The first game of basketball was played this day in 1892. Had it not been played then or ever, we?d have no Shaquille O?Neal, no Kobe Bryant and we?d be making up "Air" Jordan. If you don't have air exchange in your home, you'll be making up "air" there too. Hypothetical basketball scenarios aside, let's zero in on the term "make-up air." This refers to the "new" air that replaces the original air drawn out of your home via gas appliances, and up the chimney. This replacement air is needed for further combustion. In older homes it seeps in through cracks and around doors and windows and structural openings. But in newer homes that are better sealed, outside air infiltration is minimal or non-existent. In that event, a tightened home needs a dedicated source for make-up air for fireplaces and gas-combustion appliances. Without it, they will operate inefficiently and, quite possibly, dangerously. To prevent potential problems, be sure you have adequate make-up air -- and plenty of beer and pretzels for watching basketball. And that's the On The House tip for today.