What Are Trip Charges and Diagnostic Fees?

When you need heating, air conditioning or plumbing services from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, you will handle the trip charge and a diagnostic fee separately. A number of companies you’ve worked with in the past most likely combined the trip charge and diagnostic fee, but we think we can offer even more value by separating the two.

What Is a Trip Charge?

A trip charge includes the cost for a licensed plumber or HVAC technician to stop by your home. Occasionally called a service call fee, this cost is the initial 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 source of a problem. In plumbing, this could be comprised of scoping. In HVAC repairs, it could involve inspecting the inside of your unit. If you decide to use Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for the repairs, the diagnostic fee would be rolled into the repair costs. However, you’re charged for the diagnostic services alone if you don’t.

What Is the Difference Between a Trip Fee and a Diagnostic Fee

Generally speaking, a trip fee includes sending the plumber or HVAC technician to your property, while the diagnostic fee covers all the work involved in evaluating the problem and coming up with a plan for repairs. If you’re paying for repairs, you won’t even notice the diagnostic fee because it will be rolled into the cost of the repairs.

Why Are Diagnostic Fees and Trip Charges Billed Individually?

Many plumbers and HVAC companies are going to charge a single fee for both the trip and the diagnostics. As opposed to charging you for two services at once, we opt for two individual fees. This enables us to price our services in the fairest available manner.