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 a trip charge and a diagnostic fee individually. Some companies you’ve worked with in the past might have combined the trip charge and diagnostic fee, but we feel we can offer you greater value by separating them. 

What’s a Trip Charge? 

A trip charge includes the cost for a certified plumber or HVAC technician to come to your home. Often called a service call fee, this payment is the base rate for delivering our technicians, equipment and expertise to your front door. If you want to cut out the trip charges in the future, you can look into registering for one of our membership plans

What Is a Diagnostic Fee? 

The diagnostic fee pays for the services necessary to find the root cause of a problem. With plumbing, this could include scoping. For HVAC repairs, it might involve inspecting the inside of your system. If you decide to use Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for the repairs, the diagnostic fee would be rolled into the repair bill. However, you’re charged for the diagnostic services alone if you do not. 

What Is the Difference 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 evaluating the issue and working up a plan for repairs. If you pay for repairs, you won’t notice the diagnostic fee because it’s absorbed 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 single 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 available manner. 

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