Overview
The most commonly used email templates are active daily. For those templates more rarely used you will need to activate & deactivate when needed.
Note not everyone has access to these templates.
Step 1
Email Templates Section
Profile > Settings > Setup > General Settings > Communications Templates (near the bottom of the list)
Step 2
Custom Templates
Across the top will have option for different types if templates. You will want to select Custom.
Step 3
Active On OR Off
Now you will be able to see the subject & description of each template.
Select the edit (pencil) then make the template active or not active.