What Are Trip Charges and Diagnostic Fees?

When you are looking for heating, cooling or plumbing services from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, you will pay a trip charge and a diagnostic fee independently. Some companies you’ve called in the past most likely combined the trip charge and diagnostic fee, but we feel we can offer even more value by separating them.

What Exactly Is a Trip Charge?

A trip charge covers the cost for a certified plumber or HVAC technician to stop by your home. Sometimes called a service call fee, this cost is the standard rate for delivering our technicians, equipment and expertise to your front door.

What Is a Diagnostic Fee?

The diagnostic fee pays for the services required to determine the root cause of a problem. In plumbing, this can consist of scoping. In HVAC repairs, it could involve examining the inside of your system. If you decide to use Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for your repairs, the diagnostic fee will be rolled into the repair bill. But bear in mind, you will be charged for the diagnostic services alone if you don’t.

What Are the Differences Between a Trip Fee and a Diagnostic Fee

In general, a trip fee covers sending the plumber or HVAC technician to your property, while the diagnostic fee addresses all the work concerned with evaluating the problem and coming up with a plan for repairs. If you are paying for repairs, you shouldn’t notice the diagnostic fee because it’ll be rolled into the cost of the repairs.

Why Are Diagnostic Fees and Trip Charges Separated?

Other plumbers and HVAC companies are going to charge one fee for both the trip and the diagnostics. As opposed to charging you for two services at once, we prefer two distinct fees. This helps us to price our services in the fairest achievable manner.