What Are Trip Charges and Diagnostic Fees?

When you are looking for heating, air conditioning or plumbing services from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, you will handle the trip charge and a diagnostic fee independently. A number of companies you’ve worked with in the past might have combined the trip charge and diagnostic fee, but we feel we can provide you with better value by separating the two.

What’s a Trip Charge?

A trip charge handles the cost for a licensed plumber or HVAC technician to visit your home. Sometimes called a service call fee, this cost is the initial rate for sending our technicians, equipment and expertise to your door.

What Is a Diagnostic Fee?

The diagnostic fee covers the services required to locate the source of a problem. In plumbing, this may consist of scoping. In HVAC repairs, it may involve taking a look at the inside of the cabinet. If you decide to use Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for the repairs, the diagnostic fee will be rolled into the repair costs. But bear in mind, you’re charged for the diagnostic services alone if you do not.

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

Generally speaking, a trip fee covers sending the plumber or HVAC technician to your property, while the diagnostic fee encompasses all the work related to assessing the problem and coming up with a plan for repairs. If you pay for repairs, you won’t even notice the diagnostic fee as it will be rolled into the cost of the repairs.

Why Are Diagnostic Fees and Trip Charges Billed Separately?

Other plumbers and HVAC companies are going to charge one fee for both the trip and the diagnostics. Instead of charging you for two services at the same time, we opt for two individual fees. This allows us to price our services in the fairest achievable manner.