Hide-A-Hose, Inc. announces its inclusion on Green Builder’s prestigious Editors’ Choice: The Hot 50 Products 2010 list. Each year, Green Builder editors sift through hundreds of green products to identify the year’s most sustainable offerings. Products selected for The Hot 50 list go beyond one or two green features to exemplify the spirit of making U.S. housing more energy efficient, durable, and self sufficient. Hide-A-Hose was recognized for its SmartTube™ system technology – adding convenience by cleverly hiding a dedicated retractable hose in crawl spaces, attics, or walls. The added benefit of its “quick-and-easy” retractable hose makes Hide-A-Hose a standout among central vacuum products.
“We are proud to be one of The Top 50 green products this year,” says Rod Drivstuen, president of Hide-A-Hose. Central vacuum systems are in high demand for green builders and were recently included in the National Green Building Standard™. In addition, LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) will award points toward a green certificate to homes equipped with central vacuums that are vented outdoors. “However, the green energy-saving and cleaner air elements alone aren’t driving the growth of central vacuums,” continues Drivstuen, “It’s also the speed and convenience of the retractable hose system from Hide-A-Hose, as noted by the editors of Green Builder.”
In addition to being less noisy, more powerful, efficient and durable than conventional upright and portable vacuum cleaners, central vacuums contribute to green living environments by more effectively removing indoor air pollutants and allergens. The central vacuum power unit is located outside the main living space, so particles and allergens are not released back into the air. One study shows homeowners can reduce asthma symptoms up to 60 percent by having a central vacuum system installed. The electric bill is also reduced via greater suction power, which minimizes cleaning time. Moreover, central vacuums have an average lifespan eight times that of portable vacuums, which often find their way to landfills.
Unlike traditional central vacuum systems, each Hide-A-Hose inlet has a dedicated hose stored inside the SmartTube system hidden within the walls, attic, or crawl space. This means there’s no need to lug the hose from inlet to inlet and then store it in a closet when finished. Simply pull out the amount of hose needed to begin vacuuming. When finished, the suction from the central vacuum power unit retracts the hose. Hose lengths are customized according to the size of the floor. Each inlet can cover up to 2,300 square feet.