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. A number of companies you’ve worked with in the past may have combined the trip charge and diagnostic fee, but we feel we can offer better value by separating the two. 

What’s a Trip Charge? 

A trip charge covers the cost for a qualified plumber or HVAC technician to come to your home. Sometimes 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 avoid trip charges in the future, you can look into registering for one of our membership programs

What Is a Diagnostic Fee? 

The diagnostic fee is made up of the services required to determine the root of a problem. With plumbing, this may consist of scoping. In HVAC repairs, it may involve taking a look at the inside of the cabinet. If you decide to use Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for the repairs, the diagnostic fee would be rolled into the repair costs. That said, you are charged for the diagnostic services alone if you choose not to. 

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

In most cases, a trip fee covers sending the plumber or HVAC technician to your property, while the diagnostic fee encompasses all the work concerned with assessing the issue and figuring out a plan for repairs. If you’re paying for repairs, you won’t notice the diagnostic fee as it’s rolled into the cost of the repairs. 

Why Are Diagnostic Fees and Trip Charges Billed Separately? 

Some other plumbers and HVAC companies charge a single fee for both the trip and the diagnostics. As opposed to charging you for two services at the same time, we have two separate fees. This helps us to price our services in the fairest available manner. 

Savings For You

See All Offers Here >

Solar Consultation

$50 OFF Drain Cleaning

© 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.