Abstract: A central vacuum system is provided that has a permanently installed vacuum unit, which is preferably installed in a garage of a structure. A flexible hose is attached to a vacuum inlet on the vacuum unit and extends from the vacuum unit into an attic space in a structure. The flexible hose passes into a living space of a structure through a ceiling orifice. A retractor mechanism proximate the ceiling orifice is used to retrieve a length of the flexible hose from the living space and to deliver the flexible hose into the attic space for storage. A vertical hose guide is installed in the attic space. The vertical hose guide has a U-shaped bend on an upper end of the vertical hose guide to receive the flexible hose from the retractor mechanism and to deliver the flexible hose downwards onto a floor of the attic from a height above the floor.