What Are Trip Charges and Diagnostic Fees?

When you want heating, air conditioning or plumbing services from Midway Services, you will handle the trip charge and a diagnostic fee separately. Some companies you’ve called in the past may have combined the trip charge and diagnostic fee, but we think we can provide you with even more value by separating them.

What's a Trip Charge?

A trip charge includes the cost for a licensed plumber or HVAC technician to stop by your home. Often called a service call fee, this payment is the initial rate for sending our technicians, equipment and expertise to your front door. If you would like to cut out the trip charges in the future, you can look into joining one of our membership programs.

What Is a Diagnostic Fee?

The diagnostic fee covers the services required to locate the root cause of a problem. With plumbing, this can consist of scoping. During HVAC repairs, it may involve taking a look at the inside of your system. If you prefer to use Midway Services for the repairs, the diagnostic fee will be rolled into the repair bill. That said, you are charged for the diagnostic services alone if you choose not to.

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

In most cases, a trip fee includes sending the plumber or HVAC technician to your home, while the diagnostic fee encompasses all the work concerned with assessing the problem and working up a plan for repairs. If you pay for repairs, you shouldn't notice the diagnostic fee since it'll be rolled into the cost of the repairs.

Why Are Diagnostic Fees and Trip Charges Billed Individually?

Some other plumbers and HVAC companies are going to charge one fee for both the trip and the diagnostics. As opposed to charging you for two services at the same time, we prefer two individual fees. This enables us to price our services in the fairest available manner.