Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap can create a draught if it's left open. This is a frequent issue that cat owners face.
A draught-excluder can reduce the amount of cold air that enters the home. However an animal flap can provide better protection against the elements. cat flap install offers a variety of cat flaps that are insulated and dog doors suitable for any type of installation, including wall installations.
The Material
One of the most important elements of a cat door is its insulation. Insulation is what keeps cold air out and warm in. Insulation can be achieved through many ways but the material that the flap is made is the most crucial.
A single flap won't do much in terms of insulation However, doors with triple or dual flaps are more efficient in insulation and will stop cold air entering the house. You can also purchase draught-excluders to go around the frame and limit drafts. However, you need to keep in mind that they will not prevent the cold air from entering when your cat is attempting to use their door at the same simultaneously.
Another alternative is to fill the area left behind by your cat's flap some form of insulation like styrofoam. This will prevent cold air from entering your home, while also making it less noisy generated when your cat uses their pet door. If you decide to do this, you should determine the size of the hole that your cat's flap has created and choose a filler that matches the surrounding fabric.
The RANGER pet entry door from Freedom Pet Pass is a great option for an excellent cat flap. The door has a thick, insulated seal that reduces heat loss. It also has an elastomeric seal that blocks cold air or wind from entering through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frames are 3,000X more insulating than the aluminum used in the frames of the inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat flap is closed, cold air may still get into your home even though the flap is opened. Certain manufacturers include draught-excluders in the flap opening, which are brushes. If you want to use a cat flap for cold weather, you should ensure that the door seals tightly when closed and there aren't any gaps through which cold air can enter.
You can make sure that your cat's door stay closed against the wind by using a durable magnetic seal. However, you should be aware of the overall structure of a pet-door and its materials. The best pet doors for colder weather will be constructed of materials that are insulate. They include thick PVC flaps, and frames that can stand up to temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will prevent cold air from leaking in and keep warm air out, which can be an enormous energy saver.
It is also recommended to look for double-flap designs that are able to be able to withstand heat and cold, as well as high winds. These models are more expensive than single-flap ones, but they can save you money on energy bills over time. This is particularly true if you live in an area that experiences extreme summers or winters.
If you're considering purchasing a cold weather cat flap look over the reviews to determine which models have the highest ratings and provide the best protection against the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather Pet Door is a popular choice due to its excellent insulation and a tough flap, as well as an easy-to-install and tamper-proof design. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another excellent choice, with a lot of customers commenting on its ability to withstand extreme cold and wind, while still allowing their cats to move in and out without hassle.
The Magnetic Seal
In colder temperatures, a cat flap that seals tightly is crucial to decreasing energy loss. The most effective cat flap insulation has the magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door closed when your pet is inside. Some models come with an outer closing panel that you can use to lock your pet inside or out, if needed.
A solid magnetic seal is vital in colder weather however, a good cat flap must also be able to withstand the wind. You don't want your cat flap to be blown open by the wind in winter. This will let cold air in to your home and raise your heating costs. A quality cold-weather model has an electronic seal that can withstand wind speeds up to 50 miles an hour. A majority models also come with insulation to stop heat loss.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the best cat flaps for colder temperatures available. This model is insulated in both the door as well as the frame to give the best amount of insulation. It also has an opening panel that snaps on so you can slide in when the weather isn't great to keep your pets indoors.
Another great option is the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. This door is insulated with thick, cellular PVC to minimize heat loss and keep your home warm. The frame 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 cold weather. It is made from aerospace-quality aluminum alloy and metal and is welded using laser welding technology used in the automobile industry. Its design makes it impervious to harsh weather conditions and can be incorporated into many wall materials. Its double flaps create an air pocket which provides insulation and energy efficiency, and it comes with tunnel kits that you can add to the door for extra protection in extreme weather.
The Design
If you want to keep your home warm and keep out drafts, look for a cat-friendly door that is insulated. This could be 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. Some models also come with brushes that block drafts and aid in reducing energy loss. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the description of the item to find a door that has these features.
A majority of the contemporary cat doors designed specifically for use 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 is able to withstand harsh weather conditions and stop drafts. It is also environmentally friendly, being made from an un-toxic polyolefin plastic that is safe for pet and the planet.
Even if you have chosen an insulated cat flap you might still notice that cold air is able to be able to pass through the gap between the frame of your door and your existing wall or window. The flap can create draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to limit this by providing what is called a draught-exclusion device that is placed around the flap's exterior, but it is important to remember that your cat needs to be capable of opening and closing the door with ease so that they can go in and out as they wish.
The most effective option is to install a new door that is specifically designed for colder weather, like the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet door has an insulated flap that is thicker and more dense which helps reduce conductive heating by reducing the amount of energy that is lost through the material. It can also withstand extreme temperatures, including -40 degrees Celsius. This degree of protection can be comparable to double-pane windows but at a fraction of the cost.