A Glasgow-based retrofitting firm has invested in a new heat pump design tipped to reduce installation time and save space for homeowners.
Backed by Union Technical, UK startup Nusku has an open funding round which is aiming to raise £5 million for its newly unveiled heat pump system that is designed to make switching from gas boilers ‘faster, cheaper and less disruptive’.
Nusku’s patent-pending design combines a heat pump and hot water cylinder into a single external unit. By removing the need for an internal hot water tank, the system is said to reduce disruption during installation, preserve valuable indoor space, and simplify the retrofit process.
Bristol-based Nusku is now trialling prototypes in homes ahead of a 2027 launch, with a strong focus on deployment routes through Scottish installers and trade networks.
Russell Murchie, CEO and co-founder of Nusku, said, “We know many people are deterred by the fact they need to find space inside their home for a water cylinder as it means losing valuable storage space. The prospect of installing new radiators and a lengthy and disruptive installation process is also a major barrier, along with the potential noise generated by the heat pump and misconceptions around cost and performance.
“Our design overcomes all these issues, which will make it quicker and easier for people to replace their gas boilers and switch to renewable energy with a heat pump that meets all their needs.
“It felt like a watershed moment showing our product to those working in the heating industry for the first time at the Heat Pump Show. To get such a positive response, reinforced our belief that there’s a huge gap in the market for an innovative heating system like ours.”
With backing from Union Technical, Nusku is now developing a route to market that prioritises regional installer networks, with Scotland identified as a key early deployment region due to its ambitious net zero targets, housing stock profile, and strong retrofit demand.
Owen Coyle, founding director of Union Technical, added, “From the outset, this has been about removing the real-world barriers that have held people back from switching away from costly and inefficient heating systems – whether that’s upfront cost, disruption, or practical limitations in the home.
“Scotland has a huge opportunity to lead the way in this transition. With its housing stock and climate, it’s also a country where fuel poverty remains a serious challenge, and solutions like this can make a meaningful difference by helping to bring running costs down and making low-carbon heating genuinely accessible.”
The first system was tested at the University of Salford’s Energy House, a highly controlled research environment designed to replicate real-world housing performance.
Prototype systems are now being trialled in homes across Bristol, with expansion into additional UK regions – including Scotland – planned ahead of the 2027 launch.
