Help on Electronic Problem

When it is about to have the fan go on, the static starts... often the static stops once the fan is on (though, not always).

Sounds like the fan is controlled by a thermostat. Automatically turns on and off?

I still think it is a faulty wiring issue, poor electrical connection, or a faulty contact.

The thermostat could be a line stat or maybe low voltage that controls a relay that turns the fan on and off.

Best thing to do is call a service tech and have it checked out.

Be thankful the static is not an intermittent problem where it only happens once and a while. Those are the worst to diagnose. You want it to act up when the tech checks it out.
Jim

Unfortunately, a gas fitter is usually not equipped or experienced with electrical noise issues affecting audio gear. Really not an electrician's realm either.

Fan probably switched by something as simple as a thermostatic "snap disc", probably up top/front.

Looks like:

http://www.pexsupply.com/White-Rodgers-3F01-110-3-4-Snap-Disc-Fan-Control-Cut-In-110-Degrees-F-Cut-Out-90-Degrees-F-14691000-p

Underneath, the louvres should be hinged or removeable. Look for something like this as the most likely culprit:
(about the same size as a dimmer switch... nudge nudge wink wink)

http://www.amazon.com/Suncourt-VS100-Variable-Speed-Control/dp/B004JYM2ZY

Unfortunately, a gas fitter is usually not equipped or experienced with electrical noise issues affecting audio gear. Really not an electrician's realm either.
03-23-12: Ngjockey

As a rule plumbers do not install fireplaces, a sheet metal worker does. The same people that install gas fired furnaces and central air conditioners. The sheet metal worker also installs the gas line.

Heating and air conditioning contractors, in most cases, employ highly qualified service technicians that are trained by the manufactures, of the equipment the contractor installs, to work on the electrical circuits of high efficiency gas furnaces and central air conditioners.

Those same HVAC contractors install gas log fireplaces and service them.

They also have the service manuals as well as a hot line phone number for service tech support from the manufacture.

Fan probably switched by something as simple as a thermostatic "snap disc", probably up top/front.

That could very well be the culprit.... It could also be something as simple as a male to female connector that is not making good contact.

Unless the OP knows for sure what he is doing I would recommend he have a qualified service tech check out the unit.
.

I definitely do not know what I am doing! I will call the fireplace people.

I was thinking that maybe it was a wall wiring issue (older home --- thinking that the FP when the fan went on overloaded the circuit or something --- yeah... I do not know what i am doing) but not one of you asserted such... so I will call them up.

Once more.. thank you all for your help... I will give the fireplace people your guys posts when he arrives.