Problem started happening a week ago. The thermostat connects to a fireplace (brand Heat & Glo) which heats my apartment.

Now 8/10 times, the fireplace no longer turns on automatically unless I touch the metal box underneath that has the buttons to turn it on manually. This means the temperature drops to as low as 60F overnight unless I go feel up the metal box under the fireplace.

What could the problem be?

Question from user A-Reed-Tree23 at hvacadvice at reddit.com.

Answer:

You mean you just touch the box without pressing any buttons and it comes on?

Answer from user HydrogenxPi at hvacadvice at reddit.com.

fireplace heater connected to thermostat doesnt turn on unless i touch the metal under it with my hand how do i fix this