Various embodiments are directed to use of RF and WiFi control in a fan device to control fan status and speed and/or fan light on/off status and intensity. A customer premises includes a WiFi router through which WiFi communications can be sent from a WiFi capable device, e.g., a cell phone, to control the fan device and its various functions. While WiFi control is via a WiFi router in the home, the control signals normally do not traverse the Internet or another external network. In addition to WiFi control, control of the fan device can be via an RF control device, e.g., a wall mounted controller. In some embodiments, the fan device reports its state and/or changes in state due to received commands to a server, and the server generates a recommended normal control schedule and an away control schedule and then uses the schedules to control fan device.