Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap can create an air draught when left open. This is a common problem encountered by cat owners.
A draught-excluder can reduce the amount of cold air entering the house. However the cat flap can provide more protection from the elements. Tomsgates offers a variety of cat flaps insulated and dog doors that can be used for any kind of installation, including wall-mounted installations.
The Material
One of the most important features of the cat door is its insulation. Insulation is what keeps cold air out and warm in. Insulation can be accomplished in many ways however the material that the flap is constructed is the most crucial.
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 entering the house. You can also buy draught-exclusion devices to wrap around the frame to reduce drafts. Be aware that these will not prevent cold air from entering your home if you are trying to open the door for your cat.
Another option is to cover the space left behind by your cat's flap some form of insulation, such as styrofoam. This can help stop cold air from entering your home, and also making it less noisy that is produced when your cat opens their pet door. It is important to note that if you choose to do this, it is essential that you measure the hole that your cat flap has created and select a filler material that is in line with the surrounding material.
A great choice for an animal flap that provides high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The door features an insulated, thick flap that is designed to limit the loss of heat through conductive channels. It also has a magnetic seal that prevents cold air or wind from entering through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frame is 3,000X more in insulating properties than the aluminum used in the frames of less pet doors.
Wind Resistance
If a cat flap is closed, cold air can still get into your home even though the flap is opened. Some manufacturers try to minimize this issue by adding what is known as draught excluders that are basically brushes that are inserted around the flap opening. If you want to make use of a cat flap in colder weather, ensure that the door seals tightly when closed, and that there aren't any gaps where let cold air in.
It is possible to help your cat's keep the door shut against wind by using a strong magnetic seal. However, you must be aware of the overall structure of a pet-door and its materials. The most effective doors for cold weather are made of materials that are insulating, including thick PVC flaps as well as a plastic frame that is able to stand up to temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This will prevent cold air from leaking in and keep warm air out, which is a big energy saver.
You should also consider a double-flap design that can resist both cold and heat, as well as high winds. They'll cost more than single-flap designs, but they're a wise investment that can help you save money on energy costs in the long term. This is particularly important when you live in an area which experiences severe winters or harsh summers.
Check reviews before buying a cat flap for cold weather to determine which models have the best reviews and provide the most protection from the elements. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is popular due to its durable flap and a simple to install and tamper-proof design. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door, another excellent choice. Many customers praise its ability to resist cold and wind without hindering their freedom for their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
When it comes to cold conditions, the ability to seal a cat flap tightly is crucial to decreasing energy loss. The best cat flap insulation comes with a magnetic closure. These magnets keep the door shut, even when your pet is in the room. In addition, some models come with an external closing panel that you can use to lock your pet in or out if necessary.
A great cat flap should be able resist winds and also have a solid magnetic seal. You don't want your cat's door to be blown open by the wind during winter, as it will let cold air to enter your home and increase your heating bill. A good cold-weather model has magnetic seals that is able to withstand winds up to 50 miles an hour. A lot of these models also have insulation to help prevent heat loss.
One of the top cat flaps for cold weather on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. The model is insulated inside both the door as well as the frame to provide the maximum amount of insulation. It also comes with an easy-to-close panel that you can slide in when the weather is bad to keep your pets indoors.
The RANGER pet gate made by Freedom Pet Pass is another great option. The door is insulated with thick, cellular PVC to help reduce the loss of heat through conduction, and keep your home warm. cat flap fitters is also welded with technology used in automotive manufacturing to make it durable and strong for harsh winter conditions.
The Baboni pet door is another excellent choice for colder weather. It is made from aerospace-quality aluminum alloy and metal, and is welded with laser welding technology, which is utilized in the automobile industry. Its design makes it impervious to extreme weather conditions and can be installed in many wall materials. The double flaps provide insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be incorporated into the door to give it extra protection during extreme weather.
The Design
If you want to keep your home warm, and avoid drafts, then look for a cat door with insulation features. This could be the dual flap system or a thermally efficient frame constructed from a material such as aluminum which is less thermally conductive than PVC or plastic. Some models have brushes that help to reduce the loss of energy and stop drafts. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the description of the product to find a door that has these features.
Modern cat doors, specifically designed for use in cold climates, are equipped with various insulation options. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for instance, comes with a dual-flap system as well as an insulated framework that is able to withstand harsh weather conditions and stop drafts. It is also green as it is made from an un-toxic polyolefin plastic that is safe for your pets and the planet.
Even the flap is well-insulated, you may find that cold air can still pass through the gap between the door frame or window and the wall. This is because the flap itself produces an air draught when it is open. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce the draught by putting a draught excluder on the outside of the flap. However it is essential to remember that your cat needs to be able to open and shut the doors quickly so that they can move in and out 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, insulated flap which helps reduce heating from conductive sources by reducing the amount of energy that is lost through the material. It is also able to withstand extreme cold, protecting against temperatures of -40 ° Celsius and lower. This degree of protection can be similar to double-pane windows but at less cost.