UK Startup Puts Entire Heat Pump System in One Outdoor Box

British startup Nusku has cracked a problem that's been keeping thousands of homeowners stuck with gas boilers instead of making the switch to cleaner heating.

Traditional heat pump systems require bulky indoor water cylinders that eat up closet or cupboard space. They also demand new radiators, noisy outdoor units, and installation that can take days. For many families, those hassles outweigh the environmental benefits.

Nusku's solution is refreshingly simple. The company designed an all-in-one system that combines the heat pump, hot water cylinder, and controls into a single outdoor unit. No indoor equipment needed. No lost storage space. Installation takes just one day instead of several.

"We know many people are deterred by the fact they need to find space inside their home for a water cylinder," said Russell Murchie, Nusku's CEO. The new design eliminates that barrier entirely while addressing concerns about noise, cost, and performance.

The system delivers 180 liters of hot water and reaches temperatures comparable to traditional gas boilers. Smart controls reduce power cycling by over 25%, which means the compressor lasts longer and runs more efficiently. Testing showed it provides the same comfort as a gas boiler while cutting heating costs by up to 33% when paired with special heat pump electricity tariffs.

The technology is nearly ready for market. Prototype systems are currently being tested in homes across Bristol, with trials planned for other UK cities before a commercial launch next year. Independent testing at the University of Salford's Energy House Labs confirmed the system works as promised.

Nusku secured nearly $1.35 million in funding to develop the technology, including a government grant of over $980,000. The company operates from Future Space, the University of the West of England's innovation center.

The Ripple Effect: Making green heating accessible matters beyond individual homes. The UK aims to transition millions of households away from gas boilers to meet climate goals, but adoption has been slow because current systems feel complicated and intrusive. By removing the practical barriers that stop people from switching, Nusku's design could accelerate the shift to renewable heating across the country. When clean technology becomes easier than the polluting alternative, real change happens fast.

One simple design change might be exactly what homeowners needed to finally make the switch to cleaner, greener heating.