When searching for a HVAC contractor, you may have seen the term “service call fee.” Also known as a “trip charge,” this fee is the expense an HVAC company charges for sending a technician to your home when your furnace or cooling begins malfunctioning.
Why Do HVAC Companies Charge a Service Call Fee?
A service call fee recoups the cost of traveling to your home. After all, this takes time, uses fuel, and results in wear and tear on the company vehicle. Keep in mind that service call fees don’t generally cover parts and labor if you choose to go with a repair or replacement.
How Much is a Service Call Fee?
Every HVAC company determines how much to charge for a service call. Some technicians select a standard or flat rate for every service call, while others raise the rate if the appointment is someplace outside the normal service radius. The particular cost changes with market and company, but you could expect your usual trip charge to be anywhere from $79 to $129.
Who Covers the Service Call Fee?
If you arrange a service call, you will need to settle the trip charge regardless of what step you take later. For example, you could opt to proceed with the technician’s recommended repair or replacement, depending on which option is more cost effective.
You are encouraged to collect multiple job estimates from different HVAC companies—just remember that you can end up paying a trip charge for every one. Even if you take no action after the initial service call, you will still owe the HVAC company a fee for coming to your home and carrying out diagnostics.
How Can I Avoid Paying a Service Call Fee?
An easy way to avoid trip charges is to sign up for an HVAC membership from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. All four of our memberships come with a waived service call fee, meaning we’ll come to your home and inspect your HVAC system for free.
More money-saving benefits of an HVAC maintenance membership include:
- No overtime charges
- 15% savings on repairs
- 15% savings on indoor air quality products
- And much more
If your furnace or air conditioner is working poorly, or you’re interested in an affordable HVAC maintenance plan, Parker Pearce Service Experts is happy to help. We charge some of the most inexpensive service call fees to get your HVAC repair or replacement off to a good start. We are also eager to help our customers save money on emergency repairs, replacements and maintenance with valuable offers on our website. If you’re looking to enjoy savings and peace of mind while enhancing efficiency and home comfort, give us a call at 301-476-4577 today!