The home front: Hide-A-Hose Central Vacuum

Published 4:11 pm Wednesday, December 10, 2008

What: Most central vacuum systems require homeowners to haul a vacuum hose around the house to various suction access points connected to a high-powered vacuum behind the walls. With the Hide-A-Hose Central Vacuum System, the hose is stored inside vacuum tubing hidden in the walls, attic or crawl spaces, which means you’ll never have to store or lug a bulky central vacuum hose again.

Advantages: Father and son team Gary and Rod Drivstuen of Monroe invented the innovative Hide-A-Hose system. Suction from the central vacuum unit to retracts the hose into the piping behind the walls. Hose lengths are customized according to the size of the floor. Each access point in the system can cover up to 2,300 square feet.

Limitations: Most homes can be retrofitted. However, some multistory homes that do not have a crawl space or access to an attic may be difficult to retrofit.

Cost: Typical installations can run between $1,800 and $3,600 and include a complete central vacuum and Hide-A-Hose system.

Where: There are 300 authorized Hide-a-Hose dealers. In the Puget Sound region, see www.hideahose.biz or call 877-851-4491.

Learn more: www.hideahose.biz

Text by Herald Writer Sarah Jackson

Photo courtesy of Hide-A-Hose