When searching for a reliable contractor, you may have stumbled across the term “service call fee.” Also called a “trip charge,” this fee is the amount an HVAC company charges for sending a technician to your home when your furnace or cooling starts malfunctioning.
Why Do HVAC Companies Charge a Service Call Fee?
A service call fee covers the cost of traveling to your home. After all, this takes time, uses fuel, and adds wear and tear on the company vehicle. Be aware that service call fees don’t usually cover parts and labor if you opt for a repair or replacement.
How Much is a Service Call Fee?
Every HVAC company chooses how much to charge for a service call. Some companies use a standard or flat rate for each service call, while others adjust the rate if the home is located outside the usual service radius. The specific cost varies by market and company, but you should expect an average trip charge to be between $79 to $129.
Who is Responsible for the Service Call Fee?
If you arrange a service call, you will need to settle the trip charge regardless of what step you take next. For starters, you may prefer to agree with the technician’s recommended repair or replacement, depending on which option is more cost effective.
You are free to find several job estimates from local HVAC companies—just keep in mind that you could 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 technician a fee for coming to your home and carrying out diagnostics.
How Can I Steer Clear of Paying a Service Call Fee?
An easy way to reduce trip charges is to sign up for an HVAC membership from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. All four of our memberships offer a waived service call fee, and so we’ll come to your home and check 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 acting up, or you’re interested in an affordable HVAC maintenance plan, Pardee Service Experts is willing to help. We charge some of the most inexpensive service call fees to get your HVAC repair or replacement started. We are also happy to help our customers save money on emergency repairs, replacements and maintenance with worthwhile offers on our website. If you’re hoping to enjoy savings and peace of mind while boosting efficiency and home comfort, give us a call at 843-410-6103 today!