What is a Service Call Fee and How Does it Affect Me?

When looking for a reliable contractor, you may have stumbled across the term “service call fee.” Also called a “trip charge,” this fee is the amount an HVAC company bills for sending a technician to your home when your heating or AC unit 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, requires fuel, and adds wear and tear on the company vehicle. Don’t forget that service call fees don’t often include parts and labor if you opt for a repair or replacement. 

How Expensive is a Service Call Fee? 

Every HVAC company chooses how much to charge for a service call. Some companies select a standard or flat rate for each service call, while others increase the rate if the appointment is somewhere outside the established service radius. The exact cost varies by market and company, but you should expect your usual trip charge to be between $79 to $129. 

Who is Responsible for the Service Call Fee? 

If you arrange a service call, you will need to settle the trip charge regardless of what step you take after. For example, you may decide to accept the technician’s recommended repair or replacement, depending on which method is more cost effective. 

You are encouraged to find several job estimates from local HVAC companies—just remember that you can end up paying a trip charge for every one. Even if you take no action after the first service call, you will still owe the technician a fee for coming to your home and carrying out diagnostics. 

How Can I Skip Paying a Service Call Fee? 

A simple way to minimize trip charges is to participate in an HVAC membership from Parker Pearce Service Experts. All four of our memberships include a waived service call fee, meaning we’ll come to your home and evaluate your HVAC system for free. 

Additional money-saving benefits of an HVAC maintenance membership consist of: 

  • No overtime charges 
  • 15% savings on repairs 

If your furnace or air conditioner is malfunctioning, or you’re considering an affordable HVAC maintenance plan, Parker Pearce Service Experts is willing to help. We charge some of the most inexpensive service call fees to get your HVAC repair or replacement started. We are also happy to help our customers save money on emergency repairs, replacements and maintenance with worthwhile offers on our website. If you’re looking to enjoy savings and peace of mind while boosting efficiency and home comfort, give us a call at 301-476-4577 today! 

Savings For You

See All Offers Here >
parts and labor icon

5% off Active Military & Veteran's Discount

  • Get 5% off the price off any equipment install
  • We value our military community and are proud to offer discounts to eligible military personnel
ductwork and insulation icon

10% OFF Attic Insulation

  • Free Estimates
  • Save Energy and Money
  • Keep Your Home Comfortable

© 2023 Service Experts, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, and the Service Experts logo and design are registered trademarks of Service Experts LLC and used under license by SE Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved. *Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program Agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions.