Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap can cause a draught if it's left open. This is a challenge that many cat owners face.
A draught excluder can reduce the amount of cold air that enters the house, but an animal flap with insulation will provide greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates has a wide selection of dog doors insulated and cat flaps that work for any type of installation, including wall installations.
The Material
Insulation is one of the most important features of the cat-door. This is what keeps cold air out and warm air in. There are many ways that insulation can be achieved, but the most important factor is the material the flap is made of.
A single flap won't make much difference in insulation for your home, but doors that come with triple or dual flaps are far more insulated and stop cold air from getting into the house. You can also buy draught-exclusion devices to wrap around the frame and reduce drafts. Be aware that these products will not stop cold air from entering your home if you are also trying to open the door for your cat.
Another alternative is to fill the area left behind by your cat's flap with some form of insulation, like styrofoam. This can help prevent cold air from entering your home, and also making it less noisy that occurs when your cat uses their pet door. If you choose to do this, you need to take a measurement of the hole your cat's flap created and select a filler that matches the surrounding fabric.
A great option for an animal flap that provides high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. The door features a thick, insulated flap that is designed to limit the loss of heat through conductive channels. It also has a durable magnetic seal to stop cold air and wind from getting in through the flap. Its cellular PVC frame is 3,000X more in insulating properties than the aluminum material that is used in the frames of less pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat door is opened it creates a draft which means cold air can get into your home even though the flap is closed. Main Page attempt to eliminate this problem by adding what's known as draft excluders which are essentially brushes that can be inserted around the flap opening. However, if you are searching for a true cold cat flap insulation for the winter, you will need to ensure that your door is sealed tightly when shut and that there aren't gaps that cold air can enter.
A solid magnetic seal is a way to help your cat flap stay shut against wind, however you must also consider the overall construction and materials employed in the pet door. The most effective cold weather pet doors are made of materials that are insulating, including thick PVC flaps and a frame that is able to endure temperatures that are as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This will stop cold air from leaking in and keeps warm air out, which can be an energy-efficient option.
It is also recommended to look for double-flap models that can stand up to heat and cold, as well as high winds. These are more expensive than single-flap versions but they will help you save money on energy bills over time. This is especially important when you reside in a region that gets extreme summers or winters.
If you're considering purchasing a winter cat flap look over the reviews to determine which models are the best-reviewed 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 and an easy-to install and tamper-proof design. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door, another excellent choice. Many customers praise its ability to withstand cold and wind without hindering their freedom for their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
When it comes to cold conditions, an enclosed cat flap that seals tightly is essential to cutting down on energy loss. This is the reason why the best cat flap insulation is made with a magnetic closure. These magnets help to keep the door closed even when your pet is inside. Some models come with an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door if required.
A good cat flap must be able to resist wind and have a strong magnetic seal. You don't want your cat door to be blown open by the wind in winter, because this could allow cold air to enter your home, which will increase the cost of heating. A good model for cold weather will have an electronic seal that can withstand wind speeds that exceed 50 miles an hour. Many 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. It is insulated inside the frame and in the door to ensure maximum insulation. It comes with an Snap On closing panel that you can put into the door when the weather is not ideal to keep your pet safe.
Another option that is great is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The door is insulated using thick, cellular PVC to minimize heat loss and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded with technology used in automotive manufacturing to ensure it is durable and sturdy for cold weather conditions.
The Baboni pet door is an excellent choice for colder weather. It is constructed of aluminum alloy that is of aerospace quality and steel, and welded together using laser welding technology that is used in the automotive industry. Its design is able to withstand harsh weather, and it is able to be installed on different wall materials. The double flaps provide insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be fitted to the door to give it extra protection in extreme weather.
The Design
When selecting a cat door that will keep your home warm and draft free you should look for one with insulation features. It could be a dual-flap model or a frame made of aluminum which has less thermal conduction than PVC or plastic. Some models have brushes that help to reduce energy loss and prevent drafts. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the product description to find a door equipped with these features.
A majority of the contemporary cat doors that are made specifically for cold climates are equipped with a range of insulation features. The Endura Flap pet door, for example, has a dual flap system as well as an enclosed frame that is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, helping to stop drafts and loss of heat. It is also green, being made from a non-toxic polyolefin polymer that is safe for pets and the planet.
Even if your cat flap is well-insulated, you may find that cold air can still flow through the gap created between the frame of your door or window and the existing wall. This is because the flap itself causes draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this by putting a draught-exclusion device around the outside of a flap. However, it is important to keep in mind that your cat should be able open and close the doors quickly to allow them to enter and exit as needed.
Installing a new pet door like Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER one, which is specifically designed for cold weather is an effective option. The RANGER pet door comes with a thicker, more insulated flap which helps reduce heating from conductive sources by reducing the amount of energy that is lost through the material. It also has the ability to endure extreme cold, securing against temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius and lower. This level of protection is similar to double-paned windows but for a fraction of their price.