Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap can create a draught if left open. This is a common issue that cat owners face.
A draught-excluder can help reduce the amount of cold air that is able to enter the house. However an animal flap will offer greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a selection of insulated cat flaps and dog doors suitable for any kind of installation including wall installations.
The Material
Insulation is among the most important characteristics of a cat-door. Insulation is what keeps cold air out and warm inside. Insulation can be achieved through many ways, but the material from which the flap is made is the most important.
A single flap will not do how much to install a cat flap in terms of insulating your home But doors with dual or triple flaps are far more insulated and will stop cold air getting into the house. You can also buy draught-exclusion devices to cover the frame to reduce drafts. But, you must keep in mind that they will not prevent the cold air from getting in if your cat is using their door at the same simultaneously.
Another option is to fill in the area left behind by your cat's flap with some form of insulation, like styrofoam. This will stop cold air from entering your home and reduce the noise produced by your cat using their pet door. If you do this, you should determine the size of the hole that your cat's flap has created and choose a filler that is compatible with the fabric.
The RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass is an excellent choice for an excellent cat flap. The door has a thick sealed, insulated seal that minimizes heat loss. It also has fitting a cat flap strong magnetic seal that prevents cold air and wind from getting in through the flap. Its cellular PVC frame is 3,000X better insulating than the aluminum material used in the frames of lesser pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a door for cats is opened and closed, it creates draft that means cold air can get into your home even when the flap is closed. Some manufacturers attempt to eliminate the risk of this by incorporating what are known as draught excluders that are basically brushes that can be placed 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 are no gaps through which cold air can enter.
It is possible to help your cat's shut the door against wind by using a strong magnetic seal. However, you must take into consideration the overall design of the pet-door as well as its materials. The most effective doors with cat flap for cold weather will be made from materials that are insulating, such as thick PVC flaps as well as a plastic frame that is able to stand up to temperatures that are as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This will keep warm air out and stop cold air from entering.
It is also recommended to look for a double-flap design that can stand up to heat and cold, as well as high winds. These models are more expensive than the single-flap ones but they will save you money on energy bills over time. This is particularly important if you live in an area that experiences extreme summers or winters.
Check reviews before buying a cat flap for cold weather to determine which models have the most favorable 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 secure, tamper-proof design. 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 compromising the freedom of their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
In colder temperatures, a cat flap that seals tightly is the key to cutting down on energy loss. This is why the best cat flap insulation is made with a magnetic closure. These magnets keep the door shut, even when your pet is inside it. Some models also come with an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door if needed.
A solid magnetic seal is vital in cold weather however, a great cat flap must also be able to withstand the wind. You don't want your cat door to be blown open by the winds in winter, since this will allow cold air to enter your home and increase your heating bill. A good cat flap for cold weather will have a durable magnetic seal that can withstand winds up to 50 miles per hour, and a majority of these models are also insulated to prevent heat loss through the door.
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 as well as the frame to provide the maximum amount of insulation. It comes with the Snap On closing panel that you can put into the door when weather is not ideal to keep your pet inside.
The RANGER pet gate from Freedom Pet Pass is another great alternative. This door is insulated using thick celluloid PVC in order to reduce heat loss through conduction and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded using automotive technology to ensure it is durable and sturdy for cold weather conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are a great choice for cold weather. It is constructed from aluminum alloy that is of aerospace quality as well as steel, which is welded by using laser welding technology, which is used in the automotive industry. Its design is impervious to extreme weather conditions, and can be installed on a variety of wall materials. The double flaps create an air pocket that provides insulation and energy efficiency, and it comes with an option to tunnel the door add to the door for additional protection during severe weather.
The Design
When choosing a cat door that will keep your home warm and draft free you should choose one with insulation features. This could include dual flaps, or a thermally efficient frame constructed from a material such as aluminum which is less conductive to heat than PVC or plastic. Some models also feature brushes that block drafts and aid in reducing energy loss. You can find doors with these features by searching for words such as "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" in the description of the product.
Modern cat doors, which are specifically designed to be used in cold climates, have a variety of insulation features. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for example, is equipped with a dual-flap system as well as an insulated framework that can endure harsh weather conditions and stop drafts. It is also green, being made from an organic polyolefin polymer that is safe for your pets and the environment.
Even if you have chosen an insulated cat flap, you might find that cold air can pass through the gap between the frame of your door and the window or wall. This is because the flap itself creates an air draught when it is open. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this by placing a draught-excluder around the outside of a flap. However it is essential to remember that your cat must be able to open and shut the doors without difficulty to allow them to be able to enter and exit the door as they need to.
An alternative that is more efficient is to install a new door specifically designed for cold weather, like the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet doors have an insulated, thicker door that cuts down on conductive heating. It can also stand up to extreme cold, and protect against temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius and lower. This degree of protection is comparable to double-paned windows, however for a fraction of their cost.
