---
title: "James Ball Chimney Cleaning"
description: "James Ball Chimney Cleaning sweeps chimneys and dryer vents, by its own description on its BBB profile, and its website lists a service area running from G"
doc_version: "2026-10-19"
last_updated: "2026-10-19"
---

# James Ball Chimney Cleaning

**Trade:** Chimney Services · **Address:** 28 Cedar Heights Rd, Stamford, CT 06905 · **Phone:** (203) 975-9242 · **Website:** https://jamesballchimney.com/ · **Languages:** English

**Rating: 3.0/5** (high confidence) — from 29 reviews across 6 sources.
97% of sentiment-scored reviews read net-positive. Last 6 months: 2 reviews, 0 negative.

## The honest read

James Ball Chimney Cleaning sweeps chimneys and dryer vents, by its own description on its BBB profile, and its website lists a service area running from Greenwich to Fairfield, with Stamford, Norwalk and Westport in between. The company says it has been in business for 42 years.

A 2026 Google customer said that when a furnace kept turning off in December, the company fitted them into its schedule, found the issue and resolved it on the spot. That 2026 customer then took a full video scan of the chimney and called the price reasonable. A 2026 Google customer wrote that they checked the dryer vent, cleaned the boiler flu and documented their inspections and recommendations with photos. A 2025 customer said the house was warmer and less drafty after the new damper they installed. A 2023 customer hired them for a level 2 and video inspection and said Rich and Charles called out several issues around the chimney that others had missed.

A 2024 customer who had used the company for years for fireplace and chimney sweeps said Richie and Charlie worked through creosote build-up and also looked over the wood pile. That 2024 customer added that James had installed a gas furnace liner 15 years earlier. A 2022 customer said the inspection cost $80, that the fee was credited toward further work with the company, and that they advise getting a mason for exterior brick work.

A recent r/StamfordCT commenter said James Ball tried to tell them the chimney needed rebuilding, and that O'Connell, called for a second opinion, said it was fine. A recent commenter in the same subreddit called the company "Heavy upsellers." A 2024 r/StamfordCT commenter said they were told they needed $8,000 of work, and that O'Connell said the chimney was fine. A 2024 commenter there said they were quoted $400 for "a really simple job." A 2025 Google reviewer called the operator rude and confrontational and said he tried to scare and upsell them and did the same to their tenants.

Connecticut lists its home improvement contractor registration, HIC.0568337, as active, held by James Ball Chimney Cleaning.

**Strengths:**
- Video chimney scan — a 2026 customer called the full scan reasonably priced
- A photo-documented inspection — a 2026 customer said findings came with photos
- A credited inspection fee — a 2022 customer said the $80 fee counted toward later work
- A new damper — a 2025 customer said the house was warmer and less drafty

**Concerns:**
- A rebuild recommendation — a recent r/StamfordCT commenter said O'Connell found the chimney fine
- An $8,000 recommendation — a 2024 r/StamfordCT commenter said O'Connell called it fine
- An upsell complaint — a 2025 Google reviewer said the operator tried to upsell

**Where sources disagree:**
- Upselling: a 2022 Google reviewer wrote there was "no up-selling," while a 2025 Google reviewer and r/StamfordCT commenters in 2024 and 2026 said they were pushed toward costly work.

## Claims & citations

Every claim below is backed by real evidence rows — uncited claims are dropped in code before publication.

- Describes itself on its BBB profile as offering chimney sweeping and dryer vent cleaning _(confidence: high)_
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ct/stamford/profile/chimney-cleaning/james-ball-chimney-cleaning-0111-87014504) — “About (Better Business Bureau, self-described): James Ball, LLC offers chimney sweeping and dryer vent cleaning.”
- Its website lists a service area of Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford, Westport, Wilton and Fairfield _(confidence: high)_
  - [Official Website](https://jamesballchimney.com) — “Stated service area (self-reported): Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford, Westport, Wilton, Fairfield”
- The company says it has been in business for 42 years _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Official Website](https://jamesballchimney.com) — “Self-reported 42 years in business”
- Google shows 4.6 stars from 64 ratings _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=James%20Ball%20Chimney%20Cleaning&query_place_id=ChIJE3mXTmahwokRg9tCDr_FypU) — “Google: 4.6★ from 64 ratings”
- A 2026 customer said the company fitted them in, found why a furnace kept turning off and resolved it on the spot _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT21VeFQzUTFVMHh5UjBoVFVqVTRaWEU1ZVc1c2JGRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x95cac5bf0e42db83!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOmUxT3Q1U0xyR0hTUjU4ZXE5eW5sbFE%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “5★ In the coldest time of December, our furnace kept turning off. We called a different chimney company who came and did nothing to solve th…”
- A 2026 customer said inspections and recommendations were documented with photos _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT25oVE5HZDFjRUZPZFhKM04wOTRWMmxUVkhOVk9IYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x95cac5bf0e42db83!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOnhTNGd1cEFOdXJ3N094V2lTVHNVOHc%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “5★ The "We Kick Ash" guys were great -- very friendly, arrived on time, checked everything including the dryer vent & cleaned the boiler flu…”
- A 2025 customer said a new damper they installed left the house warmer and less drafty _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUNBanV2Tm5nRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x95cac5bf0e42db83!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgMCAjuvNngE%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “5★ James Ball Chimney guys were AWESOME!!  I’ve dealt with a lot of service professionals recently and they were by far the best! They were …”
- A 2022 customer said the $80 inspection fee was credited toward further work _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURXdXIzcGJREAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x95cac5bf0e42db83!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDWur3pbQ%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “5★ Absolutely amazing. James Ball's team arrive on time, are incredibly friendly, honest, and excited to help you with all of your chimney i…”
- A recent r/StamfordCT commenter said James Ball said the chimney needed rebuilding, while a second opinion from O'Connell found it fine _(confidence: medium)_
  - [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/StamfordCT/comments/1x3c1o0/chimney_inspection_recommendations/pfg91bx/) — “r/StamfordCT — I also would not recommend James Ball. They tried to tell me I needed my chimney rebuilt. Had O'Connell come for a 2nd opinio…”
- A 2024 r/StamfordCT commenter said they were told they needed $8,000 of work, and O'Connell said the chimney was fine _(confidence: medium)_
  - [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/StamfordCT/comments/1fu6f6a/chimney_sweep_recommendation/lpx67gk/) — “r/StamfordCT — Not James Ball! They told me I needed $8,000 of work. I called o’Connell and they said the chimney was fine.”
- A 2025 Google reviewer said the operator tried to scare and upsell them and their tenants _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUN3aW9uQlNREAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x95cac5bf0e42db83!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgMCwionBSQ%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “1★ It's hard for me to write a poor review for anyone.  See my review history - it's only complimentary until now.

However, this was an awf…”
- Connecticut lists its home improvement contractor registration, HIC.0568337, as active, held by James Ball Chimney Cleaning. _(confidence: high)_
  - [State License Registry](https://www.elicense.ct.gov/Lookup/LicenseLookup.aspx) — “CT hic license HIC.0568337 registry-verified active — registry holder of record: JAMES BALL CHIMNEY CLEANING”
- Specializes in Chimney Services _(confidence: high)_
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ct/stamford/profile/chimney-cleaning/james-ball-chimney-cleaning-0111-87014504) — “About (Better Business Bureau, self-described): James Ball, LLC offers chimney sweeping and dryer vent cleaning.”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNMd2RMOEdBEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x95cac5bf0e42db83!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICLwdL8GA%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “5★ I've used James Ball Chimney for a number of years. Mostly for my annual/bi-annual fireplace/chimney sweeps. Just this past week Richie &…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURWbDhqc2lRRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x95cac5bf0e42db83!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDVl8jsiQE%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “5★ I hired James Ball recently to complete a level 2 & video inspection of my chimney. I was impressed with the service provided. Rich and C…”

## License

Status: **active** (#HIC.0568337, hic) — verified against the official CT state registry on 2026-10-19, never self-reported.
Re-check at the official registry: https://www.elicense.ct.gov/Lookup/LicenseLookup.aspx

## Sources

- [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/StamfordCT/comments/1wyrq5i/chimney_flashing_repair/pe6uzqy/): 0 community mentions discussing this business
- [Google](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=James%20Ball%20Chimney%20Cleaning&query_place_id=ChIJE3mXTmahwokRg9tCDr_FypU): 4.6★ from 64 ratings
- [Official Website](https://jamesballchimney.com): 42 yrs in business · Self-reported profile and service details
- [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ct/stamford/profile/chimney-cleaning/james-ball-chimney-cleaning-0111-87014504): Listed on this source
- [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=James%20Ball%20Chimney%20Cleaning&query_place_id=ChIJE3mXTmahwokRg9tCDr_FypU): Listed on this source
- [Local News](https://sweepworth.com/specialties/chimney-cleaning.html): Listed on this source

## Mentions

Unverified third-party mentions found on the open web — relay with attribution ("a Reddit commenter said…"), never as Tavlee's own finding.

- “I also would not recommend James Ball. They tried to tell me I needed my chimney rebuilt. Had O'Connell come for a 2nd opinion and they said the chimney was fine.” — u/RealAverageJane in r/StamfordCT (2026-10-12) — https://www.reddit.com/r/StamfordCT/comments/1x3c1o0/chimney_inspection_recommendations/pfg91bx/
- “I would not recommend James Ball. Heavy upsellers.” — u/ruthless_apricot in r/StamfordCT (2026-10-11) — https://www.reddit.com/r/StamfordCT/comments/1x3c1o0/chimney_inspection_recommendations/pfau64v/
- “James Ball Chimney Cleaning is my go-to, local company right off high ridge.” — u/Big_H77 in r/StamfordCT (2026-10-06) — https://www.reddit.com/r/StamfordCT/comments/1wyrq5i/chimney_flashing_repair/pe6uzqy/
- “Not James Ball! They told me I needed $8,000 of work. I called o’Connell and they said the chimney was fine.” — u/Guilty_Dinner5265 in r/StamfordCT (2024-10-02) — https://www.reddit.com/r/StamfordCT/comments/1fu6f6a/chimney_sweep_recommendation/lpx67gk/
- “I contacted James Ball for an estimate...they quoted me $400 for a really simple job.” — u/mrskikireeves in r/StamfordCT (2024-09-01) — https://www.reddit.com/r/StamfordCT/comments/1f54w7g/dryer_vent_cleaning_suggestionsrecommendations/lkxi0tb/
- “Second James ball” — u/FartPartyFriday in r/StamfordCT (2024-08-31) — https://www.reddit.com/r/StamfordCT/comments/1f54w7g/dryer_vent_cleaning_suggestionsrecommendations/lkujyoe/
- “James Ball is a chimney sweep and dryer guy in Stamford. He does my chimneys and has a nice team.” — u/ruthless_apricot in r/StamfordCT (2024-08-31) — https://www.reddit.com/r/StamfordCT/comments/1f54w7g/dryer_vent_cleaning_suggestionsrecommendations/lkuh8oe/

## Recent reviews

- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Lauren Greenberg · 2026-06-09**: We had a wonderful experience with James Ball Chimney Cleaning! They did an absolutely amazing job and were incredibly efficient from start to finish. The communication was so easy and seamless throughout the entire process. We highly recommend them!
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Steven Landis · 2026-05-27**: Rich and Charles were absolutely fantastic the whole time. Truly above and beyond professionalism from both of them
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · James Kish · 2026-03-27**: In the coldest time of December, our furnace kept turning off. We called a different chimney company who came and did nothing to solve the issue. Then I called James Ball Chimney - they fitted us into their schedule and came out, found our issue and resolved it on the spot. I then took them up on a …
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Connie Freeman · 2026-02-10**: The "We Kick Ash" guys were great -- very friendly, arrived on time, checked everything including the dryer vent & cleaned the boiler flu as needed. They explained everything they were doing very thoroughly and documented their inspections and recommendations with photos. And based on our need to le…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Bethann M · 2025-11-26**: Good morning James,
First off... your stepson and cousin were amazing. ...Professional, respectful & very knowledgeable.  They were fair and I did not feel pressured to act immediately, but rather they told me to discuss with my husband. That was a pleasant surprise. This is exactly the kind of serv…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Rick Moman · 2025-10-09**: This is a first class operation. The staff was very courteous, explained the procedures simply and very efficient and quiet.
We highly recommend them to all.
Rick 7 Ellen
Stamford
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Alejandro Restrepo · 2025-07-14**: We just worked with James and his team. All I can say is wow, very knowledgeable and proactive team. With soot there is always the risk of cross contamination but these guys were ready with HEPA vacuums and booties to protect my home. I'm glad to have found them for my Chimney and exhaust cleaning n…
- **1/5 · Google Reviews · J L · 2025-03-17**: It's hard for me to write a poor review for anyone.  See my review history - it's only complimentary until now.

However, this was an awful experience.  This operator is rude, confrontational, and dishonest in my opinion.  He tried to scare me and upsell, and did the same thing to my tenants, who he…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Kendra Totilo · 2025-01-31**: James Ball Chimney guys were AWESOME!!  I’ve dealt with a lot of service professionals recently and they were by far the best! They were friendly, considerate (they put on booties immediately upon entering my home), informative, and extremely knowledgeable. I was very impressed. Also, my house is al…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Oneway Nick · 2025-01-22**: I recently had James Ball Chimney come to my home, and I couldn’t be more pleased with their service. Rich was the technician who assisted us, and he was outstanding. He was incredibly informative, knowledgeable, and kind throughout the entire process. He took the time to explain everything in detai…

---

Data freshness: last scanned 2026-10-13T11:38:26.944Z.
Cite as: James Ball Chimney Cleaning — Tavlee (https://tavlee.com/contractor/james-ball-chimney-cleaning-stamford)
Source: https://tavlee.com/contractor/james-ball-chimney-cleaning-stamford

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