What Are Trip Charges and Diagnostic Fees?

When you want heating, cooling or plumbing services from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, you will pay for the trip charge and a diagnostic fee individually. Many companies you’ve hired in the past may have combined the trip charge and diagnostic fee, but we think we can provide you with greater value by separating the two.

What Exactly Is a Trip Charge?

A trip charge includes the cost for a qualified plumber or HVAC technician to come to your home. Sometimes called a service call fee, this charge is the initial rate for delivering our technicians, equipment and expertise to your door. If you would like to cut out the trip charges in the future, you can explore registering for one of our membership plans.

What Is a Diagnostic Fee?

The diagnostic fee covers the services required to find the root of a problem. For plumbing, this could include scoping. In HVAC repairs, it could involve taking a look at the inside of your system. If you elect to use Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for the repairs, the diagnostic fee is rolled into the repair costs. However, you are charged for the diagnostic services alone if you choose not to.

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

In most cases, a trip fee covers sending the plumber or HVAC technician to your home, while the diagnostic fee addresses all the work concerned with evaluating the problem and working up a plan for repairs. If you pay for repairs, you won’t even notice the diagnostic fee since it’ll be included with the cost of the repairs.

Why Are Diagnostic Fees and Trip Charges Separated?

Many plumbers and HVAC companies are going to charge one single fee for both the trip and the diagnostics. Instead of charging you for two services at once, we prefer two distinct fees. This enables us to price our services in the fairest possible manner.