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You can instead create multiple, milder effects in place of a single, more powerful effect. When you do this, you select two effects available to any version of this ability created by expending a lower-level spell slot than that you actually expend. For calculations based on spell level, use the level of the spell slot you expend.
I saw it suggested on the Discord yesterday that you can apply the same damaging effect twice by using a higher level slot, since the second sentence above doesn't say the two effects must be different.
I think this is self evidently insane and not intended. Let's consider this choice.
4th (Instantaneous): You create a burst of damage affecting everything in the area. You select the type of damage each time you use this ability (acid, bludgeoning, cold, electricity, fire, piercing, slashing, or sonic), and it deals 2d6 damage per level of the spell expended (Reflex half).
To me, the intent clearly seems to be that if you spend a 5th level spell, you do 10d6 damage. But if we accept that you can apply the same effect twice, you actually do 20d6 - you apply the fourth level effect x 2, and each is based on the level you actually expended. That's more average damage (70) than the 5th level technomancer spell Leach Heat (58.5), albeit in a smaller AOE (but at range and not requiring a spell known or a single damage type).
Note that even if your GM disallows doubling effects, like a sane person, a PC should never use a 5th or 6th level just to do damage - you can always add a second effect different effect without sacrificing damage.
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As a GM the thing I would hang my hat on the part of the sentence that states: multiple milder effects in place of a single, more powerful effect.
Double damage is not milder than single damage.
That's how I will rule it until FAQ states otherwise.