My geo guy tells me i cannot run my constant pressure well pump at 60psi because the electrically control valve is rated for 45psi max and higher rated ones are not available. What is up with that?

You can install psi reducer valve. Or switch to a less expensive HomeDepot,Lowes, or Irrigation supply house's standard Irrigation control valve. A few of the HVAC contractors in my area have started using them open loop geothermal's.

Do you really need all 60 psig?

I second Curts question. We have found running open loops at domestic pressures to be the root of a basket full of annoinces. Water hammer, noise, and valve wear to be a few. I highly recomend a pressure reducing valve to supply the geo from domestic supply with high flow/low presure water.
Eric

Even better, run at 15 psi and use a booster pump for domestic water.

Both good points.

I was hinting at reducing the domestic pressure somewhat. My own well comes on at 30, off at 45, and my shower, 20 feet above well pump, will just about peel skin at full bore.

In the name of water andenergy conservation DOE and plumbing codes have saddled us with restrictor plates that require 60+ psig for decent flow, but those can be modified or removed to allow much lower pressures for off-city-water systems.

My well control can be set at 40, 60 or 70 psi. I like 60 so much I run it at 70psi. How would running at a lower pressure and using a booster pump be a benefit. I am not interested in conserving water, I will use the same amount of water with any pressure, it will just take me longer.

Small pumps are very inefficeint. Therefore operating a domestic water system at any pressure above what is necessary for a decent shower is a waste of energy.

Posted By ICFconstruction on 28 Feb 2013 09:52 PM
I am not interested in conserving water, I will use the same amount of water with any pressure...

Pump power consumption depends on flow rate and the pressure rise across the pump.
Theoretically, (i.e., at 100% electrical & mechanical efficiency), power = flow_rate x delta-P.
So, if you're using 60 psi water to a feed a geo heat exchanger with a 3 psi pressure drop,
you're wasting up to 95% (i.e., 57/60) of the pumping costs for the GSHP system.

Posted By engineer on 01 Mar 2013 11:37 PM
Small pumps are very inefficeint. Therefore operating a domestic water system at any pressure above what is necessary for a decent shower is a waste of energy.

The concept of pressure for a descent shower is a wildly varying scale.  I have been told by house guests that my domestic water pressure should come with a consumer warning! lol  Wastefull? Yes  Am i clean and happy? Yes again.
Eric

I am with you! Speed and power! But if there is a better way to get it, I am interested.

Posted By bkvanbek on 02 Mar 2013 11:28 AM
I am with you! Speed and power! But if there is a better way to get it, I am interested.

Ooops, that was me. Both of me like speed and power in our water.