What Are Trip Charges and Diagnostic Fees?

When you are looking for heating, air conditioning or plumbing services from A1 Chesney Service Experts, you will pay a trip charge and a diagnostic fee separately. Many companies you’ve hired in the past most likely combined the trip charge and diagnostic fee, but we think we can provide you with even more value by keeping them separate. 

What’s a Trip Charge? 

A trip charge includes the cost for a qualified plumber or HVAC technician to stop by your home. Occasionally called a service call fee, this charge is the standard rate for sending our technicians, equipment and expertise to your front door. If you want to eliminate trip charges in the future, you can look into joining one of our membership plans. 

What Is a Diagnostic Fee? 

The diagnostic fee covers the services necessary to determine the root cause of a problem. In plumbing, this can include scoping. During HVAC repairs, it may involve taking a look at the inside of the cabinet. If you elect to use A1 Chesney Service Experts for your repairs, the diagnostic fee would be rolled into the repair bill. That said, you will be charged for the diagnostic services alone if you choose not to. 

What Is the Difference 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 concerned with assessing the problem and working up a plan for repairs. If you are paying for repairs, you won’t notice the diagnostic fee as it will be included with the cost of the repairs. 

Why Are Diagnostic Fees and Trip Charges Separated? 

Many plumbers and HVAC companies charge one fee for both the trip and the diagnostics. Instead of charging you for two services together, we have two distinct fees. This allows us to price our services in the fairest available manner.