Is the plunger on the door unit sensitive to cold/moisture? We live in cold climate, and I'm concerned the plunger might freeze to the ground.
1825250
The plunger would only have a problem if it got wet and froze while the door is closed. That could probably be prevented by using a shim on the floor and mounting the door unit so it's higher off the floor.
1825251
Not likely, the plunger is on the inside of the door where it should be OK.
1825252
Boy! That's a tough question. We are Southern Cal and the weather is never that brutal. The unit has worked really well for us and have no complaints. If I were you I'd just get and try it out. If it freezes just return it.
1825253
Good question. We live in Minnesota. So far our temps have not gotten below freezing. However, the plunger is very "loose" -- it is not a tight fit like if it were screwed in.
458400
Gasper G. was right on the money! But, it is important to protect the unit from the wind. We have seen a number of outdoor units this winter (in NC) freeze because of the wind chill effect. Make sure exhaust vent is clear and a wind block set up around the unit. Hope this helps!:)
469821
Not sure yet, as this will be my first winter using the product. But, like any plumbing, as long as the water flows through the pipe, you shouldn't have issues with freezing or bursting pipe, maybe just turn the amount up a bit more to a fast drip.
1354009
As long as you mount the unit so the plunger travels in and out of the unit when the door opens and closes, it will activate the sensor.Also, I think the bottom of the plunger has a tiny wheel to facilitate non-vertical motion, as when a tilt door slides open.after reading the other response, I have to agree that caution should be taken in mounting the unit so as not to break the plunger.
330594
I have the whole system sitting in a shallow heated bird bath. Although the Brite Tap froze during one of our colder spells, water in Thermos/cooler was still not frozen. I sat the whole system near the heat lamp, and this has worked out great. The heat lamp is about 2.5 feet off the floor. I have an insulated and paneled chicken coop, and live in MI....but it's been really really cold this year. Last year the Brite Tap did not freeze. I LOVE this system, although the floor does get wet from the chickens letting it drip too much.
1825845
Since I installed mine our winter low temp got down to single digits and no problems. However, mine is installed under the roof eave, so it can't get wet. I imagine if you had to install it out in the weather that ice and snow would interfere with it's operation. I think it is a strong deterrent, as our visitors almost always comment on it whether they arrive day or night.
1970402
Cold weather and rain has been no problem for me. The unit is weather tight.
954706
No reason not to. It's the tilt that sets it off not a plunger, and it doesn't take much to operate. Would attach to the door I assume. When the unit is vertical, door closed, the contact is made (ie green light on receiver). When horizontal,the receiver blinking red light operates meaning the door is open.
2073856
I'm not sure where you live, but where we are in Calgary, Alberta, the temperature can get to -40° Celsius...frickin' cold! At that temperature, it'll get some frost on the frame, but that's about it. Other than those days, even the tile we have in that area doesn't get cold. It's a GREAT dog door!!!
2031195
I wish I could answer this for you. I ordered it & gave it to my contractor to install (which he did without any problems). I will say it is a little annoying that the cold water handle is constantly bumping into the spray nozle; you would assume the manufacturer would leave ample space to keep them from having to be 'just right'. But, all in all I'm pleased.Sorry to not have answered your question!
2080262
I have not had a problem with mine, but in extreme cold it does seem to freeze around the edges of my bird bath (tub). Perhaps a bird bath or container would do better if it was deeper. I use a small utility tub which is deeper than any of my bird baths. Hope that helps.
1526084
There is no ice compartment so it should never need defrosting. Possibly, if you leave the door open for long periods some frost could form on the back wall in which case it would be manual to defrost it.
124757
Mine is installed on a back wall of the house, in a semi sheltered alcove. It is not usually very cold in Columbus, GA and we have had no problems with it. I would hope there is a setting that would cause it to run a little to keep it from freezing.?? My wife lets the hot water drip just a little anytime that we expect sub 32 degree weather. Bob Behar
2073858
We have owned several dog doors and I have to say I don't feel any cold air come in when the dogs go in and out. I think this is the best dog door we have ever bought.
2113567
I also have a hard time pushing the plunger down. Sometimes the "seal" breaks and it goes down easily. I just think it's the nature of the design. I still love mine and use it every morning.
1643837
The unit is definitely affected by cold weather. Since the switch stopped working on our first unit we've always been sure to bring the units inside when the weather gets to freezing.
1496375
I haven't had any issues with it locking, only with the cold weather it moves really slow when opening and closing.