What Are Trip Charges and Diagnostic Fees?

When you want heating, cooling or plumbing services from Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts, you will pay a trip charge and a diagnostic fee individually. Some companies you’ve hired in the past might have combined the trip charge and diagnostic fee, but we feel we can provide you with even more value by separating them. 

What’s a Trip Charge? 

A trip charge covers the cost for a qualified plumber or HVAC technician to visit your home. Occasionally called a service call fee, this payment is the standard rate for sending our technicians, equipment and expertise to your doorstep. If you’d like to eliminate trip charges in the future, you can explore joining one of our membership programs. 

What Is a Diagnostic Fee? 

The diagnostic fee pays for the services necessary to determine the root of a problem. For plumbing, this may be comprised of scoping. In HVAC repairs, it could involve inspecting the inside of the cabinet. If you elect to use Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts for the repairs, the diagnostic fee will be rolled into the repair bill. But bear in mind, you are charged for the diagnostic services alone if you choose not to. 

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

Generally speaking, a trip fee gets the plumber or HVAC technician to your home, while the diagnostic fee addresses all the work involved in evaluating the issue and figuring out a plan for repairs. If you are paying for repairs, you shouldn’t notice the diagnostic fee because it’ll be rolled into the cost of the repairs. 

Why Are Diagnostic Fees and Trip Charges Separated? 

Other plumbers and HVAC companies are going to charge one single fee for both the trip and the diagnostics. Instead of charging you for two services at once, we prefer two separate fees. This enables us to price our services in the fairest available manner.