What Are Trip Charges and Diagnostic Fees?

When you need heating, air conditioning or plumbing services from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, you will pay for the trip charge and a diagnostic fee individually. Some companies you’ve hired in the past may have combined the trip charge and diagnostic fee, but we believe we can offer you even more value by separating the two. 

What Is a Trip Charge? 

A trip charge includes the cost for a qualified plumber or HVAC technician to come to your home. Often called a service call fee, this cost is the initial rate for delivering our technicians, equipment and expertise to your front door. If you’d like to eliminate trip charges in the future, you can look into signing up for one of our membership programs

What Is a Diagnostic Fee? 

The diagnostic fee pays for the services required to find the root cause of a problem. In plumbing, this could be comprised of scoping. During HVAC repairs, it could involve inspecting the inside of your system. If you decide to use Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for any repairs, the diagnostic fee would be rolled into the repair bill. However, you’re charged for the diagnostic services alone if you don’t. 

What Is the Difference Between a Trip Fee and a Diagnostic Fee 

Generally speaking, a trip fee includes sending the plumber or HVAC technician to your home, while the diagnostic fee covers all the work involved in assessing the problem and figuring out a plan for repairs. If you’re paying for repairs, you shouldn’t notice the diagnostic fee because it’s included with the cost of the repairs. 

Why Are Diagnostic Fees and Trip Charges Billed Separately? 

Other plumbers and HVAC companies charge one fee for both the trip and the diagnostics. Rather than charging you for two services at once, we opt for two separate fees. This enables us to price our services in the fairest possible manner. 

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