# Return-Air Ducted through the ceiling
### Issue Image:
![[Pasted image 20241219144332.png]]
## Issue Description:
- in Apartments, return air is frequently ducted back to the Air conditioning units via the ceiling plenum.
- This is a valid strategy where the ceiling is an air tight concrete ceiling.
- If the ceiling is a leaky metal roof, this won't work as the air conditioner will suck in air from external spaces!
- possible solutions included ducting the return air directly from the living space.
## Actions to Prevent this Issue:
- [ ] The Mechanical engineer shall check the return air pathways for all AC units are not prone to sucking air from the wrong space.
## Source