If you leave your cat flap open, it can create draft. This is a frequent issue that cat owners face.
A draught-excluder can help reduce the amount of cold air entering the house. However an animal flap offers more protection from the elements. Tomsgates has a range of insulated cat flaps and dog doors that are suitable for any type of installation, including wall-mounted installations.
The Material
Insulation is among the most important aspects of a cat-door. It is the thing that keeps cold air out and warm in. There are a number of ways that insulation can be achieved however the most important thing is the material that the flap is made of.
A single flap won't do much in terms of insulation for your home, but doors that come with triple or dual flaps are more efficient in insulation and will prevent cold air from getting into the house. You can also purchase draught-excluders to go around the frame and limit drafts. Be aware that they will not prevent cold air from entering your home if you are trying to open the door to let your cat in.
Fill in the space left by your cat's flap with insulation like styrofoam. This will stop cold air from entering your home and will reduce the noise generated by your cat using their pet door. If you choose to do this, you must determine the size of the hole that your cat's flap has created and choose a filler that is compatible with the fabric.
The RANGER pet entry by Freedom Pet Pass is a great option for an excellent cat flap. This door features a thick sealed, insulated seal that minimizes heat loss. It also has a strong magnetic seal to stop cold air and wind from leaking through the flap. Its cellular PVC frame is 3,000X better insulating than the aluminum material used in the frames of less pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat's door is opened and closed, it creates draft that means cold air can sneak into your home even when the flap is closed. Certain manufacturers include draught-excluders in the flap opening, which are brushes. However, if you are seeking a cold weather cat flap insulation you'll need to ensure that your door is sealed tightly when it is shut and that there are no gaps where cold air can enter.
You can make sure that your cat's door stay closed against the wind by using a strong magnetic seal. However, you should take into consideration the overall design of a pet-door and its materials. The most effective doors for cold weather will be made from materials that are insulating, including thick PVC flaps and a plastic frame that can endure temperatures that are as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This keeps warm air out and block cold air from getting in.
You should also look for double-flap designs that are able to resist both cold and heat and high winds. These are more expensive than single-flap ones, but they can help you save money on energy bills over time. This is important if you reside in a region that experiences harsh winters and summers.
Read reviews before purchasing a cat flap for cold weather to determine which models have the highest reviews and provide the best protection from the elements. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is popular because it comes with a sturdy flap that is easy to install and has a and tamper-proof design. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another excellent option, with numerous customers praising its ability to resist extreme cold and wind, while still offering the ability for their cats to move in and out freely.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold weather, a tightly closed cat flap is crucial to minimize energy loss. The most effective cat flap insulation features the magnetic closure. The magnets will help keep the door closed when your pet is inside. Some models come with an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet if needed.
A solid magnetic seal is vital in cold weather however, a great cat flap should also be able to withstand winds. You don't want your cat's door to be blown open by the wind during winter, as it will let cold air into your home and increase your heating costs. A quality cold-weather model will have an electronic seal that can withstand wind speeds up to 50 miles an hour. A lot of these models also come with insulation to help prevent heat loss.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the best cat flaps for colder weather available. This model is insulated in both the door and frame to give the best amount of insulation. cat flap fitters has a Snap-On closing panel that can be slid in when the weather isn't great to keep your pets inside.
Another great option is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The door is insulated with thick, cellular PVC to minimize heat loss and keep your home warm. In addition, the frame is welded together using technology from the automotive industry to ensure it is strong and durable for harsh winter conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are another great choice for cold weather. It is made from aluminum alloy of aerospace quality and metal steel, which is welded with laser welding technology that is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design is able to withstand harsh weather conditions and is able to be installed on a variety of wall materials. The double flaps form an air pocket which provides insulation and energy efficiency, and it also comes with a tunnel kit you can add to the door for extra protection during severe weather.
The Design
When selecting a cat door that can keep your home warm and free from drafts, you should choose one with insulation features. This could be a dual flap system, or a thermally efficient frame constructed from a substance like aluminum that is less conductive to heat than PVC or plastic. Certain models also have brushes that stop drafts and aid in reducing energy loss. You can locate doors with these features by searching for words such as "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" within the product description.
Many modern cat doors, which are specifically designed for cold climates, are equipped with a variety of insulation features. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, comes with a dual flap system as well as an insulated frame that is able to withstand the harshest weather conditions, assisting to stop drafts and loss of heat. It is also environmentally friendly and is made of a non-toxic polyolefin polymer that is safe for pets and the environment.
Even if you've chosen an insulated cat flap, you may still find that cold air can pass through the gap between the door frame and the wall or window. This is because the flap itself causes a draught when open. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by offering what's called a draught-exclusion device that is positioned around the outside of the flap however it is important to remember that your cat will need to be capable of opening and closing the door with ease so that they can go in and out as needed.
Installing an entirely new pet door, such as Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER one, which is specifically designed for cold weather, is a more effective solution. The RANGER pet doors have an extra thick, insulated door that blocks conductive heating. It also has the ability to stand up to extreme cold, and protect against temperatures of -40 ° Celsius and lower. This level of protection could be comparable to double-pane windows but at a fraction of the cost.