Abstract: A hose storage system and method for an electric hose for use in a central vacuum system comprising a hose storage area and a vacuum inlet valve. The system has a manual switch which can independently activate the vacuum system to create suction in the hose storage area to retract the hose and is covered when the hose is stored. The hose comprises a first end with a hose cuff for connection to the vacuum connection opening of the inlet valve, and, a second end with a wand connection for connection to a wand or other electric device. During storage, the switch is operated to activate the vacuum system generating a vacuum in the storage area and retracting the second end of the hose into the hose storage area while the hose cuff is connected to the vacuum inlet opening.