Energy Bills Going Up? It Could Be Your Doggy Door
Do you look at your energy bill in shock each month wondering why it continues to climb? You turn off the lights when no one is in a room, caulk and weather-strip your doors and windows, and even hang laundry out to dry sometimes rather than running the clothes dryer. If so, the true answer to your lack of energy efficiency could surprise you.
If you use doggie door flaps to allow your dog to come in and out of the house at will, energy could be going right out the door with him or her. Pet Door Products is pleased to let you know that we make highly efficient doggie doors you can install on your own or pay a bit extra to have a service technician install for you.
How to Determine What Dog Door is the Best
Two of the most important factors when looking for a new dog door is that it works with existing doors in your home and that it has a high energy efficiency rating. If the dog door doesn’t have a rating, the packaging should at least state how much insulation it contains and provide you with an insulation value.
Any dog door you’re considering should also be able to stand up to any type of weather condition, including high winds, heavy rain, extreme heat or cold, and snow and ice if you live in a colder climate. You or the installer will need to seal the new dog door securely against the home to prevent unwanted weather conditions from entering your home.
Fiberglass and polyurethane foam make the best materials for wooden dog doors while glass dog doors require coated glass panes containing non-toxic glass between them. This provides the greatest level of insulation. You will know that you or a technician have installed the new dog door correctly when you see energy costs decrease, even if it’s modestly. Everyone in the home should feel comfortably warm or cool as well.
Signs Your Dog Door May Soon Require Replacement
Every home has a thermal envelope that helps to regulate the indoor temperature based on the season. When you have inefficient doggie door flaps, it’s similar to leaving doors or windows open on purpose. A sure sign of dog door inefficiency is when you can feel the wind blowing into your home as you stand in front of it. Another indication is feeling drafts inside your home when you do laundry.
We recommend hiring a local heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) company to conduct an energy audit if you’re just not certain whether you need more efficient doggie doors or not. The audit will also uncover other areas of your home that could benefit from increased energy efficiency efforts.
Energy Efficient Pet Doors and Pet Door Inserts for Sliding Glass Doors and Windows
We invite you to learn more about our pet door products to determine which one would best meet your energy efficiency needs and your dog’s need to come and go independently. You may request a quote from our website or contact us with additional questions. Pet Door Products also recommends viewing the How It Works video before choosing an installation option.
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