How he got started
Stepan Matveev has worked on automotive AC systems for over 15 years and has repaired more than 5,000 vehicles. It started when the AC in his own car stopped working. He wanted to understand what had failed, so he taught himself how the systems worked, then went through professional training.
He helped friends and neighbors first, then worked in an automotive shop, and eventually opened his own company focused only on mobile AC diagnostics and repair. Today he works on AC in cars, trucks, RVs, tractors, boats and other equipment.
The call he gets most
Most customers call because the AC is blowing warm air, not cooling properly, or has stopped working altogether. The first step is a diagnostic, which costs $75. He explains what is wrong and gives a repair price before any work starts. If the repair happens on the same visit, the diagnostic fee is waived and the customer just pays for the repair and parts.
What people get wrong
A lot of customers assume a system that is not cooling just needs more refrigerant. Sometimes that is true and the fix is as simple as a leaking O-ring or service valve. Other times the real problem is the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, an electrical fault, or a refrigerant leak.
He says proper diagnosis before replacing parts or adding refrigerant can save the customer real money, instead of paying to swap parts one at a time hoping something works.
A repair he is proud of
An older customer who depends on his agricultural equipment every day had a John Deere tractor with AC that had not worked properly for over a year. Taking it to a shop was not realistic for him, so he found Stepan's mobile service and called.
During the repair, Stepan found hidden cabin air filters the owner did not even know existed. They had not been serviced in years and were badly restricting airflow. He showed the owner where they were and replaced them.
After the tractor was fixed, the owner asked him to look at two more vehicles, including a Ford F-350. In total, Stepan repaired and serviced three AC systems at that one property, including compressor, condenser and expansion valve work. On one vehicle he found badly deteriorated rubber AC hoses that were likely to fail soon. The replacement lines needed a special order, so instead of making the customer wait, he fabricated new hose sections and repaired the lines himself. One call turned into three repairs and, in his words, a very satisfied customer.
What is on the van
His mobile vehicle is set up specifically for AC diagnostics and repair. He carries manifold gauges, vacuum equipment, refrigerant charging equipment, an electronic diagnostic scanner, electrical testing tools, UV leak detection equipment, refrigerant scales, thermometers, specialized AC tools, and common parts and supplies. That setup lets him diagnose and finish many repairs right at the customer's location, without the vehicle going to a shop.
Maintenance people skip
One of the most overlooked items is the cabin air filter. A badly restricted filter cuts airflow through the evaporator and can make a customer think the AC itself is failing. He also recommends having the system checked once cooling starts to drop, rather than repeatedly adding refrigerant. Refrigerant does not normally just disappear. If the charge is low, there is a leak somewhere that needs to be found.
Area covered and what happens when you call
Stepan is based in Davenport, Florida and covers Central Florida, including Davenport, Kissimmee, Orlando, Clermont, Haines City, Winter Haven, St. Cloud, Celebration, Poinciana and ChampionsGate.
When a customer calls, he asks for the year, make and model, VIN, a description of the AC problem, the location and availability. Then he comes directly to that location to diagnose the problem and, when possible, complete the repair on the same visit.
What to look for before you hire someone
His advice is to look for someone who specializes in AC systems, holds EPA Section 609 certification, uses proper diagnostic and refrigerant handling equipment, and diagnoses the problem before replacing parts. A good technician should be able to tell you what failed, why it failed, and what it will cost before any work begins.
Interviewed by MechanicRank · October 2, 2026. Nothing here is sponsored and nothing was rewritten into marketing copy. Read the other features or tell us about your own shop.