Energy Efficient Dog Doors: How to Save on Energy Costs

December 20, 2024December 20, 2024PlexiDor, Product FAQs

These energy efficient dog doors are a game changer for pets and pet parents alike. Keeping your home comfortable while accommodating your furry friend’s freedom can feel like a balancing act, especially when it comes to energy efficiency. Traditional dog doors are often criticized for being drafty, letting in the cold or letting out the heat, and spiking energy bills. However, modern innovations in pet doors, like PlexiDor Dog Doors, provide insulated and weatherproof options that keep your home energy-efficient while still offering convenience for your pet.

PlexiDor energy efficient dog doors can save 10% on annual energy bills.

Why Energy Efficiency Matters

An inefficient dog door can create an ongoing battle against outdoor temperatures. Heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer can force your HVAC system to work overtime, increasing energy consumption and costs. Choosing a dog door designed for energy efficiency helps:

Maintain Indoor Comfort: Prevents drafts and temperature fluctuations.
Lower Energy Bills: Reduces the workload on heating and cooling systems decreasing your annual energy bill by 10%.
Protect the Environment: Minimizes unnecessary energy waste.

Insulated Energy Efficient Dog Doors: A Game-Changer

Insulated dog doors use advanced materials and design features to create a barrier against outdoor weather. Unlike traditional flaps that leak air, high-quality saloon-style doors are engineered to seal tightly, ensuring no energy is lost.

Why Choose PlexiDor Dog Doors?

PlexiDor is a trusted name in the pet door industry, offering solutions specifically designed to address energy efficiency. Here’s why they stand out:

1. Energy-Saving Design

PlexiDor dog doors feature a heavy-duty aluminum frame and hardened acrylic panels that seal tightly, minimizing air leaks. These doors use innovative weather-sealing techniques to create a thermal barrier that keeps your indoor climate consistent.

2. Weatherproofing That Works

Whether you live in a snowy region or a hot, sunny climate, PlexiDor dog doors are built to withstand the elements. They include weatherproof seals that block drafts and wind, preventing external conditions from affecting your home.

3. Insulated Construction

PlexiDor dog doors are made with durable, insulated materials that outperform traditional vinyl flaps. Their unique saloon-style construction helps reduce energy loss, even during extreme weather.

4. Sizes for Every Dog

From small pets to large breeds, PlexiDor offers a variety of sizes, ensuring a proper fit to minimize energy loss while providing easy access for your furry friends.

5. Long-Lasting Durability

Unlike cheaper alternatives, PlexiDor saloon-style dog doors are “Built to Last” with a 10-year warranty, reducing the need for frequent replacements. A durable door means consistent energy efficiency over time.

Additional Tips to Maximize Energy Efficiency

Proper Installation: A well-installed door is crucial for maintaining its energy-efficient features. If you’re unsure, consider professional installation. (link to dealer page)
Regular Maintenance: Check the seals and panels periodically for wear and tear and clean the door to ensure it closes properly. PlexiDor dog doors are easily maintained with minimal effort and we have replacements for many parts of the door to keep from having to purchase a brand new door.
Placement Matters: Install the dog door in a location shielded from harsh winds or direct sunlight to reduce the impact of outdoor weather. The door must be installed under an overhang or awning of some kind.

Why PlexiDor Is Worth the Investment

While some dog doors may seem like a budget-friendly choice initially, they often cost more in the long run due to energy inefficiency and frequent replacements. PlexiDor’s energy-efficient features and durable construction make it a smart investment that pays off in lower energy bills and greater comfort for your home and pet.

An energy efficient dog door is an essential addition to any pet-friendly home. With options like PlexiDor Dog Doors, you don’t have to compromise on comfort, style, or your energy bills. Their insulated, weatherproof designs ensure your home stays cozy while giving your pet the freedom they deserve.

For more information or to explore their range of energy efficient dog doors, visit PlexiDor’s website. Make the switch today and enjoy the benefits of a more efficient and comfortable home for you and your pet!

Glass House Door or French Door with a Dog Door? How Does That Work?

August 12, 2020September 18, 2023Interests, Product FAQs

Getting a glass house or French door with a dog door placed in the glass is an excellent solution to allow your dog access to the outside. A wall may not be available or you may not want to commit to the permanence of a hole in your house for a dog door. The entire pane of glass gets replaced, and should you need to remove the dog door in the future, a new pane of glass can be put back in. You can even keep your old glass if you have the space to store it!

PlexiDor Dog Doors has standard size glass door inserts to fit most any thickness glass pane in stock. They are easy to have installed or we have installation videos available for the DIYer. Review this video on properly measuring for the correct size glass insert:

How to Measure For a French Door with Dog Door Insert

Once the door has been measured, view the next video for easy to follow instructions for installation:

Install “How To” Video

If you’re not a DIY person, PlexiDor Customer Service can get you in touch with a local installer in your area. We are here to help whatever your question may be on your new glass door or French door with dog door. Give us a call today at 800-749-9609 Opt. 3.

The PlexiDor Sliding Glass Dog Door and Your Active Dog

August 5, 2020September 18, 2023Interests, Product FAQs

You may wonder how a sliding glass dog door can possibly survive the day-in, day-out use of an active dog. It seems unlikely a sliding glass door can support a doggie door for a 100 pound dog or larger. PlexiDor Glass Series Dog Doors are revolutionary and were developed with UPA Glass Pet Door Solutions to accommodate any dog breed. The typical, and even rambunctious, lifestyle of a normal dog was top of mind when creating this product. This pet door is approved for any dog.

The prefabricated glass inserts were designed to replace the existing glass in your French, glass patio or sliding glass door. The insert includes a one-piece frame with a factory installed PlexiDor dog door. You choose the size dog door you need depending on your pet(s). These doors come in all sizes; small (SM), medium (MD), large (LG) and extra-large (XL).

PlexiDor Glass Series sliding glass dog door

For some homeowners, the best access to the dog’s space outdoors is through a glass door, or perhaps a window. In the past, installing a sliding glass dog door would have been almost impossible. However, the PlexiDor Glass Series makes putting a dog door through a window, or glass door, no problem. This is a practical and beautiful solution to providing your dog freedom to the outside.

An installer will come to your home to measure the width, thickness, and height of the pane of glass in your door. These measurements will be used to ensure your prefabricated glass insert arrives ready to install. The glass insert, with the dog door already in place, will be installed just like the original glass had been. The original door glass, removed with care, can be stored for later use. Should you sell your home or no longer need a pet door, the old pane can be put back in. Installation of a sliding glass dog door generally takes about 45 minutes.

After installation, the door is ready for your frisky pooch. This is the perfect doggie door style for any breed, no matter how spirited. The sliding glass dog door will be a good fit for your family and home. It really blends right into your existing door frame!

The replacement frame and glass are warranted for five years and the PlexiDor dog door comes with a 10-year warranty. For more information, contact us or give us a call at 888-PET-DOOR!

How To Choose the Right Size PlexiDor Dog Door

July 29, 2020October 25, 2024Sizing, Interests, Product FAQs

PlexiDor Dog Door – size medium

The medium door is intended for dogs up to 40 pounds. It has saloon-style doors. The opening measures 9 x 12 inches. Dogs included in this door’s service are Corgis, Dachshunds, Poodles, Beagles, Pekingese, Cocker Spaniels, Schnauzers, Shelties, and most Terriers.

PlexiDor Dog Door – size large

The large PlexiDor dog door’s opening is 11 3/4 wide and 16 inches tall with saloon-style doors. This door is recommended for dogs up to 100 pounds, such as Labradors, Collies, German Shepherds, Dobermans, Boxers, Setters, Bulldogs, Pointers and Golden Retrievers.

PlexiDor Dog Door – size extra large

The extra-large door’s opening of 16 x 23 3/4 inches, with saloon-style doors, is intended for dogs up to 220 pounds. Larger dogs might be able to use it, depending on their build. The dog breeds this door is intended for are Great Danes, St. Bernards, Newfoundlands, Great Pyrenees, Old English Sheepdogs, Rottweilers, and Irish Wolfhounds.

Find Your Right Size PlexiDor Dog Door

You can download the size chart below with an overview of dog door sizes, required installation cut holes, dimensions, height recommendations and other important information here. All the information you need to make the best choice for the right size PlexiDor dog door is available in one convenient place.

Find the right size dog door with the PlexiDor door finder chart

And, of course, contact our customer service if you any need help. They can help walk you through choosing the dog door and get you in touch with a local installer.

Pet Door through Glass!

June 14, 2018September 18, 2023Installation, Product FAQs

In many houses, the best route to the outside goes through a glass door or even a window. Historically, mounting a pet door in glass has been nearly impossible, but with the PlexiDor Glass Series we are working to provide you with a pet door in your french doors, sliding patio door, or glass patio door.

To install a PlexiDor pet door through glass, an installer will come to your house and measure the width, thickness, and height of your existing pane. The dog door or cat door is mounted in a new pane, which will be installed exactly the same way as the original glass. Thus, the old pane can be put back if you were ever to sell your home to someone without a pet, or if you no longer require a pet door.

For more information, visit the Glass Series page or give us a call at 888-PET-DOOR!

Can a pet door be safe?

February 11, 2015September 18, 2023Product FAQs

When considering pet doors safety, remember to weigh in on security. Security is an important factor in today’s world, and many might hesitate to install a pet door because it is one more opening in the home that might let in unwanted persons. These are valid concerns, and we here at PlexiDor pet doors have taken measures to help you feel safe.

Every PlexiDor dog door and cat door comes with a lock and key. The lock features a steel cam inside a hardened metal cylinder.

The doors also come with a steel security plate that is easily attached to the door frame and can be installed when leaving home for an extended period of time.

For those who wish to use the security plate on an everyday basis, the PlexiDor sliding track system is a convenient accessory. Slide the plate down the track and lock it in place with a handy flip lock feature.

There is also an electronic version of the PlexiDor that will only open for pets with a key. The door is controlled by RFID and the pet carries the key on the collar. When the pet comes close enough to the door it slides open – but only for collar keys with the right combination.

Don’t hesitate to contact us with any security concerns you might have.

Have you seen the PlexiDor awning?

February 6, 2015September 18, 2023Product FAQs

The easy to install PlexiDor awning creates a roof for the pet door and prevents rain, sun, and snow from entering the house. This accessory comes in three sizes, perfect for the PlexiDor pet doors.

The awnings are made from durable aluminum with a baked-on finish that will last for many years. They are available in white or bronze.

The small awning is 12″ wide and 8″ deep.
The medium awning is 16″ wide and 12″ deep.
The large awning is 23 1/4″ wide and 16 5/8″ deep.

Click here to see more.

PlexiDor Awning attached to door above dog door

What size dog door should I get?

January 26, 2015September 18, 2023Sizing, Product FAQs

Pet sizes – and pet door sizes – can seem confusing, because it’s relative to a person’s frame of reference. If a person is used to Rottweilers, a Beagle looks like a small dog. To a person used to teacup Yorkshire terriers, the Beagle is pretty big.

To make this more confusing, the right size dog door often looks small compared to the pet. Dogs tend to duck their heads and lift their feet when they go through, so the opening doesn’t have to be as tall as the pet. If you have larger and smaller pets together, the PlexiDor opens so easily that a smaller pet can generally use a larger pet door.

The weights in the list below are guidelines. If your pet is right on the spot you might need to measure him or her and compare with the opening size. Or, contact our customer service. They are experienced and happy to help.

Get the Right Size Dog Door for Your Pooch

PlexiDor size small

This pet door is small, and has a single pane design. The opening is 6.5 x 7 1/4 inches. It is suitable for cats up to 24 pounds and dogs up to 9 pounds. Common breeds are chihuahuas, papillons, yorkshire terriers, and pomeranians.

Small Size PlexiDor Dog Door and a Papillion. Consider the weight and height of your dog when determining what size dog door to get.

PlexiDor size medium

This dog door is intended for dogs up to 40 pounds. The opening is 9 x 12 inches, and common breeds are corgis, dachshunds, beagles, pekingese, cocker spaniels, shelties, and many terriers.

Medium Size PlexiDor Dog Door and a Beagle

PlexiDor size large

The large PlexiDor dog door has an opening of 11 3/4 x 16 inches, and it is intended for dogs up to 100 pounds. Common breeds are Labradors, Collies, German Shepherds, Dobermans, and Golden Retrievers.

Large Size PlexiDor Dog Door and a Yellow Labrador

PlexiDor size extra large

The extra large PlexiDor dog door has an opening of 16 x 23 3/4 inches and is intended for dogs up to 220 pounds. Larger dogs might be able to use it, depending on their build. Common breeds are Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands, Old English Sheepdogs, and Irish Wolfhounds.

Extra Large Size PlexiDor Dog Door and a Black and White Great Dane

More sizing help and information

You can download an overview of sizes – with opening sizes and needed cut holes – with examples of dog breeds and installation heights here.

And naturally, if you need help, contact customer service.

Can I install a pet door through a wall?

December 18, 2014September 19, 2023Installation, Product FAQs

You can install a pet door through a wall. The PlexiDor dog doors and cat door are available for door or wall installation. The door kit makes it easy to install the pet door through a standard house door. A somewhat handy person can do this themselves and it doesn’t take long.

The house door isn’t always the best place for the pet door – sometimes a wall fits better. The PlexiDor wall kits can be installed in cement, stud, brick or block walls up to 12 inches thick. The kits come with an aluminum tunnel to connect the interior and exterior frame.

When you install a pet door through a wall it can be trickier than installing through a door – it is more difficult to make a hole in the wall than through a door. (An important tip is cutting from the outside – keep the mess outside the house!) You also need to check if it’s a load-bearing wall or not.

This video shows how to install a PlexiDor through a door and through different forms of walls. It begins with installing through a door. Wall installations start around 9 minutes in and will go through the installation process through different wall materials.

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Have you seen the PlexiDor electronic pet door?

December 16, 2014September 19, 2023Product FAQs

The PlexiDor Electronic pet door is a unique solution that works well for both dogs and cats. The door has a composite panel that slides up and down, and the panel is controlled by an RFID key attached to the pet’s collar.

When the pet comes close to the door, the panel slides up. The door will only open for pets with the right key. When the door is closed the panel acts as a security door.

The collar key is waterproof and lacks moving parts, so it is very sturdy while being small enough not to disturb the pet.

See the PlexiDor Electronic dog door and cat door in action in this video:

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Common questions about the PlexiDor Electronic

May 8, 2014October 26, 2020Product FAQs

Questions about the PlexiDor Electronic pet door Many people are curious about the electronic pet doors. Here are answers to some of the most common questions:

Q: What is an electronic pet door?
A: Electronic pet doors open when a pet with a collar key comes close enough to trigger it. In some doors the key releases the catch on the door so the pet can push it open. When it comes to the PlexiDor Electronic pet door, the cat or dog has an RF-ID key on the collar, and the door opens automatically when the key comes into range.

Q: What if one of my neighbors has an electronic dog door just like this one?
A: There are thousands of key codes, and the door will be programmed to open to your pets’ keys only.

Q: Will burglars be able to enter through the electronic pet door?
A: That is not likely. The door has an interior stainless steel locking bar, and the panel is shatter resistant. If a burglar were to say hit the panel with a baseball bat, the bat bounces back. The frame is made from heavy aluminum that won’t bend like plastic does. It would be easier to break in through a window.

Q: Will an electronic pet door let the dog out but keep the cats in?
A: Maybe. We can’t guarantee that; cats are small and quick, and they often figure out that they can sneak out with the dog. Some customers use an indoor “underground fence” solution to keep cats away from the door.

Q: My dog likes to swim. Will water damage the key?
A: No. The keys are water proof.

Q: Is it difficult to use a PlexiDor Electronic pet door?
A: No, it is easy to add and change collar codes, and the keys snap on to the pet’s collar easily. The pets usually figure the door out in a matter of minutes, and our support staff is standing by to assist with any problems.

Q: What kind of warranties do you have?
A: Every PlexiDor comes with a 5 year warranty, and a 90 day unconditional return guarantee. If you purchase a door and don’t like it, return it within 90 days and get your money back.

Dog doors that stand up to even the largest dogs

April 14, 2014October 26, 2020Sizing, Product FAQs

In the past, owners of very large dogs had problems finding suitable pet doors. Traditional flap doors can’t stand up to the power produced by a 200 lbs dog hitting it at a run. Countless owners ended up with torn flaps, warped frames, and even pet door frames torn out of the household door.

The PlexiDor dog door is specifically made to withstand even very large dogs. The frame is made from hardened aluminum that won’t crack or rust, and the panels are made from a special K9 Composite material. They’re thin, yet isolating, and strong enough to withstand the intense pounding a large dog can put them through. The PlexiDor factory has put an extensive amount of research into the material. The see-through panels also serves as a window for the pet.

An extra large dog also comes with extra strong jaws, and some breeds are known for chewing everything to pieces. The extra large PlexiDor dog door has an aluminum chew-proof trim around each panel, so even if the dog is bored and tries to take it out in the door, destroying the panel will not be easy.

Many pet owners worry about security, and that can seem a warranted concern when putting in a door large enough to accommodate a 220 lbs dog. Every PlexiDor dog door is delivered with a lock and key, and a steel security plate that attaches to the door frame.

The security plate screws on to the dog door frame, but for households that want to attach it often, be it for securing the house or for signaling to the dog that the door is locked, there is a sliding track accessory available. The security plate slides down the track to the right position, and is locked in place with a flip lock, so an intruder can’t get rid of it through pushing it up.

PlexiDor dog door with mounted sliding track and security plate. Extra Large.

The image to the right shows an extra large PlexiDor dog door with the security plate attached through the sliding track system. Note that you can lock and unlock the door through the security plate, so even if you forget to lock before putting the plate on, you don’t have to take it off again. The image also shows the security plate flip-lock on top.
There is also an awning available that provides shade and keeps rain and snow away.

The PlexiDor extra large dog door is available in three frame colors: silver, white, or bronze. The sliding tracks are available in the same colors, and awnings and security plates are either white or brone.

The extra large PlexiDor dog door is excellent for breeds such as Great Danes, Leonbergers, Newfoundlands, Rottweilers, St Bernards, Old English Sheepdogs, Irish Wolfhounds, and other dogs up to 220 lbs. The panels open so easily that a small and large pet can use the same door. However, if a smaller pet is to share the door it’s important to adjust the installation height so everyone can get in and out comfortably.

A pet door can be secure

February 9, 2014October 26, 2020Product FAQs

Security is a common and natural concern amongst pet owners considering a pet door. Many people think the door will make a permanent opening they won’t be able to lock, and that the pet door will compromise the security of their house if they leave for an extended period of time.

A pet door is an opening in the house, just like a window, or a regular door. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s an invitation to robbers and bad people.

All PlexiDor pet doors come with lock and key. All models except for the small PlexiDor – which is too small for a person to get through – are delivered with a steel security plate.

The security plate attaches to the inner frame. It’s either screwed to the frame, or attached through a sliding track system with flip lock feature. Getting through the locked door with attach steel plate would require extensive time and tools.

What about the electronic door?

The electronic door will only open for pets with a key. If the door is closed, the composite panel acts as a security door, and it is very difficult to break through. The composite material won’t shatter if someone hits it or kicks it, and gaining access to the house through the pet door would require time and tenacity.

Is this a good dog door for wall installation?

January 27, 2014October 26, 2020Installation, Product FAQs

When installing a pet door, it’s usually easiest to put it through a door. However, PlexiDors is a great dog door for wall installation. It can be installed in all sorts of walls and gives a professional grade installation.

The wall units can be installed into stud, brick, block, or cement walls up to 12 inches thick. Each wall unit includes a sloped aluminum tunnel that connects the interior and exterior frame. The tunnel will not rust, and it is easy to clean.

If your wall is thinner than 12 inches, just trim the tunnel pieces down with included jigsaw blade or tin snips.

The PlexiDor dog door for wall installation comes in the same sizes and specifications as the door units: Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large. Colors available are silver, white, or bronze.

Tools needed for installation are: jigsaw, drill, and screwdriver. (Jigsaw blade is included with the unit.)

Take a look at the PlexiDor size charts, measurements and cut holes.

Aluminum wall tunnel

New PlexiDor Awnings

January 24, 2014October 26, 2020Product FAQs

The easy to install PlexiDor awning prevents rain, sun, and snow from entering through a pet door.

The pet door awnings are made from durable aluminum with a baked-on finish. They are available in white or bronze, and make a perfect accessory for all PlexiDor pet doors.

Awnings are not designed for installation on glass.