Has anyone attempted to pay people in cold places to install a compact ASIC like the Spondolies SP20 to heat up their homes?

This is how I see it can work.

1. Load the ASIC up with firmware that locks out the mining pool config from being changed.

2. Provide the "heater" (ASIC) for free, and pay for 50% of the electricity running costs.

3. Effectively mine bitcoins at 50% of the normal electricity costs, with no warehousing costs.

4. During spring, have the residents return the miners and ship them to another region that is now winter.