Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you keep your cat's flap open, it may create a draft. This is a problem many cat owners face.
A draught excluder can help cut down the amount of cold air that is able to enter the home. However an animal flap can provide greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a variety of dog doors that are insulated and cat flaps that are suitable for any type of installation, including wall installations.
The Material
Insulation is one of the most important characteristics of the cat flap fitting-door. This is what keeps cold air out and warm air in. There are many ways that insulation can be created but the most important factor is the material the flap is made from.
Doors with double or triple flaps will provide greater insulation and prevent cold air from getting into your home. You can also purchase draught-excluders to cover the frame to reduce drafts. But, you must be aware that these won't stop the cold air from getting in when your cat is attempting to use their door at the same time.
Fill in the area left by your cat flap with insulation, such as styrofoam. This will help to keep cold air out of your home, as well as decreasing the amount of noise that occurs when your cat opens their pet door. If you decide to do this, you must determine the size of the hole that your cat's flap has created and choose a filler that is compatible with the fabric.
A great choice for a cat flap that offers high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The door is constructed with an insulated, thick flap that is designed to reduce conductive heat loss. It also has magnetic seals that block cold air or winds from passing through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frame is 3,000X better insulation than the aluminum material that is used in the frames of lesser pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat flap cost flap is closed, cold air can still enter your home if the flap is open. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this issue by adding what's known as draft excluders which are essentially brushes that can be placed around the flap opening. But, if you're looking for a truly cold weather cat flap insulation, you'll need to ensure that the door can seal tightly when shut, and that there aren't gaps through which cold air can get in.
You can help your cat keep the door shut against 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 doors for cold weather are made of materials that are insulating, such as thick PVC flaps as well as a plastic frame that is able to resist temperatures that are as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This will stop cold air from entering and keep warm air out, which can be a big energy saver.
Find a model with double-flaps that are able to be able to withstand cold and heat and high winds. They will cost more than single-flap models, however they are a good investment that will allow you to save on energy costs in the long in the long run. This is important if you reside in an area that has harsh winters and summers.
If you're thinking of buying a cat flap that is cold weather look over the reviews to determine which models have the highest ratings and provide the best protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather Cat Door is a favorite because it provides excellent insulation and a tough flap, in addition to an easy-to-install, tamper-proof design. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another great choice, with a lot of customers praising its ability to resist extreme wind and cold while providing the ability for their cats to enter and exit easily.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold weather, a well shut cat flap is vital to prevent energy loss. This is the reason why the best cat flap insulation comes with an magnetic closure. These magnets keep the door closed even when your pet is inside the room. Some models come with an outer closing panel that you can use to lock your pet inside or out if necessary.
A high-quality cat flap must be able to resist winds and also have a solid magnetic seal. You don't want your cat's door to be blown open by winds in winter, since it will let cold air to enter your home, which will increase your heating bill. A good cat flap for cold weather will be sealed with an extremely strong magnetic seal that can withstand winds of up to 50 miles per hour, and a lot of them are also insulated to stop heat loss through the door.
One of the best cat flaps for cold weather on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. The model is insulated in the frame and the door to ensure maximum insulation. It also comes with a Snap-On closing panel that you can slide in when the weather is bad to keep your pets safe.
The RANGER pet gate by Freedom Pet Pass is another fantastic alternative. The door is insulated with thick, cellular PVC to help reduce the loss of heat through conduction and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded using automotive technology to make it strong and durable for harsh winter conditions.
The Baboni pet door is another great option for those who live in cold weather. It is made from aluminum alloy that is of aerospace quality as well as steel, which is welded using laser welding technology that is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design makes it resistant to harsh weather and can be incorporated into a wide variety of wall materials. Its double flaps offer insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be fitted to the door to give it extra protection during extreme weather.
The Design
If you're looking to keep your home warm and avoid drafts, then look for a cat door that has insulation features. It could be a dual-flap model or a frame made from aluminum, which is less thermally conduction than PVC or plastic. Some models also come with brushes that prevent drafts and aid in reducing the loss of energy. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the description of the item to find a door equipped with these features.
Many of the modern cat doors that are made specifically for use in cold climates have an array of insulation features. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, comes with a dual flap system as well as an insulated frame that is able to withstand harsh weather conditions, helping keep out drafts and heat loss. It is also green as it is made from a non-toxic polyolefin polymer that is safe for your pet and the planet.
Even if you've selected an insulated cat flap, you might find that cold air is able to be able to pass through the gap between the door frame and your window or wall. This is because the flap itself creates draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this by offering what's called a draught excluder that is positioned around the outside of the flap, 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 needed.
An alternative that is more efficient is to install a brand new door that has been specifically designed for cold weather, such as the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet doors feature an extra thick, insulated door that reduces the 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 but for a fraction of their price.