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 entering the house. However the cat flap offers better protection against the elements. Tomsgates provides a range of dog doors that are insulated and cat flaps that work for all types of installations, including wall installations.
The Material
Insulation is one of the most important features of a cat-door. Insulation is what keeps cold air out and warm inside. Insulation can be achieved in a variety of ways however the material that the flap is made is the most crucial.
A single flap won't do much in terms of insulation for your home But doors with triple or double flaps are far more insulated and will stop cold air entering the home. You can also buy draught restrictors that are fitted around the frame of the flap and help to reduce drafts. Be aware that they will not stop 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 behind by your cat's flap some form of insulation like styrofoam. This will prevent cold air from entering your home, while also reducing the amount of noise that is produced when your cat uses their pet door. If you choose to do this, you should measure the hole your cat flap created and select a filler that is compatible with the surrounding fabric.
The RANGER pet entry by Freedom Pet Pass is an excellent choice for a high-quality cat flap. This door comes with a strong, insulated seal that reduces the loss of heat. It also has a strong magnetic seal to prevent cold air and wind from entering through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frame is 3,000X better in insulating properties than the aluminum material used in the frames of less pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a door for cats is opened and closed, it creates draft that means cold air can sneak into your home even when the flap is closed. 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 the door seals tightly when closed and that there aren't any gaps where let cold air in.
repairmywindowsanddoors is a method to ensure that your cat's flap keep its seal against wind, however you should also look at the overall design and the materials employed in the pet door. The best doors for pets in colder weather will be constructed of materials that are insulation. They include thick PVC flaps, and frames that can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will stop cold air from entering and keeps warm air out, which is a big energy saver.
Find a model with double-flaps that are able to withstand both heat and cold and high winds. These will be more expensive than single-flap designs, but they are a good investment that can help you save on energy costs in the long term. This is especially important if you live in an area which experiences severe winters or harsh summers.
Read reviews before purchasing a cat flap that is cold-weather to see which models have the most favorable reviews and provide the most protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather Pet Door is a well-loved choice because it provides excellent insulation and a sturdy flap, as well as an easy-to-install and tamper-proof design. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another great option, with many customers praise its ability to withstand extreme cold and wind while providing the ability for their cats to enter and exit without hassle.
The Magnetic Seal
In winter, a tightly sealed cat flap is essential to reduce energy loss. The most effective cat flap insulation features an opening with a magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door shut even when your pet is inside. Some models also have an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door when required.
A great cat flap should be able to withstand wind and have a strong magnetic seal. It is not necessary for your cat flap to be blown open by the wind during winter. This can let cold air in your home and increase your heating bill. A good model for cold weather will have a magnetic seal that is able to withstand winds up to 50 miles per hour. Many of these models also have insulation to prevent loss of heat.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the top cat flaps designed for cold weather on the market. The model is insulated in the door and frame to provide maximum insulation. It also comes with an opening panel that snaps on so you can slide into when the weather isn't great to keep your pets safe.
The RANGER pet gate from Freedom Pet Pass is another great option. The door is insulated with thick celluloid PVC to help reduce the loss of heat through conduction, and keep your house warm. The frame is also welded with technology used in automotive manufacturing to make it strong and durable for harsh winter conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are a excellent option for cold weather. It is made from aerospace quality aluminum alloy and steel, and welded together with laser welding technology that is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design is impervious to extreme weather conditions, and can be positioned on different wall materials. Double flaps on the door provide insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be fitted to the door to give it extra protection in extreme weather.
The Design
If you want to keep your home warm, and prevent drafts from entering, look for a cat-friendly door that is insulated. It could be a dual-flap model or a frame made of aluminum, which is less thermally conduction than PVC or Plastic. Some models also come with brushes that block drafts and reduce the loss of energy. You can find doors that have these features by searching for words like "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" within the product description.
Many of the modern cat doors designed specifically for use in cold climates are equipped with an array 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 stand up to extreme weather conditions and block drafts. It is also eco-friendly as it is made of a non-toxic polyolefin substance that is safe for both your pet and the planet.
Even if you have chosen an insulated cat flap, you might find that cold air is able to pass through the gap between the frame of your door and the wall or window. This is because the flap itself produces a draught when open. Some manufacturers try to minimize this by putting a draught-exclusion device on the outside of the flap. However it is essential to remember that your cat needs to be able to open and close the doors quickly 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 brand new door that has been specifically designed for cold weather, like the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet door has an insulated flap that is thicker and more dense that helps to reduce conductive heating by reducing the amount of energy lost through the material. It can also endure extreme temperatures, such as temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius. This degree of protection can be comparable to double-pane windows but at only a fraction of the cost.