Winter is coming, and the increased cost of living might have you worried about higher energy bills.

Most winter energy advice focuses on heaters and insulation but energy savings often come from places people rarely check. Small and inexpensive changes can reduce heat loss more than many standard upgrades.

Interestingly, most Australian homes lose heat in simple ways. Warm air escapes through tiny gaps, cold surfaces draw heat from the body and open-plan layouts let warmth drift away.

These issues are especially common in older homes and rentals, where people have limited control over insulation or window upgrades. The good news is that many of the biggest improvements cost very little and can be done in minutes.

Here are four quick fixes to winter proof your home.

Move furniture away from external walls

Beds and couches placed against external walls can make a room feel colder because you’re sitting next to a cold surface. They also block warm air from circulating properly.

Heating experts warn that placing large furniture or drapes in front of radiators or heat sources can........

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