Supply and Return Locations

My parents are having a new bedroom added in their house and I just noticed that both the supply and return vents are in the ceiling. From what I understand, the supply and return vents are supposed to be opposite each other so that air is drawn across the room. With both in the ceiling, isn't the air going to stay near the ceiling, thereby creating a noticeable temperature differential between the floor and ceiling? The drywall is already up, but the room has not been mudded or painted yet, so it isn't too late to move the return vent. I have a feeling the contractor put it there out of convenience--because the air handler for the upper floor is located in the attic just a few feet from the new room.

 

Is this just for the A/C or heat and A/C ?

 

It is for both heat and AC (heat pump system). I'm gonna guess that it's okay for AC (because heat rises and cold air falls), but not for heat? It is however on the upper floor with conditioned space below, but two of the walls are exterior and one is adjacent to a large unconditioned attic space.

 

In that application you try to install the supply in the cold area of the room..... the outside wall side.

Did you check the duct work situation in the attic ?
They may be limited in the location due to the roof line.

 

There is plenty of space in the attic. Its huge up there. The return comes straight off the air handler and into the center of the ceiling in the new room. It could have easily been put low down on one of the walls. Not an exterior wall though. Should I suggest they move it?