When searching for a HVAC contractor, you may have run across the term “service call fee.” Also named a “trip charge,” this fee is the cost an HVAC company requests for sending a technician to your home when your heating or air conditioner seems to be malfunctioning.
Why Do HVAC Companies Have a Service Call Fee?
A service call fee includes the cost of traveling to your home. After all, this takes time, consumes fuel, and increases wear and tear on the company vehicle. Be aware that service call fees don’t generally cover parts and labor if you decide on a repair or replacement.
How Expensive is a Service Call Fee?
Every HVAC company determines how much to charge for a service call. Some contractors offer a standard or flat rate for each service call, while others adjust the cost if the appointment is somewhere outside the normal service radius. The exact cost differs by market and company, but you may expect a typical trip charge to be around $79 to $129.
Who Pays the Service Call Fee?
If you schedule a service call, you will need to pay the trip charge regardless of what step you take after. For example, you can opt to proceed with the technician’s recommended repair or replacement, depending on which choice is more cost effective.
You are welcome to request multiple job estimates from different HVAC companies—just keep in mind that you might end up paying a trip charge for each one. Even if you take no action after the initial service call, you will still owe the HVAC company a fee for coming to your home and carrying out diagnostics.
How Can I Skip Paying a Service Call Fee?
A smart way to avoid trip charges is to participate in an HVAC membership from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. All four of our memberships provide a waived service call fee, which means we’ll come to your home and inspect your HVAC system for free.
Additional money-saving benefits of an HVAC maintenance membership consist of:
- No overtime charges
- 15% savings on repairs
- 15% savings on indoor air quality products
- And much more
If your furnace or air conditioner is malfunctioning, or you’re interested in an affordable HVAC maintenance plan, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is ready to help. We charge some of the lowest service call fees to get your HVAC repair or replacement going the right way. We are also eager to help our customers save money on emergency repairs, replacements and maintenance with valuable offers on our website. If you’re looking to enjoy savings and peace of mind while boosting efficiency and home comfort, give us a call at 239-908-6991 today!