What Are Trip Charges and Diagnostic Fees?

When you want heating, air conditioning or plumbing services from Atmostemp Service Experts, you will handle the trip charge and a diagnostic fee independently. Some companies you’ve worked with in the past might have combined the trip charge and diagnostic fee, but we believe we can offer you better value by separating them.

What's a Trip Charge?

A trip charge handles the cost for a certified plumber or HVAC technician to visit your home. Often called a service call fee, this charge is the initial rate for sending our technicians, equipment and expertise to your doorstep. If you'd like to cut out the trip charges in the future, you can consider registering for one of our membership programs.

What Is a Diagnostic Fee?

The diagnostic fee covers the services needed to locate the source of a problem. In plumbing, this could include scoping. During HVAC repairs, it could involve inspecting the inside of the cabinet. If you decide to use Atmostemp Service Experts for any repairs, the diagnostic fee would be rolled into the repair bill. However, you are charged for the diagnostic services alone if you don't.

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

In general, a trip fee covers sending the plumber or HVAC technician to your home, while the diagnostic fee addresses all the work concerned with assessing the issue and coming up with a plan for repairs. If you are paying for repairs, you won’t even notice the diagnostic fee as it'll be rolled into the cost of the repairs.

Why Are Diagnostic Fees and Trip Charges Billed Individually?

Many plumbers and HVAC companies are going to charge one single fee for both the trip and the diagnostics. As opposed to charging you for two services at the same time, we have two distinct fees. This enables us to price our services in the fairest achievable manner.