What Are Trip Charges and Diagnostic Fees?

When you want heating, cooling or plumbing services from Coastal Service Experts, you will pay a trip charge and a diagnostic fee independently. Some companies you’ve called in the past most likely combined the trip charge and diagnostic fee, but we believe we can provide you with even more value by separating them.

What Is a Trip Charge?

A trip charge covers the cost for a certified plumber or HVAC technician to stop by your home. Occasionally called a service call fee, this cost is the initial rate for delivering 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 pays for the services required to find the source of a problem. For plumbing, this may be comprised of scoping. For HVAC repairs, it may involve examining the inside of your unit. If you prefer to use Coastal Service Experts for any repairs, the diagnostic fee will be rolled into the repair costs. That said, you will be 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 residence, while the diagnostic fee encompasses all the work related to evaluating the issue and figuring out 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 Billed Individually?

Many plumbers and HVAC companies are going to charge a single fee for both the trip and the diagnostics. Instead of charging you for two services together, we opt for two individual fees. This allows us to price our services in the fairest possible manner.