A cat flap can cause an air draught when left open. This is a common problem experienced by cat flap cost owners.
A draught excluder can help to reduce cold air coming into the home, however an animal flap with insulation will provide more protection from the elements. Tomsgates offers a variety of cat flaps insulated and dog doors suitable for any installation, including wall installations.
The Material
Insulation is among the most important characteristics of the cat-door. This is what will keep cold air out and warm air in. There are many ways that insulation can be achieved, but the most important thing is the material that the flap is constructed from.
Doors with double or triple flaps offer better insulation and stop cold air from entering your home. You can also purchase draft restrictors that are fitted around the frame of the cat flap and help reduce drafts. Be aware that these products will not prevent cold air from entering your home, if you're trying to open the door for your cat.
Another alternative is to fill the space left by your cat's flap with some kind of insulation, such as styrofoam. This can help stop cold air from entering your home, as well as decreasing the amount of noise generated when your cat opens their pet door. If you choose to do this, you need to measure the hole your cat flap made and select a filler that matches the surrounding fabric.
A great choice for a cat flap that offers high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. This door comes with a strong and insulated seal, which reduces heat loss. It also has a durable magnetic seal to stop cold air and wind from entering through the flap. Its cellular PVC frame is 3,000X better insulation than the aluminum material that is used in the frames of other pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a door for cats is opened, it creates a draft, which means that cold air can enter your home, even if the flap is closed. Some manufacturers add draught-excluders to the flap opening, which are brushes. If you want 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 let cold air in.
A solid magnetic seal is a method to ensure that your cat's flap stay shut against wind, however you should also look at the overall design and the materials that are used in the construction of a pet door. The best pet doors for cold weather are made of materials that are insulate. They include thick PVC flaps, as well as frames that can stand up to temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will stop cold air from leaking in and keeps warm air out, which is a big energy saver.
Look for a design with double-flaps, which can stand up to cold and hot and also high winds. These will be more expensive than single-flap designs, but they are a great investment that can help you save money on energy costs in the long run. This is important if you reside in an area that has extreme summers and winters.
Review reviews prior to purchasing a cat flap for cold weather to see which models have the best reviews and provide the best protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather Cat Door is a favorite because it offers great insulation and a tough flap, and an easy-to-install secure, tamper-proof design. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different option. Many of its customers appreciate its ability to resist the elements of wind and cold without compromising the freedom of their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
When it comes to cold conditions, an enclosed cat flap that seals tightly is the key to cutting down on energy loss. This is why the best cat flap insulation comes with the use of a magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door closed even when your pet is inside the door. Some models come with an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door when required.
A good cat flap must be able resist wind and have a strong magnetic seal. You don't want your cat door to be blown open by the wind in winter, because it will let cold air into your home, which will increase your heating costs. A high-quality cold-weather cat flap will feature a durable magnetic seal that can withstand winds up to 50 miles per hour, and a majority of these models are also insulated to stop heat loss through the door.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the top cat flap installation flaps designed for cold weather on the market. The model is insulated inside both the door and the frame to provide the maximum amount of insulation. It also comes with an opening panel that snaps on so can be slid in when the weather isn't great to keep your pets inside.
Another great option is the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. The door is insulated with thick celluloid PVC in order to reduce the loss of heat through conduction, and keep your house warm. The frame is also welded using automotive technology to ensure it is durable and sturdy for cold weather conditions.
The Baboni pet door is another great option for those who live in colder weather. It is constructed of aerospace-grade aluminum alloy and metal and is welded with laser welding technology that is used in the automotive industry. Its design is impervious to extreme weather conditions, and can be positioned on a variety of wall materials. The double flaps create an air pocket which provides insulation and energy efficiency, and it has tunnel kits that you can add to the door for extra protection during severe weather.
The Design
If you're looking to keep your home warm, and prevent drafts from entering, look for a cat door that has insulation features. This could be the dual flap system or a frame that is thermally efficient constructed from a material like aluminum, which is less conductive to heat than PVC or plastic. Certain models come with brushes that reduce energy loss and prevent drafts. You can find doors with these features by looking for words such as "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" within the product description.
A majority of the contemporary cat doors that are designed specifically for cold climates are equipped with a range of insulation features. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for example, is equipped with a dual-flap design and an insulated framework that can stand up to extreme weather conditions and block drafts. It is also environmentally friendly and is made of a non-toxic polyolefin polymer that is safe for your pets and the environment.
Even if you've selected an insulated cat flap in upvc door cost flap you may still find that cold air is able to traverse the gap between the frame of your door and your window or wall. This is because the flap itself produces an air draught when it is open. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this by putting a draught-exclusion device on the outside of the flap. However it is crucial to remember that your cat needs to be able open and close the doors without difficulty to allow them to move in and out as needed.
The most effective option is to install a brand new door that has been specifically designed for colder weather, like the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet door has a thicker, more insulated flap that reduces conductive heating by reducing the amount of energy that is lost through the material. It is also able to endure extreme cold, securing against temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius and lower. This level of protection is similar to double-paned windows, but at a fraction of the cost.