotely!

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Sena

5 months ago

Lowering the temp might just waste energy, not a fan of A.

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Hermila

5 months ago

I’d go with option B, always good to verify first.

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Tora

5 months ago

I vaguely recall something about recommending a generator for future outages, but it seems more like a long-term solution than a response to the current issue.

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Annice

6 months ago

I practiced a similar question where checking equipment was emphasized. Dispatching staff might be necessary to ensure everything is functioning properly.

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Annamae

6 months ago

I think calling an onsite occupant could help confirm if the temperatures are really off, but I'm not sure if that should be the first step.

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Raina

6 months ago

I remember we discussed how adjusting the temperature set points might not be the best immediate solution, especially if the system is still stabilizing after the power loss.

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Belen

6 months ago

I think the key here is to try to quickly restore normal operations and minimize any disruption to the occupants. Option D about installing a generator seems like a good long-term solution, but it doesn't really address the immediate issue at hand. I'd probably go with option A or B first.

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Denae

6 months ago

I'm a bit confused by this question. Should we really be dispatching staff to physically check all the equipment, as option C says? That seems like it could be overkill, especially if we can monitor the system remotely. I'm not sure that's the most efficient solution.

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Jesusita

6 months ago

Hmm, I'm not sure if that's the best approach. Lowering the set points could potentially overcool the building, and we'd want to avoid that. Maybe it would be better to call an onsite occupant first to verify the actual temperatures, as option B recommends.

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Audry

6 months ago

This seems like a straightforward question about troubleshooting a building automation system after a power outage. I'd start by lowering the temperature set points to try to cool the building down faster, as option A suggests.

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Emerson

1 year ago

This reminds me of the time the power went out at my grandma's nursing home and the backup generator kicked in - talk about a loud surprise!

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Kris

11 months ago

D) Recommend to the owner to install a generator to minimize the impact of future outages.

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Nguyet

11 months ago

C) Dispatch staff to physically check all equipment for proper operations.

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Earlean

11 months ago

B) Call an onsite occupant to verify the office space temperatures.

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Carmela

12 months ago

A) Lower the temperature set points to cool down the building faster.

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Annita

1 year ago

D is an interesting long-term solution, but for this immediate situation, I think C is the best option to get things back on track.

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Willodean

1 year ago

A is definitely not the right call. Lowering the temperature set points could cause more issues if there's a problem with the equipment.

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Johana

1 year ago

Hmm, I'm torn between B and C. Verifying with an occupant first seems smart, but a hands-on inspection would give a more complete picture.

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Becky

1 year ago

B is the way to go. Verifying the temperatures with an onsite occupant is the quickest and most direct way to assess the situation.

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Dominga

1 year ago

I'd go with C. Sending someone to physically check the equipment is the best way to ensure everything is working properly after the power loss.

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Carmen

11 months ago

C) Dispatch staff to physically check all equipment for proper operations.

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Lavera

12 months ago

B) Call an onsite occupant to verify the office space temperatures.

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Serina

12 months ago

A) Lower the temperature set points to cool down the building faster.

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Gracia

1 year ago

I think recommending to the owner to install a generator to minimize the impact of future outages is a proactive solution.

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Celeste

1 year ago

I believe dispatching staff to physically check all equipment for proper operations is the best course of action.

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Sylvia

1 year ago

I disagree, calling an onsite occupant to verify the office space temperatures would be more effective.

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Lorrie

1 year ago

I think we should lower the temperature set points to cool down the building faster.

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