Best HVAC System Upgrades for Two-Story Homes in Indiana

Key Takeaways:

• Two-story homes often struggle with temperature imbalances due to heat rising, poor air circulation, and single-zone HVAC systems trying to serve multiple levels.
• Zoned HVAC systems are the most effective upgrade for eliminating hot and cold spots between floors. 
• Dual-fuel systems, heat pumps, and gas furnaces offer the best efficiency for Indiana’s varied climate.
• Larger homes over 2,500 square feet often benefit most from installing a second HVAC system. 

If you live in a two-story home in Indiana, you may have experienced the top floor feeling like a sauna while the main floor stays cool. No matter how many times you adjust the thermostat or open and close the vents, it seems your HVAC system can’t keep both floors at a comfortable temperature. Two-story homes are difficult challenges for standard HVAC systems. By installing HVAC systems for two-story houses, Dugar Air Heating and Cooling can help Indiana homeowners transform their homes from uncomfortable to consistently pleasant throughout every season.

Why Two-Story Indiana Homes Struggle With Temperature Balance

Why do two-story Indiana homes struggle with temperature balance? Here are the biggest reasons:

• Hot air rises: Warm air naturally rises, so during winter, your heating system fights to keep the first floor warm while the second floor gets all the heat. In summer, the hot air gathers upstairs, making bedrooms feel warmer than the main floor.
• Single-zoned systems: Most two-story homes have one thermostat, usually located on the first floor. Your HVAC system heats or cools based solely on that one reading. 
• Indiana’s climate: Summer humidity levels hit the 80-90% range, while winter temperatures can drop below zero. Temperature fluctuations can cause your HVAC system to work overtime. 
• Ductwork issues: Many two-story homes have ductwork that wasn’t properly designed or balanced during construction. The upstairs ducts may be too small, or there may not be enough return-air vents on the second floor. 
• Insulation issues: If your home’s insulation is the same as when it was built, there could be gaps between the first and second floors. This is especially common in older Indiana homes.

Signs Your HVAC System Needs an Upgrade

How do you know if your HVAC system just needs a tune-up or if it’s time for an HVAC system upgrade? Look for these telltale signs:

• Temperature difference of more than 5°F: A couple degrees of temperature variation is normal, but if your upstairs bedrooms are consistently 8°F to 10°F hotter or colder than downstairs, you may need an upgrade.
• Constant thermostat adjustments: If you find yourself constantly changing the thermostat, it’s a sign that your system isn’t working efficiently enough.
• High energy bills during peak seasons: A jump in heating and cooling costs during the peak seasons is normal, but if you see a huge increase, your current HVAC system may need to be replaced. 
• HVAC system is 12 to 15 years old: If your system is getting up there in age, no amount of repairs can make it work as efficiently as it once did.
• Short cycling: If your HVAC system constantly turns on and off before completing a cycle, it may be time for an upgrade. 

The best way to find out whether your HVAC system is working to its full potential is with routine, professional maintenance tune-ups. 

Best HVAC Upgrade Options for Two-Story Indiana Homes

Here are some of the best ways to upgrade your HVAC system to keep two-story homes comfortable in Indiana’s climate. 

Zoned HVAC system

Adding zone control functions consistently delivers the biggest improvement in comfort for two-story homes. A zoned system uses multiple thermostats, typically one per floor. They come with motorized dampers in your ductwork that open and close to direct airflow where it’s needed most. During hot summer nights, you can cool just the bedrooms while you sleep. In the winter, zoned systems reduce the need for additional heating sources, such as space heaters.

Variable-speed furnace or air handler

Variable-speed furnaces and air handlers can adjust their output from 40% to 100% capacity, resulting in better airflow. Instead of blasting air at full speed — which often means the first floor reaches the desired temperature before enough conditioned air gets upstairs — a variable-speed system can run at lower speeds for longer periods. More consistent airflow does a better job of circulating air throughout both floors. 

Variable-speed systems also effectively remove moisture from the air, providing improved humidity control during Indiana’s sweltering summers. These systems are among the most efficient, with high SEER (cooling efficiency) and AFUE (heating efficiency) ratings to help you save energy and money. 

Dual-fuel heat pump + gas furnace

Using both a heat pump and a gas furnace is great for Indiana winters. The system automatically switches between the units based on outdoor temperatures. When it’s 30°F to 40°F outside, the heat pump operates efficiently for heating. When temperatures drop to 10°F or lower, the gas furnace kicks in to generate extra heat for your home. 

Ductwork upgrades

Ductwork upgrades include sealing leaks, adding return air vents on the second floor to improve air circulation, resizing ducts to deliver proper airflow to each room, or insulating ducts in unconditioned spaces like attics. Dugan Air specializes in all ductwork services.

Add a ductless mini-split to the bonus rooms

Ductless mini-split systems have an outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor air handlers. Each indoor unit operates independently with its own thermostat, giving you precise control over a specific space. These systems are perfect for rooms over garages, finished attics, or other rooms that were added after the original HVAC system was sized and installed. 

Install a second HVAC system

Installing another HVAC unit is best for larger homes that are 2,500 square feet or more. The upstairs has its own furnace and air conditioner (or heat pump) sized specifically for that space, while the downstairs has its own system. Each floor has its own thermostat for precise temperature control between levels. Installing a second system is the most costly option, but it may make sense if you need to replace an aging unit. 

How To Choose the Right HVAC Upgrade for Your Indiana Home

Here are a few tips to help you figure out the right HVAC upgrade for your Indiana home:

• Get a professional HVAC load calculation: Dugan Air can perform a Manual J® load calculation, taking your home’s square footage, the number of windows, and insulation quality to find exactly what you need.
• Think about your budget: Ductwork upgrades or adding a mini-split to one room may be the most affordable option, while a full zoned system or dual-fuel setup is more of an investment.
• Factor in the energy savings: Upgrading to a more energy-efficient system costs more upfront, but the potential energy savings can make it worth it. 
• Ask a pro: We’re the experts when it comes to HVAC systems, and we’re more than happy to answer your questions about the best HVAC system upgrade for your home. 

Contact Dugan Air for HVAC System Upgrades in Indiana 

If your current HVAC setup isn’t working efficiently for your two-story Indiana home, it’s time to start thinking about an upgrade. Dugan Air Heating and Cooling provides top-quality heating and cooling services with a unique blend of premium service and a no-shenanigans approach. Contact us to schedule an appointment today. 

Dan Dugan

President
Dan Dugan is the President and co-owner of Dugan Air Heating & Cooling. A licensed HVAC professional with over 25 years of industry experience, Dan brings extensive technical expertise and leadership to the company he and Sue founded in 2009. He remains deeply involved in training, innovation, and maintaining the company’s reputation for integrity-driven service across Central Indiana.