Malcom Gladwell posted about geothermal heating/cooling on his blog recently, bringing up common misconceptions about the process. Using his father’s experience as a case study, he explains how it’s done, and where it would be useful as a viable alternative to oil. He is most enthused about the effect of geothermal heating on the air quality of the heated space—the air itself feels more natural because it retains its natural levels of oxygen.

And then there’s this telling outburst: “I think it is also worth noting how absurdly low-tech the system is. It is pvc pipes and a compressor. My father lives in Ontario, where the winters can be vicious, and has thrown out his furnace!” more here.