If you leave your cat's flap open, it could create draft. This is a problem that many cat owners face.
A draught excluder can help minimise cold air entering the house, but a cat flap that is insulated will offer more protection from the elements. Tomsgates offers a variety of dog doors insulated and cat flaps that are suitable for all kinds of installations, including wall installations.
The Material
Insulation is one of the most important characteristics of a cat-door. This is what keeps cold air out and warm air in. Insulation can be achieved through many ways, but the material that the flap is made is the most important.
A single flap will not accomplish much in terms of insulation for your home, but doors that come with triple or dual flaps are more efficient in insulation and stop cold air from getting into the house. You can also buy draught-exclusion devices to wrap around the frame to reduce drafts. However, it is important to keep in mind that these will not stop the cold air from entering if your cat is attempting to use their door at the same at the same time.
Another option is to fill in the area left behind by your cat's flap some kind of insulation, like styrofoam. This will prevent cold air from entering your home and will reduce the noise produced by your cat when they use their pet door. It is important to note that if you decide to do this, it is crucial to gauge the hole that your cat's flap has created and choose a filler material that is in line with the surrounding material.
The RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass is a great option for an excellent cat flap. This door features a thick sealed, insulated seal that minimizes the loss of heat. It also has a magnetic seal that prevents cold air or wind from getting through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frame is 3,000X better in insulating properties than the aluminum material that is used in the frames of lesser pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat's flap is closed, cold air can still get into your home even though the flap is open. Some manufacturers attempt to eliminate the risk of this by incorporating what are known as draught excluders, which are basically brushes that are inserted around the flap opening. However, if you are looking for a truly cold weather cat flap insulation, you must ensure that the door is sealed tightly when it is shut and that there aren't gaps where cold air can enter.
A solid magnetic seal is a method to ensure that your cat's flap stay shut against wind, however you must also consider the overall construction and materials that are used in the construction of a pet door. The most effective cold weather pet doors will be made from materials that are insulating, such as thick PVC flaps as well as a plastic frame that can resist temperatures of as low as -40° Celsius. This will stop cold air from entering and keep warm air out, which is an energy-efficient option.
Look for a design with double-flaps that can withstand both heat and cold and also high winds. These models are more expensive than single-flap ones but they will save you money on energy bills over time. This is particularly true for those who reside in a region that gets harsh winters or summers.
If you're thinking of buying a cat flap that is cold weather look over the reviews to see which models are the best-reviewed and offer the most protection from 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. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different option, with numerous customers praise its ability to withstand extreme wind and cold while providing the ability for their cats to go in and out easily.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold weather, the ability to seal a cat flap tightly is crucial to reducing energy loss. The most effective cat flap insulation has a magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door closed even when your pet is inside the room. Additionally, certain models come with an external closing panel that you can use to lock your pet inside or out, if needed.
A strong magnetic seal is vital in colder weather however, a great cat flap should also be able to stand up to winds. You don't want the cat door to be blown open by the wind in winter, because this will allow cold air to enter your home and increase your heating costs. A good cold-weather model will come with an electronic seal that can withstand wind speeds up to 50 miles an hour. Many models also have insulation to stop heat loss.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the best cat flaps for colder weather available. This model is insulated both in the frame and the door to provide maximum insulation. It is equipped with the Snap On closing panel that you can put into the door if the weather is bad in order to keep your pet safe.
The RANGER pet gate from Freedom Pet Pass is another fantastic option. The door is insulated with thick celluloid PVC to reduce conductive 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 harsh winter conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are another ideal option for those who live in colder weather. cat flap installers near me is made from aerospace-quality aluminum alloy and metal, and is welded with laser welding technology, which is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design is impervious to harsh weather, and it can be positioned on various wall materials. The double flaps provide insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be incorporated into the door to provide extra protection during extreme weather.
The Design
When choosing a cat door that will keep your home warm and free of drafts, you should look for one with insulation features. This could include a dual flap system, or a frame that is thermally efficient constructed from a material such as aluminum which is less conductive to heat than PVC or plastic. Some models also feature brushes that stop drafts and reduce the loss of energy. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the description of the item to find a door with these features.
Modern cat doors, which are specifically designed to be used in cold climates, come with various insulation options. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for example, is equipped with a dual-flap design and an insulated framework that can endure harsh weather conditions and stop drafts. It is also green as it is made from a non-toxic polyolefin polymer that is safe for your pet and the planet.
Even even if your cat flap is insulated it is possible that cold air still flows through the opening between the frame of the door or window and the wall. This is because the flap itself produces a draught when open. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by putting a draught-exclusion device on the outside of the flap. However, it is important to remember that your cat should be able open and close the doors quickly to allow them to enter and exit as needed.
An alternative that is more efficient is to put in a new door specifically designed for colder conditions, such as the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet doors come with an extra thick, insulated door that reduces the heating that is conductive. It is also able to endure extreme temperatures, such as 40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection can be compared to double-pane windows, but at a fraction of the cost.