If you leave your cat flap open, it can create draft. This is a problem many cat owners have to deal with.
A draught excluder can help reduce the amount of cold air that enters the house, but a cat flap that is insulated will offer more protection from the elements. Tomsgates offers a variety of insulated cat flaps and dog doors that are suitable for any installation, including wall 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 inside. There are a variety of ways that insulation can be made however the most important factor is the material that the flap is made of.
Doors with triple or double flaps provide more insulation and block cold air from entering your home. You can also purchase draught-excluders to wrap around the frame and limit drafts. Be aware that these will not prevent cold air from entering your home if you are also trying to open the door for your cat.
Another option is to fill in the space left by your cat's flap some kind of insulation, like styrofoam. This will prevent cold air from entering your home, while also making it less noisy that is produced when your cat is using their pet door. If you decide to do this, you must take a measurement of the hole your cat's flap created and select an appropriate filler to match the surrounding fabric.
A great option for a cat flap that has high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. cat flap installation has a thick sealed, insulated seal that minimizes heat loss. It also has a strong magnetic seal to stop cold air and wind from entering through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frames are 3,000 times more insulating that the aluminum used in the frames of pet doors that are inferior.
Wind Resistance
When 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 that are brushes. If you are planning to use a cat flap for cold weather, ensure that your door is sealed tightly when closed and that there aren't any gaps where cold air can enter.
You can make sure that your cat's keep the door shut against winds by using a sturdy magnetic seal. However, you must also consider the overall construction of the pet-door as well as its materials. The best cold weather pet doors will be made from materials that are insulating, including thick PVC flaps and a plastic frame that can stand up to temperatures of as low as -40° Celsius. This will prevent cold air from entering and keep warm air out, which can be a big energy saver.
Look for a design with double-flaps that can stand up to cold and hot and high winds. These will be more expensive than single-flap designs, but they're a wise investment that will help you reduce your energy bills in the long run. This is especially important if you reside in an area that has harsh winters and summers.
If you're thinking of buying a cat flap that is cold weather look over the reviews to see which ones are the most well-reviewed and provide the most protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather Cat Door is a popular choice because it offers great insulation and a durable flap, as well as an easy-to-install secure, safe from tampering. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another great option. Many of its customers appreciate its ability to withstand cold and wind without restricting the freedom of their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold conditions, a cat flap that seals tightly is crucial to reducing energy loss. The most effective cat flap insulation features a magnetic closure. The magnets will help keep the door closed when your pet is inside. Additionally, certain models come with an external closing panel that you can use to lock your pet inside or out if necessary.
A solid magnetic seal is vital in cold weather however, a great cat flap also needs to be able to withstand wind. You don't want your cat door to be blown open by the wind in winter, because this will allow cold air to enter your home, which will increase your heating bill. A good cold-weather model will have an electronic seal that can withstand winds of that exceed 50 miles an hour. A majority of these models also come with insulation to help prevent loss of heat.
One of the best cold-weather cat flaps available on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. The model is insulated inside both the door and the frame to give the best amount of insulation. It also has a Snap-On closing panel that you can slide in when the weather is bad to keep your pets inside.
Another great option is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The door is insulated using thick celluloid PVC to minimize heat loss and keep your home warm. In addition, the frame is welded together using technology from the automotive industry to ensure it is strong and durable for harsh winter conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are a excellent option for cold weather. It is constructed of aluminum alloy of aerospace quality and steel, and is welded by using laser welding technology, which is used in the automotive industry. Its design makes it impervious to harsh weather and can be used in various wall materials. The double flaps create an air pocket that provides insulation and energy efficiency and it has tunnel kits that you can add to the door for additional protection during severe weather.
The Design
If you want to keep your home warm, and avoid drafts, then consider a cat door that has insulation features. This could be dual flaps, or a frame that is thermally efficient constructed from a substance like aluminum, which is less thermally conductive than PVC or plastic. Some models also feature brushes that prevent drafts and help to reduce the loss of energy. You can locate doors with these features by looking for words such as "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" in the description of the item.
A majority of the contemporary cat doors that are designed specifically for use in cold climates come with an array of insulation features. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for example, is equipped with a dual-flap system and an insulated frame that can stand up to harsh weather conditions and stop drafts. It is also eco-friendly, since it is constructed of a non-toxic polyolefin substance that is safe for both your pets and the environment.
Even if you have chosen an insulated cat flap, you might still notice that cold air can be able to pass through the gap between the door frame and your existing wall or window. The flap creates draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this by putting a draught-exclusion device on the outside of the flap. However it is essential to keep in mind that your cat must be able open and close the doors easily to allow them to move in and out as needed.
Installing an entirely new pet door, such as Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER designed for cold weather is a more effective solution. The RANGER pet door comes with an insulated flap that is thicker and more dense that helps to reduce heating from conductive sources by reducing the amount of energy lost through the material. It also has the ability to stand up to extreme cold, and protect against temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius and lower. This level of protection is comparable to double-paned windows but at a fraction of the cost.