Burn dust smell from heatpump

[Olliebirb]

I just turned on the heat for the winter and this burnt dust smell filled the house and the room my birds are in. I opened the window and turned on fans and the smell is now gone. It only lasted like 10 minutes. Do you think my birds will be ok? I’ve had them for four years in this house and I guess I’ve never been in the house when the heat first turns on and that smell happens. Im really stressed

 

[flyzipper]

I think everyone in a cold climate goes through this once per season.
They should be fine -- just keep an eye on them for respiratory distress for a couple hours (open-mouth breathing, increased sternal motion, and tail bobbing).