What Are Trip Charges and Diagnostic Fees?

When you are looking for heating, cooling or plumbing services from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, you will pay a trip charge and a diagnostic fee individually. A number of companies you’ve worked with in the past may have combined the trip charge and diagnostic fee, but we think we can provide you with better value by keeping them separate.

What's a Trip Charge?

A trip charge handles the cost for a licensed plumber or HVAC technician to visit your home. Often called a service call fee, this charge is the initial rate for sending our technicians, equipment and expertise to your doorstep. If you would like to cut out the trip charges in the future, you can explore registering for one of our membership programs.

What Is a Diagnostic Fee?

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

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

In general, a trip fee includes sending the plumber or HVAC technician to your home, while the diagnostic fee encompasses all the work related to assessing the issue and coming up with a plan for repairs. If you pay for repairs, you won't notice the diagnostic fee since it will be rolled into the cost of the repairs.

Why Are Diagnostic Fees and Trip Charges Separated?

Some other plumbers and HVAC companies will charge one fee for both the trip and the diagnostics. Rather than charging you for two services at the same time, we opt for two distinct fees. This helps us to price our services in the fairest achievable manner.