Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) require simple and facile error control schemes because of the low complexity and high energy efficiency request of sensor nodes. In this paper, we discuss ARQ, FEC, and Chase combing hybrid ARQ (HARQ) schemes using energy efficiency analysis on different communication distances and link layer frame lengths. We proposed a high energy efficiency adaptive error control mechanism (AEC-RSSI). Our mathematical analysis shows that the AEC-RSSI mechanism achieves better performance of data transmission comparing with FEC, ARQ and HARQ, in terms of the overall energy efficiency of the communications in a WSN.