What Are Trip Charges and Diagnostic Fees?

When you need heating, cooling or plumbing services from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, you will pay a trip charge and a diagnostic fee separately. Some companies you’ve called in the past might have combined the trip charge and diagnostic fee, but we think we can offer you better value by keeping them separate.

What Exactly Is a Trip Charge?

A trip charge handles the cost for a qualified plumber or HVAC technician to visit your home. Occasionally 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 covers the services required to locate the root cause of a problem. For plumbing, this may include scoping. For HVAC repairs, it may involve taking a look at the inside of the cabinet. If you prefer 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 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 residence, while the diagnostic fee encompasses all the work concerned with assessing the problem and figuring out a plan for repairs. If you’re paying for repairs, you won’t even notice the diagnostic fee because it’s included with the cost of the repairs.

Why Are Diagnostic Fees and Trip Charges Billed Individually?

Other plumbers and HVAC companies charge a single fee for both the trip and the diagnostics. Rather than charging you for two services at the same time, we have two individual fees. This helps us to price our services in the fairest achievable manner.