McPhail Fuel Company

McPhail Fuel Company McPhail Fuel Company is a locally owned family business serving the North Bay since 1884. We deliver propane safely, reliably and at competitive prices.

Neil McPhail, a Canadian emigrant to the United States originally from Scotland, founded the company in 1884 by establishing a livery stable in San Rafael. Teams of McPhail’s horses transported railroad and PG&E work crews as well as the fashionable visitors from San Francisco vacationing at the Hotel Rafael. Expanded use of the automobile caused the livery business to decline. Therefore, in 1924,

Neil’s sons, John and Graham, joined him in creating McPhail Fuel Company. With a power-driven saw and a Model "T" Truck, they cut and delivered wood to Marin County homes. Coal and fuel oil were added to their product portfolio near the end of the decade as customer demand increased for these energy sources. The company's natural expansion to heating equipment and appliances occurred in the 1930’s. In addition, the firm endeavored to balance out the seasonal fluctuations in sales and to provide year-round work for their employees. To accomplish this goal, the company purchased two companies, Grady Building Materials and Checla Company, and began selling building materials and ready-mix concrete. McPhail’s first large ready-mix contract was to provide concrete materials for the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge and for the gun emplacements which were built to protect the entrance to San Francisco Bay. Later in the decade, McPhail’s Ready-Mix provided concrete for both tunnels north of the Golden Gate Bridge. In 1939, McPhail’s constructed a ready-mix concrete plant to supply concrete for the new subdivisions being developed in Marin County after the completion of the Golden Gate Bridge. During the great expansion of the late 1940’s and 1950’s, McPhail’s building supplies were in high demand and its concrete trucks travelled throughout Marin County. McPhail’s continued its growth by purchasing an oil business in Santa Rosa and a heating and sheet metal business in Petaluma. It soon opened appliance stores in both of those communities. The last expansion which founder Neil McPhail lived to see was the opening of the San Rafael appliance store and showroom in 1950. McPhail’s newest store included the latest merchandise to be added to the McPhail line – television.

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During the next 20 years, McPhail's built another ready-mix concrete plant in Novato, opened a heating and air conditioning shop in San Rafael and continued the conversion from fuel oil to propane. In 1974, the company opened its 20,000 square foot Appliance Distribution Center In Petaluma. In 1978, the company expanded its boundaries by opening a contractors’ appliance outlet in Sacramento. In 1980, it entered the South Bay market by acquiring Miller’s Appliances in San Jose. McPhail’s building materials outlets were expanded by its purchase of Nor-Cal Building Materials in Sonoma County in 1982. In 1985, McPhail’s converted an old Santa Rosa automobile showroom into a high-tech appliance and electronics warehouse store. McPhail’s was named "Business of the Year" in 1985 by the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce and the City of San Rafael in recognition of its contributions to the community. McPhail’s ventured into commercial real estate in 1986 by developing the Marin Home Center in San Rafael, a 37,000 square foot shopping center devoted to retailers of select home improvement products. McPhail’s divested its Ready-Mix/Building Materials operations in 1994 and Appliance division in 1998. McPhail Fuel Company is proud of its rich heritage and lengthy service to Northern California communities. The company believes that continued success depends on a customer-focused approach and commitment to safety. Future directions of McPhail Fuel Company include a disciplined, prudent expansion into growth markets without compromising its delivery of exceptional service to its existing customer base.

Advocating for Propane Across CaliforniaSupporting Propane Home Delivery in Sonoma County & Marin CountyBy Matt Hernande...
04/09/2026

Advocating for Propane Across California
Supporting Propane Home Delivery in Sonoma County & Marin County
By Matt Hernandez – April 2026

This year’s WPGA Propane Days at the California State Capitol was a great opportunity to connect with legislators and share the real impact propane has on homeowners across our State.

Representing McPhail Fuel Company, Sales Representative Steve Dittman participated in these important conversations, helping ensure that the voices of residents in Sonoma County and Marin County were part of the broader statewide discussion.

While the event focused on advocating for propane across all of California, Steve’s participation highlighted the unique needs of North Bay communities - where reliable home propane delivery in Sonoma and Marin counties is essential for everyday living. Many residential areas in the North Bay do not have access to natural gas, so homeowners rely on consistent propane delivery to meet essential needs like heating, hot water, cooking and for backup generators.

One of the highlights of the event was meeting with California State Assemblymember Blanca Rubio. Discussions focused on how propane supports homeowners throughout the State, while also emphasizing how local propane delivery services in Sonoma County and Marin County provide safe, efficient and dependable energy to thousands of households.

Events like WPGA Propane Days are critical for connecting policymakers with real-world insight. By sharing experiences from the field, propane providers can help shape policies that protect access to affordable, reliable propane delivery near you, especially in regions where energy options are limited.

At McPhail Fuel Company, we’re proud to support statewide advocacy efforts while continuing to deliver trusted, dependable home propane delivery in Sonoma County and Marin County. Our mission is to keep North Bay homes fueled, comfortable and secure year-round.

For more information contact Matt Hernandez at (707) 285-3525.

With the cold weather in Sonoma County, keeping an eye on your propane gauge is more important than ever. Running out of...
11/20/2025

With the cold weather in Sonoma County, keeping an eye on your propane gauge is more important than ever. Running out of propane during a cold snap isn’t just uncomfortable - it can be risky.

Check your gauge regularly and call McPhail Fuel Company for a refill when it hits 25 - 30%. This ensures you stay warm and safe without interruption. McPhail Fuel offers fast, reliable delivery throughout Sonoma County and Marin County, so you won’t be left in the cold.

A quick check today can prevent an emergency tomorrow - stay proactive and keep your home cozy all winter!

We can also install a Tank Monitoring device to make your propane refills worry-free! https://mcphails.com/propane-tank-monitor/

Take The Guesswork Out Of Propane With A Tank Monitor!Running out of propane can be inconvenient, especially when you re...
09/23/2025

Take The Guesswork Out Of Propane With A Tank Monitor!

Running out of propane can be inconvenient, especially when you rely upon it for cooking, heating or powering appliances. With a propane tank monitor, managing your propane usage is easier than ever.

Learn more: https://mcphails.com/propane-tank-monitor/

Do you have an underground propane tank? Routine Cathodic protection testing is required.If you currently own your under...
03/19/2025

Do you have an underground propane tank? Routine Cathodic protection testing is required.

If you currently own your underground propane tank, you should be aware of your responsibilities regarding the safe operation and maintenance of your tank. Customers who own their own their tanks are responsible for upkeep and protection of the tank. It is also your responsibility to comply with all local, state and national code requirements. McPhail Fuel Company can help!

Learn more by reading our new blog post: https://mcphails.com/cathodic-protection-testing/

Please feel free to call us with questions (707) 285-3525

How much Propane do I have? Do you know how to read your Propane Tank Gauge?Reading your propane gauge is not complicate...
03/14/2025

How much Propane do I have? Do you know how to read your Propane Tank Gauge?

Reading your propane gauge is not complicated, but can be confusing. First you must locate the gauge by looking under the dome or lid of your propane tank. The gauge should display numbers from 5 to 95. Tanks are considered to be full when they read 85%.

If you gauge falls below 20% you should contact McPhail Fuel Company immediately to refill your tank 707-285-3525 or email [email protected].

08/28/2024

Just a reminder that we will be closed Monday, 9/2/2024 for Labor Day.

The 2024-2025 Marin Home Resource Guide is now available! This guide is published by the Marin Builders Association http...
08/04/2024

The 2024-2025 Marin Home Resource Guide is now available! This guide is published by the Marin Builders Association https://www.marinbuilders.com/ and shares ideas and expertise about Building Smart, Building Safe and Building Local.

Some of the stories included in the guide include: turning your project vision into a reality, how to navigate new electrification standards, undergoing home hardening to stay fire-safe, selecting colors for your next painting project and much more! The guide also provides an aid to homeowners as they explore their home improvement inspiration.

CLICK ON THE LINK
https://issuu.com/themarinbuildersassociation/docs/mhrg24-25_070324_final_web_rgb?fr=sZDI1Yjc1NjE4NTU
to view and enjoy the guide: Marin Home Resource Guide 2024-2025

McPhail Fuel Company is a proud member of the Marin Builders Association

https://mcphails.com/marin-home-resource-guide/

When it comes to gas appliances, safety is a top priority. If you smell gas in your home, follow these steps:NO FLAMES O...
07/11/2024

When it comes to gas appliances, safety is a top priority. If you smell gas in your home, follow these steps:

NO FLAMES OR SPARKS. Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion or a fire.
LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY. Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.
SHUT OFF THE GAS. Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank if it is safe to do so. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).
REPORT THE LEAK. From a neighbor’s home or other nearby building away from the gas leak, call 911 or your local fire department. Then, call McPhail Fuel Company 707-285-3525.
DO NOT RETURN TO THE BUILDING OR AREA until an emergency responder or qualified service technician determines that it is safe to do so.
GET YOUR SYSTEM CHECKED. Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, McPhail Fuel Company or a qualified service technician must check your entire system to ensure that it is leak-free.
CLICK THE LINK FOR MORE INFO:

When it comes to gas appliances, safety is a top priority. If you smell gas in your home, follow these steps.

Rinnai America Corporation is offering a promotional rebate for Rinnai Propane-Fired Products. The 2024 promotional peri...
06/03/2024

Rinnai America Corporation is offering a promotional rebate for Rinnai Propane-Fired Products. The 2024 promotional period will reflect a January 1 start date running through December 31, 2024. This promotion is designed to provide consumers up to a $100 Rebate for purchasing eligible Rinnai propane-fired products! Click HERE for a flyer with details or visit the Rinnai Rebate site (www.rinnairebate.com)!

Learn more at: https://mcphails.com/rinnai-2024-consumer-national-propane-rebate/

Address

300 Alder Avenue
Cotati, CA
94931

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

(707) 285-3525

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