There is a third type called a combi water heater that can actually do both.
Closed hot water heating system.
A quick visual inspection can tell us if there is obvious leakage corrosion or clogging of some automatic air separator devices and fdor some automatic air purge valves a simple step of opening a valve cap.
The expansion of water 4 7 from 0 o c to 100 o c can be collected in an open expansion tank above the rest of the system or inside a closed pressurized tank close to the boiler and safety valves.
These are for closed systems usually called hydronic systems and they are just for heating.
If freeze protection is an issue than a closed system with anti freeze is a good idea.
The valves that are usually found in the closed systems are the check valve pressure reducing valve mixing valve backflow preventer and other.
One circulating heated water to the rooms and the other returning the much cooler water back to the boiler to get reheated.
Closed systems are often used in second homes or primary residences in areas prone to long power outages.
Remember to give the system time to drain and fill.
Newer units have many zones with two water pipes linked to each zone.
Hot water chilled water tempered water process water and glycol filled closed loops are often ignored when considering a water treatment program which can be a costly mistake.
The down side is two heat sources.
They can be used with radiators or radiant floor heating.
Closed loops that are leaking can waste water and energy while causing corrosion.
Closed loop water treatment.
Hot water systems are closed meaning that the water constantly circulates through the pipes and into the boiler.
Unlike conventional water heating systems closed hot water boilers should only be flushed when operation problems occur.
In modern systems closed tanks are preferred.
Water boiler a boiler is used to heat just the water as it boils the water and turns it to steam.
All water heaters waste heat energy even when the burner is off and the unit is sitting idle between heating cycles.
Since on many hot water heating systems a key air bleeding or air vent point is at the air scoop or air separator closer to the boiler.