ELVHIS as the European Association of Luminous Radiant Gas Heater Manufacturers was founded in 1994 as a non-profit association representing the technology and interests oft the European manufacturers of gas-fired infrared luminous heaters. In its 43rd meeting in March 2011 ELVHIS resolved to open its doors to the European manufacturers of gas-fired overhead radiant tube heaters and to change its name in ELVHIS Leading Association of Radiant Gas Heater Manufacturers in Europe.

Following a second decision of its 43rd plenary meeting 2011 now besides manufacturers of heaters also companies, organisations, associations, institutes and private individuals concerned with the manufacture of components, and with trade, research or consulting in the field of radiant heat can join ELVHIS as extraordinary members. This enables them to contribute to the design of important parameters for the future of radiant heat and allow them to rely on an enhanced pan-European representation of their interests.

Today all relevant European (and also several North American) manufacturers of gas-fired radiant heaters are members of the association. ELVHIS is the well accepted and only cooperation partner for Europan authorities like the European Commission and the European Parliament as well as for standardisation bodies like CEN in the field of commercial gas-fired heating systems.