Why does AC and heater blow air through defrost vents and will not blow air?

Why does AC and heater blow air through defrost vents and will not blow air?
depending on what year and make it is, the most likely issue is that you have a valve that moves to divert air to the upper vents, floor vents, and defrost vents and it is either stuck in the defrost position, is broken, or a cable/connector has come loose. The valve is usually in the center of your dashboard up against the firewall.

The air flow direction in many vehicles is operated by vacuum controlled servos. If the vacuum supply is cut off, the system reverts to it's default position which is the defrost mode. My guess would be that the HVAC vacuum supply line under the hood is disconnected, pinched or collapsed.