When you want heating, cooling or plumbing services from McKinley Heating Service Experts, you will pay for the trip charge and a diagnostic fee independently. 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 greater value by separating the two.
What Is a Trip Charge?
A trip charge handles the cost for a certified plumber or HVAC technician to visit your home. Occasionally called a service call fee, this charge is the base rate for bringing our technicians, equipment and expertise to your door. If you'd like to avoid trip charges in the future, you can look into joining one of our membership programs.
What Is a Diagnostic Fee?
The diagnostic fee is made up of the services needed to locate the root of a problem. In plumbing, this may include scoping. For HVAC repairs, it might involve inspecting the inside of the cabinet. If you elect to use McKinley Heating Service Experts for the repairs, the diagnostic fee is rolled into the repair costs. However, 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
Generally speaking, a trip fee includes sending the plumber or HVAC technician to your home, while the diagnostic fee covers all the work concerned with evaluating the issue and working up a plan for repairs. If you are paying for repairs, you won’t even notice the diagnostic fee as it'll be absorbed into the cost of the repairs.
Why Are Diagnostic Fees and Trip Charges Billed Individually?
Other plumbers and HVAC companies are going to charge a single fee for both the trip and the diagnostics. As opposed to charging you for two services at once, we opt for two individual fees. This allows us to price our services in the fairest available manner.