What Are Trip Charges and Diagnostic Fees?

When you want heating, cooling or plumbing services from Finch Air Conditioning & Heating, you will pay for the trip charge and a diagnostic fee individually. A number of companies you’ve hired in the past may have combined the trip charge and diagnostic fee, but we believe we can provide you with better value by separating the two.

What's a Trip Charge?

A trip charge includes the cost for a certified plumber or HVAC technician to come to your home. Often called a service call fee, this cost is the standard rate for delivering our technicians, equipment and expertise to your front door. If you would like to cut out the trip charges in the future, you can explore joining one of our membership plans.

What Is a Diagnostic Fee?

The diagnostic fee covers the services necessary to determine the source of a problem. In plumbing, this may consist of scoping. For HVAC repairs, it could involve taking a look at the inside of your system. If you elect to use Finch Air Conditioning & Heating for any repairs, the diagnostic fee is rolled into the repair bill. But bear in mind, you're charged for the diagnostic services alone if you do not.

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

Generally speaking, a trip fee gets the plumber or HVAC technician to your property, while the diagnostic fee addresses all the work concerned with evaluating the problem and working up a plan for repairs. If you pay for repairs, you won't notice the diagnostic fee because it will be included with the cost of the repairs.

Why Are Diagnostic Fees and Trip Charges Billed Individually?

Other plumbers and HVAC companies will charge one single fee for both the trip and the diagnostics. Instead of charging you for two services together, we prefer two individual fees. This allows us to price our services in the fairest achievable manner.