Lack of airflow is a good bet, and can generally be repaired by the homeowner. verify that the filter is clean and installed and that the fan is working, check the inside coil and the outdoor condensing coil for cleanliness. if these don't pan out then a qualified service person will be neccesary.
The heater may not be on - but the fan still blows air through the vents when they're open !
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Compressor not operating.
The 1984 Buick uses vacuum lines to change air flow from defroster to ac vents. Check the entire vacuum system for leaks.
Return air vents.........
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Could be bacteria build-upIf your vehicle has air conditioning the smell could be caused by build up of bacteria on the heater matrix and in the vents, as this bacteria decays it causes a smell inside the cabin, this can be resolved by purchasing air specialist air con cleaner the is sprayed into the air vents. The smell can also be caused by the heating of leaking coolant from the heater matrix, this would also combined with the car steaming up. Check the coolant level to see if it has dropped.
Routine air vent cleaning saves homeowners money by improving the flow of air through the vent. When vents get clogged, the air has a harder time pushing through the vents, which causes energy bills to rise.
In my opinion where the supply vents are located is not as important as where the return air vents are located. the supply vents should be located towards the outer walls if possible. the return air vents should be located towards the center of the dwelling if possible. every effort should be made to get the return air vents as high as possible on the wall , if not in the ceiling.Remember you are trying to get the warm air back to the a-coil so it can be pumped outside through the refrigeration lines to the condensing unit. if the ductwork is used for heating also you should put some return air vents down low to get the cool air to the furnace. This is my personal opinion and may not be everyones.
Air in the lines
Car airconditioning works similarly to the air con in your house. As freon is compressed it cools, in the lines of a air conditioner is freon. The compressor pressurises the freon in the lines and those lines run through a condensor box that has air flowing through it. Those lines cool, and as such the air blowing by them cools and comes out the car vents. This is simplistic but accurate.
I'm not sure what vents you are talking about, but usually air vents are known to be working if there is air flowing through them.