Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you keep your cat's flap open, it could create draft. This is a common problem encountered by cat owners.
A draught excluder can help cut down the amount of cold air that enters the house. However the cat flap can provide more protection from the elements. Tomsgates has a range of insulated cat flaps and dog doors that are suitable for any installation including wall installations.
The Material
Insulation is among the most important features of the cat-door. This is what will keep cold air out and warm air in. cat flaps for french doors can be achieved through many ways but the material from which the flap is made is the most important.
Doors with double or triple flaps will provide more insulation and block cold air from entering your home. You can also purchase draft excluders that fit around the frame of the flap and help to reduce drafts. However, you need to bear in mind that these will not stop the cold air from entering the room if your cat is attempting to use their door at the same simultaneously.
Another alternative is to fill the area left behind by your cat's flap with some kind of insulation, such as styrofoam. This will block cold air from entering your home and reduce the noise generated by your cat using their pet door. If you choose to do this, you need to measure the hole your cat flap has created and choose a filler that matches the 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 sealed, insulated seal that minimizes heat loss. It also has an elastomeric seal that blocks cold air or wind from entering 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 is closed, cold air can still get into your home even though the flap is open. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this problem by adding what is known as draught excluders, which are basically brushes that can be inserted around the flap opening. If you are planning to use a cat flap to combat cold weather, make sure your door seals tightly when closed and there aren't any gaps that let cold air in.
A solid magnetic seal is a way to make sure your cat's flap remain shut against wind, however you should also take a look at the overall construction and materials that are used in a pet door. The best doors for cold weather are made of materials that are insulating, such as thick PVC flaps and a plastic frame that can stand up to 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.
You should also consider a double-flap design that can resist both cold and heat and high winds. These models are more expensive than single-flap ones but they will save you money on energy bills over time. This is particularly true for those who reside in a region that gets harsh winters or summers.
If you're thinking of buying a winter cat flap, check the reviews to see which ones are the most well-reviewed and provide the most protection from the elements. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is popular because it comes with a sturdy flap that is easy to install and has a, tamper proof design. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another great option. Many of its customers appreciate its ability to resist cold and wind without compromising the freedom of their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold conditions, a cat flap that seals tightly is crucial to reducing energy loss. This is the reason why the best cat flap insulation is made with a magnetic closure. The magnets will keep the door shut, even when your pet is inside the door. Some models come with an external closing panel that you can use to lock your pet inside or out, if needed.
A great cat flap should be able resist wind and have a strong magnetic seal. It is not necessary for your cat flap to be open by the winds in winter. This will let cold air in to your home and raise your heating costs. A good cold-weather model will come with an electronic seal that can withstand wind speeds that exceed 50 miles an hour. Many of these models also come with insulation to prevent loss of heat.
One of the best cold-weather cat flaps on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. The model is insulated inside both the door and frame to give the best amount of insulation. It also comes with an easy-to-close panel that you can slide into when the weather isn't great to keep your pets safe.
The RANGER pet gate by Freedom Pet Pass is another fantastic alternative. The door is insulated using thick, cellular PVC to minimize heat loss and keep your home warm. The frame is welded together with the help of technology from the automotive industry to make it strong and durable in cold weather.
The Baboni pet door is another excellent choice for cold weather. It is constructed of aluminum alloy of aerospace quality as well as steel, and welded together with laser welding technology that is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design is able to withstand harsh weather conditions and is able to be installed on different wall materials. Its double flaps offer insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be added to the door to provide extra protection during extreme weather.
The Design
If you want to keep your home warm, and keep out drafts, look for a cat door with insulation features. This could include dual flaps, or a frame that is thermally efficient constructed from a substance like aluminum that is less thermally conductive than PVC or plastic. Some models also feature brushes that block drafts and help to reduce energy loss. You can locate doors with these features by searching for words such as "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" in the description of the item.
Modern cat doors, specifically designed to be used in cold climates, have several insulation options. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, features a dual flap system and an constructed with an insulated frame that is able to withstand extreme weather conditions, helping keep out drafts and heat loss. It is also environmentally friendly, being made from a non-toxic polyolefin polymer that is safe for your pet and the planet.
Even the flap is insulated however, cold air can still pass through the opening between the frame of the door or window and the existing wall. This is because the flap itself creates an air draught when it is open. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by putting a draught-exclusion device on the outside of the flap. However, it is important to remember that your cat needs to be able to open and shut the doors easily to allow them to enter and exit as needed.
The most effective option is to install a new door that is specifically designed for colder weather, like the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet doors have an extra thick, insulated door that blocks the conductive heating. It is also able to endure extreme temperatures, such as temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius. This degree of protection can be comparable to double-pane windows but at less cost.