An HVAC system means comfort. But this comfort comes at a price, which is all about taking care of the unit, and once in a while, it may even consist of installation or replacement. These services have one thing in common: the “AC service call fee.” Do you know what it is and how it influences you, the customer? Don’t look any further because you will find all the answers on this page.
What Is A Service Call?
When you book an appointment for troubleshooting, repairs, maintenance, installation, or inspection, you ask for a service. Hence, when a homeowner or a building manager has an HVAC problem that requires a diagnosis or assessment, the help provided is called a “Service Call.”
For example, your AC suddenly stops working. You call your HVAC technician and ask them to rectify the issue. Your technician’s service is a service call because they come to your residence and figure out and remedy the situation.
The Service Call Fee
The fee charged by the service technician to visit the site to perform the service is called a “Service Call Fee.” Typically, this fee covers the general expenses related to attending a service call. Consequently, it encompasses travel expenses because it takes time to reach the destination. Also, in doing so, fuel is used, and the company vehicle suffers wear and tear. It wouldn’t be off the mark to claim that the call fee consists of the trip charge fee, i.e., it covers the fuel and transport expenses.
This would be the right time to point out that the service call fee generally does not include the cost of labor or that of the spare parts.
Who Pays The AC Service Call Fee?
The service call fee or the trip charge is settled by you if you have asked for the service call. If you decide not to go ahead with the technician’s recommendation of AC repairs, maintenance, or installation and send them back, even then, you have to bear the trip charge. This is because you asked for a service, and the HVAC company fulfilled its end of the bargain by sending a qualified technician. If you don’t agree with them, it’s not their fault. So the service call fee is due to them, irrespective of what step you take.
Is The Service Call Fee The Same For All?
Straight up – No, the service call fee is not the same for all. Every HVAC company has its own fee structure. There is no standardization; therefore, it can vary from contractor to contractor within the same area. Some service contractors follow a flat rate or a fixed charge for all locations inside the radius of their service. Others charge a different fee for each location, with the minimum being for that area closest to them and the maximum for the one that is the farthest. In short, the miles covered to reach the destination will guide the service fee charge.
For example, an HVAC contractor or company may charge a fixed amount of $70 for service calls in Miami because they are headquartered there. And for areas beyond it, the fee will change depending on the miles they cover. Hence, it can be rightly concluded that the service call fee includes the travel time or the mileage and sometimes even the cost of the first 30 mins of labor on-site for diagnosing the problem. If the technician spends more time on site, the fee will increase accordingly.
Does Service Call Fee Cover The Materials Cost Or The Cost Of Replacement Parts?
Usually, the service call fee will not cover the cost of the materials used in repairs or installations. Neither does it include the cost of replacement parts. These will all be additional expenses. Nonetheless, we always advise our clients and readers; it’s always better to ask when in doubt. So instead of wondering what the service provider will think, be confident and ask your questions. You are paying for the service and hence, have every right to query them. At least, when the bill is presented, there will be no unpleasant surprises in store.
Is It Possible To Waive The Service Call Fee?
Yes, it is possible to waive the service call fee. The best way to do so is by buying an HVAC membership plan from a reputed and trustworthy company. Their membership plans will have a waiver for it, and you will be able to get the technicians to come and assess any issues for free.
Sadly, other than this, there is no other way to steer clear of the service call fee. If you don’t have a membership, you will have to pay for every visit you ask the technician to make.
Other Benefits Of Purchasing HVAC Membership Plans
There are several benefits of purchasing an HVAC plan. These include:
1. No need to remember and book HVAC maintenance appointments.
2. No need to pay a service call fee.
3. Savings on repairs.
4. Lower service costs.
Bottomline
Next time you see a service call fee tab on your final bill, don’t confuse it with the service cost. Service cost is the actual expense and consists of the cost of repairs, time taken in repair or installation, labor charges, etc. The service call fee, on the other hand, consists purely of the trip charges. That is, it includes all the expenses the company bears to send the technician to your place of residence. If you don’t wish to pay this amount, you can always look to buy a suitable HVAC membership plan.
There’s good news for the residents of West Palm Beach, Florida – Aztil Air Conditioning offers fabulous HVAC membership plans for you to choose from. We have something for everyone and every budget. If you are a little apprehensive, you can try our services at any time for an affordable rate. We are HVAC experts with years of experience under our belt. So when you partner with us, you will never have to worry about your HVAC system. To book an appointment, just call +1-888-729-8452.
