Electric to Gas H2O Heater

[rbtmaz]

So my electric H2O heater started leaking yesterday and I need to replace it. I've been toying with the idea of replacing it with a gas heater. It is located in my basement and I have a gas line one room over. The question revolves around venting. Is it feasible to vent it out the exterior wall right above the concrete basement wall or do I have to go all the way to the roof?

 

[johnjh2o]

You can vent some heaters out a side wall. They are more expensive than heaters that vent through the roof.
http://www.rheem.com/products/tank_water_heaters/gas_water_heaters/