When searching for a trustworthy contractor, you may have run across the term “service call fee.” Also called a “trip charge,” this fee is the expense an HVAC company charges for sending a technician to your home when your heating or air conditioner begins malfunctioning.
Why Do HVAC Companies Use a Service Call Fee?
A service call fee includes the cost of traveling to your home. After all, this takes time, requires fuel, and results in wear and tear on the company vehicle. It’s important to know that service call fees don’t typically cover parts and labor if you choose to go with a repair or replacement.
How Expensive is a Service Call Fee?
Every HVAC company decides how much to charge for a service call. Some technicians use a standard or flat rate for any service call, while others adjust the price if the appointment is further outside the usual service radius. The exact cost differs by market and company, but you may expect a typical trip charge to be between $79 to $129.
Who is Responsible for the Service Call Fee?
If you schedule a service call, you will need to settle the trip charge regardless of what step you take after. For instance, you may choose to move forward with the technician’s recommended repair or replacement, depending on which method is more cost effective.
You are welcome to compare multiple job estimates from trusted HVAC companies—just don’t forget that you might end up paying a trip charge for each one. Even if you take no action after the original service call, you will still owe the contractor a fee for coming to your home and completing diagnostics.
How Can I Avoid Paying a Service Call Fee?
A smart way to decrease 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, meaning we’ll come to your home and evaluate your HVAC system for free.
Other 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 working poorly, or you’re considering an affordable HVAC maintenance plan, Peitz Service Experts is willing to help. We charge some of the most inexpensive service call fees to get your HVAC repair or replacement going the right way. We are also willing to help our customers save money on emergency repairs, replacements and maintenance with special offers on our website. If you’re hoping to enjoy savings and peace of mind while enhancing efficiency and home comfort, give us a call at 605-223-0307 today!