Mach-Lee
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Lee
- Joined
- Jul 16, 2021
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- 207
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- Location
- Wisconsin
- Vehicles
- 2022 Mach-E Premium AWD
- Occupation
- Sci/Eng
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- #1
My tests have revealed that the glass panoramic roof is a significant heat loss in extreme cold temperatures (below -5ºF/-20ºC). To help improve cabin heat levels, I fitted a piece of Reflectix® reflective insulation in the glass roof, and found it improves cabin temps by 6-10ºF (3-5ºC) at -15ºF (-26ºC) outside. I estimated this is the equivalent of adding a 550W heater at those temps (effect is less pronounced at warmer temps). Subjectively the cabin feels much less drafty and my legs stay much warmer when it's very cold. I already did a scientific comparison test to determine the effects of the Reflectix®, for more details read about it here: Reflectix Panoramic Roof Insulation Test
Mach-E's in the northern USA and Canada that are having issues with not enough heat may consider doing this. Reflectix® or similar is widely available in most home improvement stores. It can be described as bubble wrap compounded with a layer of reflective Mylar, which functions as a radiant barrier. Meaning the Mylar reflects infrared heat back into the cabin rather than losing it through the glass. The way it's installed is worth an R-value of 3.0, which doesn't seem like much, but compared to glass (R-value 0.66) it's a big improvement (5x less heat loss).
You will need:
Take it down and cut along the crease you made, then tape it back up in the same spot. I made a tape loop on top of the paper to hold it up. Overlap the next paper by several inches and repeat cutting and alignment. Tape the pieces of paper together firmly to make one wide piece at the front and the back. I used 3 papers across the front and 3 across the back. At this point you will have a front and a back template taped flat to the glass.
Once that looks good, you'll need to make reference measurements to locate the front and back templates with the correct spacing later. Have a helper sit in the front seat and hold the tape measure against the headliner in 3 spots (see below). Have them mark a dot on the paper at the end of the tape and hold the tape measure at that point. Next, you're in the back seat marking measurement lines and writing the measurements on the paper. Also do at least one diagonal measurement for horizontal placement. Go through and double check you get the same measurements again before carefully taking the template papers down. Be careful not to rip them. I used the minimum amount of tape to hold them up to make removal easier.
Now cut a 3 ft x 4 ft piece of Reflectix® and place your templates on it:
Flip the sheet so the edges naturally want to curl up off the ground instead of down (makes installation easier). I used boxes to hold the edges down. You will need to spend some time carefully adjusting the positions of the front and back templates relative to each other until you can recreate the measurements you made while they were on the glass. Tape them to the panel when satisfied. The front is slightly wider than the rear. I basically just centered them on the sheet as close as possible and made sure my measurements were still true. The measurements might be off slightly because of the curvature of the glass, just do your best to recreate them.
I drew straight lines for the sides to connect the front and back. The headliner actually bows out slightly (maybe 3/8" in the middle on each side), so it's up to you if you want to try that or not. I just cut the sides straight and ended up with some gaps along the sides, close enough for me.
Once you are satisfied, trace your templates with a marker, remove and SAVE them, then cut it out. I used isopropyl alcohol and cotton to remove the remnants of the marker on the foil so it wouldn't transfer and stain my white headliner.
Now go do a test fit, trim any edges as necessary. Mine was pretty close within 1/4" on the first try. After that, you are going to want to put a bunch of tape on the top side to hold it up. Use tape that is easy to remove from glass and doesn't leave residue. Put a tape piece about every 8" around the entire perimeter, and about every 14" in the middle. I did a bunch of tape rolls.
Once you have your tape situated, carefully go in through the back door and stick the front center first, then move to the back. Reposition if necessary. If that looks good, then press/spread from the center to the sides. That's it, enjoy your extra heat!
WARNING: DO NOT LEAVE Reflextix in the window, remove by early March before the sun gets strong to avoid damaging the glass. WINTER USE ONLY. It is not necessary in the summer.
Mach-E's in the northern USA and Canada that are having issues with not enough heat may consider doing this. Reflectix® or similar is widely available in most home improvement stores. It can be described as bubble wrap compounded with a layer of reflective Mylar, which functions as a radiant barrier. Meaning the Mylar reflects infrared heat back into the cabin rather than losing it through the glass. The way it's installed is worth an R-value of 3.0, which doesn't seem like much, but compared to glass (R-value 0.66) it's a big improvement (5x less heat loss).
You will need:
- 3 x 4 ft piece of Reflectix® (you may need to buy a big roll)
- Legal paper (8.5 x 14" or bigger) for templates
- Pencil / Marker
- Scissors
- Tape measure
- Gift wrap tape or window film tape
Take it down and cut along the crease you made, then tape it back up in the same spot. I made a tape loop on top of the paper to hold it up. Overlap the next paper by several inches and repeat cutting and alignment. Tape the pieces of paper together firmly to make one wide piece at the front and the back. I used 3 papers across the front and 3 across the back. At this point you will have a front and a back template taped flat to the glass.
Once that looks good, you'll need to make reference measurements to locate the front and back templates with the correct spacing later. Have a helper sit in the front seat and hold the tape measure against the headliner in 3 spots (see below). Have them mark a dot on the paper at the end of the tape and hold the tape measure at that point. Next, you're in the back seat marking measurement lines and writing the measurements on the paper. Also do at least one diagonal measurement for horizontal placement. Go through and double check you get the same measurements again before carefully taking the template papers down. Be careful not to rip them. I used the minimum amount of tape to hold them up to make removal easier.
Now cut a 3 ft x 4 ft piece of Reflectix® and place your templates on it:
Flip the sheet so the edges naturally want to curl up off the ground instead of down (makes installation easier). I used boxes to hold the edges down. You will need to spend some time carefully adjusting the positions of the front and back templates relative to each other until you can recreate the measurements you made while they were on the glass. Tape them to the panel when satisfied. The front is slightly wider than the rear. I basically just centered them on the sheet as close as possible and made sure my measurements were still true. The measurements might be off slightly because of the curvature of the glass, just do your best to recreate them.
I drew straight lines for the sides to connect the front and back. The headliner actually bows out slightly (maybe 3/8" in the middle on each side), so it's up to you if you want to try that or not. I just cut the sides straight and ended up with some gaps along the sides, close enough for me.
Once you are satisfied, trace your templates with a marker, remove and SAVE them, then cut it out. I used isopropyl alcohol and cotton to remove the remnants of the marker on the foil so it wouldn't transfer and stain my white headliner.
Now go do a test fit, trim any edges as necessary. Mine was pretty close within 1/4" on the first try. After that, you are going to want to put a bunch of tape on the top side to hold it up. Use tape that is easy to remove from glass and doesn't leave residue. Put a tape piece about every 8" around the entire perimeter, and about every 14" in the middle. I did a bunch of tape rolls.
Once you have your tape situated, carefully go in through the back door and stick the front center first, then move to the back. Reposition if necessary. If that looks good, then press/spread from the center to the sides. That's it, enjoy your extra heat!
WARNING: DO NOT LEAVE Reflextix in the window, remove by early March before the sun gets strong to avoid damaging the glass. WINTER USE ONLY. It is not necessary in the summer.
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