Wood fire places are largely giving way to more convenient, cheaper, and easier-to-maintain fire places. Gas and electric fire places are becoming more popular in new home construction. In many home renovations, contractors choose to replace wood fire places with these options, as well. When installing gas fire places, a natural gas line is built into the floor of the fire place, which then operates in the same way as a gas stove. In fact, it takes no more than flipping a switch to turn on these fireplaces. Some of these fire places can even be turned on with remote controls. Like wood fire places, gas fire places need ventilation (as from a chimney or an exhaust pipe) so that they do not deplete the amount of oxygen in the room below an unsafe level. An electric fire place is a reasonable alternative when your space does not have ventilation. Ambient heat is produced in the same manner an electric heater operates. Additionally, the "flames" can be turned on with or without turning on the heat, so users can enjoy the appearance of a fire any time of the year. Wood, gas, and electric fire places can all be installed in many types of designs, such as those using bricks, wood, or stone. One of the recent trends in fire places is the development of fire places that are fueled by water. Using tap water, these fire places pass an electrical current through the water to separate oxygen and hydrogen molecules. The hydrogen is then ignited and the oxygen continues to provide fuel for the fire. As oxygen is produced by electrolysis, these fireplaces do not deplete the amount of oxygen in a room.
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