What is a service call fee?

A service call (or diagnostic) fee is the flat charge to dispatch a licensed technician, inspect your system, and provide a diagnosis and upfront estimate before work begins. It’s comparable to a medical copay: you’re paying for professional evaluation prior to treatment.

How much do service calls usually cost?

• Typical national range: Many guides cite $75–$200 for in-hours diagnostic visits.
• Published examples: Several sources note $80–$190 for service calls and a minimum fee of about $75 in many markets. See The Spruce and Fixr.
• Credit toward repair: Some companies apply the diagnostic fee toward repairs if you approve the work (policy varies by provider).

What affects the final repair cost?

After diagnosis, your total depends on parts, labor time, and whether the visit is after hours.

• Labor rates: Independent reporting puts many HVAC labor rates around $65–$150 per hour, with averages near $110. The Spruce
• Emergency/after-hours: Nights/weekends can carry a premium. Fixr
• Parts & availability: Component pricing (e.g., motors, capacitors, coils) and supply conditions influence totals.
• System age & condition: Older systems may require more troubleshooting and time.

By the numbers: common AC repair ranges

These ballpark figures help you gauge whether an estimate aligns with national reporting (actual pricing varies by brand, tonnage, accessibility, and market):

Typical AC repair (common issues)

$150–$650

Minor issues (e.g., clogged drain line, capacitor)

$100–$300

Major issues (e.g., compressor, refrigerant coils)

$1,000+

Source: This Old House (2025)

How to get the most value from your service call

• Describe symptoms clearly. Note noises, smells, error codes, and when the issue started.
• Check the basics. Replace a dirty filter and verify breakers/thermostat settings.
• Ask for options. Request a written estimate and good/better/best choices (repair vs. replace).
• Consider maintenance. Routine tune-ups often run in the low hundreds and can reduce surprise breakdowns. See Angi and HomeAdvisor.

Our approach at At Your Service 417 Heating & Air

We keep diagnostics straightforward and transparent, provide estimates before any work begins, and help you choose the most cost-effective solution for your home. If a safe, minor repair will extend system life, we’ll say so; if replacement is the smarter long-term move, we’ll explain why.