Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap can create an air draught when left open. This is a frequent issue encountered by cat owners.
A draught-excluder can reduce the amount of cold air entering the home. However the cat flap will offer more protection from the elements. Tomsgates offers a variety of insulated dog doors and cat flaps that are suitable for any type of installation that include wall installations.
The Material
Insulation is one of the most important characteristics of the cat-door. Insulation is what keeps cold air out and warm inside. Insulation can be achieved through many ways, but the material from which the flap is constructed is the most crucial.
Doors with double or triple flaps offer greater insulation and prevent cold air from entering your home. You can also buy draught-exclusion devices to go around the frame to reduce drafts. But, you must be aware that these won't stop the cold air from entering if your cat is using their door at the same at the same time.
Another option is to fill in the area left behind by your cat flap with some kind of insulation, such as styrofoam. This will help to keep cold air out of your home, and also making it less noisy that is produced when your cat opens their pet door. If you choose to do this, you should take a measurement of the hole your cat's flap has created and choose an appropriate filler to match the fabric.
The RANGER pet entry by Freedom Pet Pass is a great option for high-quality cat flap. The door is constructed with an insulated, thick flap that is designed to minimize the loss of heat that is conductive. It also has magnetic seals that block cold air or wind from entering through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frames are 3,000x more efficient at insulating than aluminum used in the frames of inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
If a cat flap is closed, cold air can still enter your home if the flap is open. Certain manufacturers include draught-excluders in the flap opening, which are brushes. If you plan to use a cat flap for cold weather, you should ensure that the door seals tightly when closed and there aren't any gaps that allow cold air to enter.
You can help your cat keep the door shut against winds by using a sturdy magnetic seal. However, you should take into consideration the overall design of the pet-door as well as its materials. The most effective cold weather pet doors are made of materials that are insulating. This includes thick PVC flaps and a plastic frame that is able to endure temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This will keep warm air out and prevent cold air from getting in.
Find a model with double-flaps that are able to stand up to cold and hot, as well high winds. These are more expensive than single-flap models however they can help you save money on energy bills over time. This is especially important if you live somewhere that has extreme summers and winters.
If you're considering purchasing a cold weather cat flap, check the reviews to see which models are the best-reviewed and offer the most protection against the elements. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is popular due to its durable flap and an easy-to install, tamper proof design. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door, another excellent choice. Web Site praise its ability to withstand the elements of wind and cold without compromising the freedom of their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
In colder temperatures, an enclosed cat flap that seals tightly is crucial to decreasing energy loss. The best cat flap insulation features the magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door closed even when your pet is in the door. Some models come with an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door when required.
A solid magnetic seal is crucial for cold weather however, a good cat flap also needs to be able to withstand wind. You don't need your cat flap to be blown open by the wind in winter. This can let cold air into your house and raise your heating costs. A good cold-weather cat flap will be sealed with a durable magnetic seal that can withstand winds up to 50 miles per hour, and a majority of these models are also insulated to prevent heat loss through the door.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the best cat flaps designed for cold temperatures available. cat flap bifold doors is insulated in the frame and the door to provide maximum insulation. It is equipped with a Snap On closing panel which you can slide into the door when weather is bad in order to keep your pet inside.
Another great option is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The door is insulated using thick, cellular PVC to limit heat loss and keep your home warm. In addition, the frame is welded with the help of technology from the automotive industry to make it strong and durable in cold weather.
The Baboni pet doors are another excellent option for cold weather. It is constructed from aerospace quality aluminum alloy and metal steel, and welded together by using laser welding technology, which is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design is able to withstand harsh weather, and it is able to be installed on a variety of wall materials. Its double flaps create an air pocket that provides insulation and energy efficiency, and it also comes with an option to tunnel the door add to the door for extra protection during extreme weather.
The Design
If you want to keep your home warm and keep out drafts, consider a cat door with insulation features. This could include a dual flap system, or a thermally efficient frame constructed from a material like aluminum that is less conductive to heat than PVC or plastic. Certain models come with brushes that reduce the loss of energy and stop drafts. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the description of the item to find a door equipped with these features.
A majority of the contemporary cat doors that are designed specifically for cold climates have various insulation options. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for example, is equipped with a dual-flap system and an insulated frame that can withstand extreme weather conditions and block drafts. It is also environmentally friendly, since it is constructed of a non-toxic polyolefin substance that is safe for your pets and the environment.
Even if you have chosen an insulated cat flap you might find that cold air is able to be able to pass through the gap between the door frame and your existing wall or window. The flap creates a draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to limit this by providing what is known as a draught excluder which is positioned around the flap's outside, but it is important to keep in mind that your cat will need to be able to open and close the door easily so that they can go in and out as they wish.
An alternative that is more efficient is to install a new door specifically designed for cold weather, such as the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet door features an insulated flap that is thicker and more dense which helps reduce the conductive heat by reducing amount of energy that is lost through the material. It can also withstand extreme temperatures, including 40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection can be compared to double-pane windows, but at only a fraction of the cost.