What Are Trip Charges and Diagnostic Fees?

When you need heating, cooling or plumbing services from Donelson Air Service Experts, you will pay a trip charge and a diagnostic fee separately. Many companies you’ve worked with in the past most likely combined the trip charge and diagnostic fee, but we feel we can offer you even more value by separating them.

What Is a Trip Charge?

A trip charge includes the cost for a certified plumber or HVAC technician to come to your home. Occasionally called a service call fee, this charge is the initial rate for sending our technicians, equipment and expertise to your doorstep. If you would like to avoid trip charges in the future, you can look into registering for one of our membership programs.

What Is a Diagnostic Fee?

The diagnostic fee covers the services required to locate the root of a problem. For plumbing, this could be comprised of scoping. In HVAC repairs, it could involve inspecting the inside of the cabinet. If you elect to use Donelson Air Service Experts for your repairs, the diagnostic fee will be rolled into the repair costs. However, you will be charged for the diagnostic services alone if you choose not to.

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 home, while the diagnostic fee encompasses all the work involved in assessing 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 absorbed into the cost of the repairs.

Why Are Diagnostic Fees and Trip Charges Billed Separately?

Many plumbers and HVAC companies are going to charge a single fee for both the trip and the diagnostics. Rather than charging you for two services at once, we have two individual fees. This helps us to price our services in the fairest available manner.