A cat flap could cause an air draught when left open. This is a problem that many cat owners have to deal with.
A draught excluder can help cut down the amount of cold air that is able to enter the house. However the cat flap will offer more protection from the elements. Tomsgates has a range of insulated cat flaps and dog doors that can be used for any kind of installation, including wall-mounted installations.
The Material
Insulation is among the most important characteristics of the cat-door. This is what keeps cold air out and warm air in. Insulation can be accomplished in various ways but the material from which the flap is made is the most important.
A single flap won't make much difference in insulation for your home But doors with dual or triple flaps are more efficient in insulation and will prevent cold air from entering the 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 will not prevent cold air from entering your home, if you're trying to open the door for your cat.
Fill in the gap left by your cat's flap with insulation, such as styrofoam. This can help prevent cold air from entering your home, and also making it less noisy that is produced when your cat uses their pet door. If you do this, you need to measure the hole your cat flap created and select an appropriate filler to match the surrounding fabric.
An excellent choice for a cat flap that offers high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. This door features a thick, insulated seal that reduces the loss of heat. It also has a magnetic seal that prevents cold air or wind from entering through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frames are 3,000x more insulating that the aluminum used in the frames of the inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat door is opened and closed, it creates draft that means cold air can sneak into your home even though the flap is closed. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this problem by adding what is known as draught excluders which are essentially brushes that can be inserted around the flap opening. If you plan to use a cat flap to combat colder weather, make sure your door seals tightly when closed and there aren't any gaps that cold air can enter.
It is possible to help your cat's keep the door shut against wind by using a strong magnetic seal. However, you must take into consideration the overall design of a pet-door and its materials. The best doors for pets in cold weather are made of materials that are insulate. They will have thick PVC flaps and a frame that can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will prevent cold air from entering and keeps warm air out, which can be an energy-efficient option.
You should also consider double-flap designs that are able to resist both cold and heat, as well as high winds. These models are more expensive than the single-flap ones, but they can help you save money on energy bills over time. This is particularly important when you reside in a region which experiences extreme summers or winters.
If you are considering buying 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. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is popular because it has a durable flap and a simple to install secure, tamper-proof design. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another excellent choice, with a lot of customers praise its ability to withstand extreme cold and wind while providing the ability for their cats to go in and out freely.
The Magnetic Seal
In colder conditions, the ability to seal a cat flap tightly is essential to reducing energy loss. The most effective cat flap insulation comes with the magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door closed even when your pet is inside the door. Some models also have an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door if required.
A great cat flap should be able resist wind and have a strong magnetic seal. You don't want your cat flap to be open by the winds in winter. This will let cold air into your house and increase your heating bill. A high-quality cold-weather cat flap will be sealed with an extremely strong magnetic seal that can withstand winds up to 50 miles per hour, and a majority of these models are also insulated to reduce heat loss through the door.
One of the most effective cold-weather cat flaps available on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. This model is insulated in both the door and the frame to provide the highest amount of insulation. It comes with the Snap On closing panel which can be inserted into the door when weather is cold to keep your pet inside.
The RANGER pet gate from Freedom Pet Pass is another fantastic option. This door is insulated with thick, cellular PVC to reduce conductive heat loss and keep your home warm. Additionally, the frame is joined using the latest technology in the automotive industry to ensure it is strong and durable in cold weather.
The Baboni pet doors are a excellent option 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 resistant to extreme weather conditions and can be incorporated into various wall materials. Double flaps on the door provide insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be incorporated into the door to give it extra protection during extreme weather.
The Design
When choosing a cat door that can keep your home warm and free of drafts, you should choose one with insulation features. This could be the dual flap system or a frame that is thermally efficient constructed from a material like aluminum that is less conductive to heat than PVC or plastic. Some models have brushes that help to reduce energy loss and prevent drafts. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the description of the item to find a door with these features.
Modern cat doors, specifically designed to be used in cold climates, have various insulation options. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for example, is equipped with a dual-flap system and an insulated framework that can withstand extreme weather conditions and block drafts. It is also environmentally friendly, as it is made of a nontoxic polyolefin material that is safe for both your pets and the environment.
Even if you've selected an insulated cat flap you might still notice that cold air is able to traverse the gap between the door frame and your existing window or wall. This is because the flap itself causes draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize 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 easily so that they can enter and exit as needed.
Installing an entirely new pet door, such as Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER one, which is specifically designed for cold weather, is the most effective solution. The RANGER pet doors have an insulated, thicker door that blocks the heating that is conductive. repairmywindowsanddoors 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, but for a fraction of their price.