If you leave your cat flap open, it could create draft. This is a problem that many cat owners experience.
A draught excluder can help minimise cold air entering the home, however the cat flap that is insulated will offer more protection from the elements. Tomsgates has a range of cat flaps insulated and dog doors suitable for any type of installation, including wall installations.
The Material
Insulation is among 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 from which the flap is constructed is the most important.
Doors with triple or double flaps provide greater insulation and prevent cold air from getting into your home. You can also purchase draft excluders that fit around the frame of the flap and help to reduce drafts. Be aware that they will not stop cold air from entering your home, if you're trying to open the door to let your cat in.
Fill in the space left by your cat's flap with insulation, such as styrofoam. This will prevent cold air from entering into your home, and also reduce the noise produced by your cat's pet door. If you choose to do this, you must determine the size of the hole that your cat's flap created and select a filler that is compatible with the fabric.
The RANGER pet entry by Freedom Pet Pass is an excellent choice for an excellent cat flap. This door comes with a strong and insulated seal, which reduces heat loss. It also has a strong magnetic seal to prevent cold air and wind from leaking through the flap. Its cellular PVC frame is 3,000X better insulating than the aluminum used in the frames of other pet doors.
Wind Resistance
If a cat flap is closed, cold air can still get into your home even though the flap is open. Some manufacturers add draught-excluders the flap opening that are brushes. If you want to make use of a cat flap in cold weather, you should ensure that your door is sealed tightly when closed, and that there aren't any gaps that let cold air in.
You can help your cat keep the door shut against wind by using a durable magnetic seal. However, you must take into consideration the overall design of a pet-door and its materials. The best cold weather pet doors are made of materials that are insulating, such as 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 entering and keeps warm air out, which is an enormous energy saver.
Look for a design with double-flaps that can withstand both heat and cold, as well high winds. These are more expensive than the single-flap models but they will save you money on energy costs over time. This is important if you reside in a region that experiences harsh winters and summers.
Review reviews prior to purchasing a cat flap for cold weather to determine which models have the highest reviews and provide the most protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is a well-loved choice because it provides excellent insulation and a durable flap, as well as an easy-to-install, tamper-proof design. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another great option. Many customers praise its ability to withstand the elements of wind and cold without hindering their freedom for their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
When it comes to cold weather, the ability to seal a cat flap tightly is crucial to decreasing energy loss. This is why the most effective cat flap insulation is designed with an magnetic closure. The magnets will 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 if needed.
A solid magnetic seal is crucial for 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 wind in winter, because this could allow cold air to enter your home, which will increase your heating costs. A quality cold-weather model will come with an electronic seal that is able to withstand winds up to 50 miles an hour. Many models also come with insulation to stop heat loss.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the top cat flaps designed for cold temperatures available. It is insulated in both the door as well as the frame to provide the maximum amount of insulation. It also has an opening panel that snaps on so you can slide into when the weather is bad to keep your pets inside.
cat flap installation repairmywindowsanddoors is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The door is insulated with thick celluloid PVC to limit heat loss and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded using automotive technology to make it durable and strong for cold weather conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are a great choice for cold weather. It is made from aluminum alloy of aerospace quality and steel, and is welded using laser welding technology that is used in the automotive industry. Its design makes it immune to extreme weather conditions and can be used in a wide variety of wall materials. The double flaps provide insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be fitted to the door for additional protection in extreme weather.
The Design
If you want to keep your home warm, and prevent drafts from entering, look for a cat door with insulation features. This could be dual flaps, or a thermally efficient frame constructed from a material such as aluminum which is less thermally conductive than PVC or plastic. Certain models come with brushes that help reduce energy loss and prevent drafts. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the description of the product to find a door with these features.
Modern cat doors, specifically designed for cold climates, come with various insulation options. The Endura Flap pet door, for example, has two flaps and an enclosed frame that is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, helping stop drafts and loss of heat. It is also eco-friendly and is made of an organic polyolefin polymer that is safe for pets and the planet.
Even 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. The flap creates a draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers try to minimize this by placing a draught-excluder around the outside of a flap. However, it is important to keep in mind that your cat needs to be able to open and shut the doors without difficulty so that they can move in and out as needed.
An alternative that is more efficient is to put in a new door specifically made for cold weather, such as the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet door features a thicker, more insulated flap which helps reduce conductive heating by reducing the amount of energy that is lost through the material. It is also able to endure extreme temperatures, such as temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection could be similar to double-pane windows but at less cost.