Choosing An Energy-Efficient Doggie Door
Has your heating bill increased since you installed a pet door? Did you know there are more energy-efficient dog doors? Most energy-efficient dog doors offer the same convenience as any dog door, with the added benefit of lowering your utility bill by keeping your house warm by keeping cold air and extreme weather out. They even come in sizes small enough for your cute small dog or big enough for your extra-large dog.
Energy-efficient pet doors give peace of mind and require little maintenance. No matter what size door you require for your pooch, there’s one at PetDoors.com that will meet your needs for efficiency and usability.
What Makes a Door Efficient?
The government has a list of criteria that determines if your door is energy efficient or not. These requirements include making the fit as tight as possible by using magnetic stripping and core materials inside the door like polyurethane foam and fiberglass. Sounds complicated? These specifications are just for a wooden door. Glass doors, such as a patio door or a sliding glass door, have their own set of specs that indicate energy efficiency. For example, they require two panes of specially coated glass that have a non-toxic gas between them for improved insulation.
Much of the same ideas for door insulation and efficiency apply to pet doors. Installing a pet door doesn't have to compromise your exterior door, and they often have a sturdy design, high-quality flaps, and easy installation. Note-- the best pet doors for energy efficiency are ones that are correctly installed and intelligently engineered. Proper door installation, especially for wall mount pet doors and single flap doors with dogs of different sizes, great design is the key to secure and insulated dog doors.
What to Look for in an Energy Efficient Dog Door
A great doggie door needs to be energy efficient, work well with any type of human door, and be flexible and safe to accommodate the comings and goings of your pet. Even the best doggy doors can be easily locked down at night or any other time you want to keep your pet in—and other animals out. Some are as simple to install as simply propping up and locking in place, but others may require professional installation.
When searching for insulated pet doors, dog owners should look for one that:
- Is insulated, often with an insulated flap, a double flap system, weatherstripping, or an airtight seal on its plastic or aluminum frame
- Can withstand high winds, often by attaching magnets around the edges of the flap door
- Seals securely against weather conditions that batter against the flap opening
- Functions well in high and low temperatures alike
Once you purchase an energy-efficient dog door make sure not to make alterations because any changes could interfere with efficiency and its weather-resistant abilities. Pet doors that install in glass sliding doors often fit securely into a security panel that fits into your door track tools-free, or the glass pet door has the same insulation as the door itself.
Please note that not all dog doors are made equal. The Ideal Pet Products' Ruff Weather series offers insulated patio panels, but while they are more economically priced, they may not be the perfect pet door for your lifestyle. Electronic dog doors, such as High Tech Pet Door Mount and the PetSafe Freedom Pet Pass, offer more security by only unlocking when it detects your pet's microchip, but your pet may be too big for the door size. Ultimately, the best pet door is one that your pet will use.
Our Top Energy Efficient Dog Doors
Here is a list of Pet Doors’ top recommendations for the best-insulated and extreme weather pet door options:
CEO
DOG PERSON🐶
Pets: I have a half border collie, half angel named Mikey.
Fun stuff: My dog's tongue is slightly longer than her face, so frequently her tongue sticks out a little even when her mouth is closed.
