A design of heating system could help the uptake of heat pumps in the UK.

By combining a water cylinder with a heat pump in one unit, that sits outside, installation becomes both significantly quicker and easier. Showcased at The Heat Pump Show, the product should come to market next year.

By moving the water cylinder outside, internal space is maintained and disruption minimised. Another major benefit is that the system is able to deliver heat at a high temperature, meaning people are less likely to need to replace their radiators, making the switch from a gas boiler to a heat pump much cheaper and easier.

Russell Murchie, CEO of manufacturer Nusku, said the goal from the outset was to remove many of the barriers to adoption currently faced by homeowners, landlords and housing associations: “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.”

The first Nusku heating system was tested at the University of Salford’s Energy House, a research and testing laboratory which comprises an early 20th century two-bedroom terraced house within an environmental chamber allowing an accurate and rapid assessment of energy efficient retro fit technologies. Now prototypes are being trialled in homes across Bristol, with more widespread trials due to start in other cities soon before the product is officially launched next year.

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